The Nieuw Minerva Hotel
This hotel is perfectly centered in the little "city" of Leyden (old English spelling), which history goes back to Roman times 57 AD, but probably before that, because it is situated on the banks of the old Rhine, an ideal place for merchant’s shipping in ancient times. Nothing from the Roman presence is actually left. With the somewhat misleading name “The Nieuw Minerva Hotel” - “Nieuw” or” New” in English is hardly the case - itself is a conglomeration of old buildings dating back to the sixteenth century, a fact sadly supported by the steep staircases.. Luckily the staff is very forthcoming and offered us another room that did not require us to climb three of those stairs; just one was enough. The room was smallish with the usual accoutrements i.e. bed nightstands, lights, closet. The adjoining bathroom was proportionally small. However, both were very well kept and clean as can be. Since we like to go explore outside the hotels to eat the local stuff, we did not use the Restaurant and Bar that were on the premises, right off the reception area. If memory serves right, breakfast would have been 7EU; a normal amount. Upon our return the room was again immaculate, makes you afraid to have dropped a piece of paper!
Leyden is 25 miles away from Amsterdam, a lot more affordable, easier to find accommodations, less people (read tourists), a lot cleaner and all the charm that Amsterdam has to offer. The railroad station is a short walk from the hotel. Our hotel was in a well affordable range (95 EU), parking is readily available, while the Dutch Public transportation has no equal in the world. Bicycles could even be borrowed from the hotel for those with iron nerves; parking a bike is a breeze.
There are a good number of excellent Museums, Windmills to see. For Americans, the Pilgrim Museum housed in one of the original buildings, and originally belonging to those famous pilgrims, might be of interest. The museum’s receptionist, cashier and dozen, all personified in one is somewhat bored,.. until you ask him some pointed questions. Then he will regale you with tales of yonder, or just make it up on the spot. Verification is not for the layman, but do not confuse the Pilgrims with the Puritans. At least get that right.
Leyden is the place where Rembrandt was born. There is a museum called “De Lakenhall”. Museum De Lakenhal is a museum fine art. Its collection of fijnschilder paintings from the Dutch Golden Age shows several Rembrandts and some of his pupils and pupils of those . that we comfortably visited in about one hour, so as not to become overwhelmed and saturated with, is situated in the Laken Guilt Hall of times long gone. There the Masters would examine the “Laken” or felt, a type of woolen fabric used in the Middle Ages, in all probability do the day’s “pricefixing” in the backroom.
There are a surprising large number of good restaurants to be found near the hotel; right around the corner and throughout the center, which is all eminently walkable.