'The calmness is what draws people to this area “ not your theaters and not your festivals. Let's keep it that way!,
Martien Van der Valk “ the founder of world-famous hospitality chain Van der Valk Hospitality Co. “ was a staunch believer in keeping things simple and not juggling priorities. The words quoted above go to show that, and how!
Even though he was not from Breukelen, a quiet, sleepy town in the North West of Utrecht Province of Netherlands, he had immense interest in the town, and the fact that he developed one of his very first flagship resorts in Breukelen is proof enough of his admiration for it.
In reality, it would be a mystery if one goes to find what it is that brings thousands of people (and counting) each year to this wonderful little town where things still unfold the old-fashioned way. It is not meant to say that Breukelen has not witnessed progress, quite the contrary.
It's just that Breukelen seems to know what of old baggage needs to be shed and what needs to cherished dearly. That fact has stood it in good stead, as it stands proudly amidst the thick of woods, along the River Vecht and nearby a dozen of lakes of varying sizes.
Perhaps a stronger connection to Breukelen can be felt by potential tourists if they were to be told that a quintessentially New Yorker borough of NYC - Brooklyn “ proudly bears its name as an homage to this town as a part of historic colonial developments.
To see what Breukelen really holds in store for you, the only option you have is to forge some neat plans, take all the chinks out of the equation and set off on the road that leads to utter tranquillity “ the kind that you have never experienced before!
Breukelen calls “ are you up to answer the call?
If you are, this quick-fire guide to Breukelen hotels and sightseeing will surely interest you!
Cheap Hotels and Inns in Breukelen
Netherlands, as tourists who have visited here before would know, is not really a cheap country to tour. It is one of the most well-planned and developed countries in Europe, all the while also carrying the tag of having a rich history. So, predictably, it is not going to be easy to find cheap hotels and inn out and about here. But that's what our aim here is “ to locate and assess affordable hotels in Breukelen.
The first thing that strikes one while carrying out such a task is that the sample set that one can draw from is really weak, meaning that we have to make do with whatever options the town can throw at us.
Our first pick is B&B Magnifique “ a simple yet sweet budget inn that can take care of you and your stay for a night or two!
As noted earlier, Van der Valk has a very cosy hotel in operation in Breukelen that has become a landmark of sorts in the town. With prices starting from $75 per night, this is the closes you can get to availing a budget stay in Breukelen.
That just about does it for budget Breukelen hotels.
Finding Luxury Hotels in Breukelen
Well, since there are only a few cheap hotels that we could talk about, it would be easy to assume that it would at least be easier to find luxury ones.
But that is hardly the case. Among the ones that are obvious selections, Hotel Breukelen is the top contender. Located near the banks of River Vecht, it is often chose by tourists who seek some indoor luxury in this part of the world where outdoor luxury is a given norm!
Must-See Places in and Around Breukelen
As we have mentioned quite a few times earlier in the course of this article, the biggest claim to fame that Breukelen has is to provide some invaluable peace of mind to its visitors. The commonest thing to do here, as a tourist, is to just soak in as much of this beauty as you can before you wind up your stay. Surely enough, you will be rejuvenated enough by the time you realise that it's your moment to bid adieu to this beautiful town.
Nijenrode University Campus is one of the biggest contributors to this beauty. It houses one of the most prestigious business schools in Europe and is definitely worth visiting while you are staying in Breukelen.
Along the River Vecht, you can find many boundless meadows and tiny bridges that connect the banks. There is something peculiar about these bridges that usually reminds tourists of those picturesque bridges on canals and rivers in the countryside of England.
Of course, a trip to anywhere in Netherlands cannot be deemed complete unless you have visited at least one windmill. Just outside the city limits of Breukelen, you can find over a dozen windmills that date back to over two centuries in some cases.
Hotels Near Breukelen Airport
Breukelen, unfortunately, does not have a dedicated airport of its own. For air travel, it has to depend on the Amsterdam International Airport.
But that should not be a major concern for tourists, as the said airport is only about 35 km away from the town center of Breukelen. That journey, given the easy traffic and picturesque scenery of the area, should, if anything, come as a respite from the monotony of air travel.
Getting Around in Breukelen: Local Transportation
There is a tacit rule in Netherlands: the best mode of sightseeing and getting around locally is on your own. So, travelling on foot is the bottom line here. It is worth it all, simply because it allows you to get the hang of local culture and scenic ambiance in the most intimate way possible.
Some tourists also prefer to get around using bicycles. In many Dutch cities, bicycles are easily available on rent, many times at cheap fares. Some hotels in Breukelen provide this facility to their guest.