Hotel La Boheme

The two-star Hotel La Boheme is a polished and classy number, offering renovated rooms, friendly owners, and a scene-stealing house cat named Jacky. Throw in its low rates and they had us screaming, “bravo”!

Really, we hate to gush and try to do it sparingly. However, we’re always so happy to come across a property like the Boheme. It’s clear throughout the hotel that the owners really care and that they work hard to create an affordable, clean, and friendly place to stay. We noticed it the second we walked into the lobby, with its tables occupied by guests having a coffee or microbrew and chatting.

Up the staircase, 18 cute and well-maintained rooms sport simple doubles or twins with white duvets, colorful side tables with a plant or two, flat-screen TV, and free Wi-Fi. Rooms on the street side of the building get more noise from the traffic outside, so light sleepers should ask for rooms in back.

Single rooms are located in the basement and are a tad cloistered, but a good option if you value complete silence while you sleep. The three single rooms share a bathroom, and all other rooms have private facilities.

The Boheme's location, along Marnixstraat, is very near the clubs and nightlife surrounding the Leidseplein as well as the Rijksmuseum. Note that there are several budget hotels nearby, but the Boheme certainly would be our first choice.

Green-minded travelers will appreciate that the hotel has recently been awarded a “Gold Green Key” for its commitment to using green energy and eco-friendly products.

A simple Dutch breakfast buffet is included in the room rate and Wi-Fi is free throughout. They also have a laptop for use the in reception area. Be aware that the hotel has steep stairs and no elevator.