/ Hello I’m the FAQ
Got any questions? I’m happy to answer them personally. But some answers can be found below:
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Book me
How can I book?
Through //Book Me you will arrive on my booking site. You can choose to reserve a room with your credit card. You will pay when you arrive. OR, you can choose the ‘non-refundable’ option to pay in advance with iDeal, Bancontact or Sofort.
Can I book without a credit card?
You can book by choosing the ‘non-refundable’ option to pay with iDeal.
Can I pay for my room when I arrive by cash?
Yes, you can pay cash at check in. Just bear in mind you’ll need a credit card to guarantee your booking.
Can I just book one night on a Saturday?
Haarlem has so much to offer no reason just to stay one night. On Saturdays and holidays I have a two night minumum so my guests that want to stay longer get that chance. Keep your eyes open for last minute openings for single nights.
How can I book for a group?
Head over to Plan a Call, leave your mobile number and your name. I will contact you within 24 hours. Would be great to leave me details on which dates, why you would like to stay at Hello I’m Local, what your plans are, how many people you would like to come with!
Do you partner with Bikepacking Holland?
Why yes, I do! If you are planning to bike from city to city and would like help organizing your ‘bikepacking’ trip – please reach out to my friends at www.bikepackingholland.nl for help booking.
Reservation & Rooms
I want to drop my luggage
I open at 8:00 and you are more than welcome to check-in and leave your bags while you go and explore. Your room is definitely ready at 15:00. Feel free to leave you bags after check-out as well.
What time is check in / out?
Check in is at 15:00, check out is at 11:00. But you are always free to come earlier to drop off your bags or when you check out to leave it for the day with me.
Can you gain acces to the hostel at night?
Yes you can, no curfew for you. The room key is also the key for the night entrance.
Are there towels in the boutique hostel?
Sure are and they are free. All private rooms come with towels. Staying in a dorm and in need of a towel? Just ask me.
Is bed linen supplied?
When you stay with me, I’ll make sure your bed is ready made to jump into for a good night sleep.
Do you have a laundry facility?
Yes I do, I have a washing machine and a dryer. I can do your laundry for €10. You can also go to a local place, they charge per kilo.
Do you have safes in the room?
My dorm rooms have drawers under the beds. You can lock them with your own lock. If you forgot yours you can buy one at my reception. My private rooms don’t have safes, but I do have one so leave whatever you need to at my reception.
I’m coming by bike can I store my bike somewhere?
I would be happy to secure your bikes together with mine. Outside I have them all together secured by a safe chain during the night.
How long can I stay at the hostel?
I have a 10 day maximum stay.
I am not 18 yet, can I still stay at your place?
Only if you are accompanied by an adult, otherwise you have to wait until you are 18 to stay with me.
Do you rent bikes?
Sure do. In the warmer months I have 10 bikes available. Bike rental is €12.50 for one calendar day. Please reserve your bike when you book to secure you have one. If you need more no problem, I will set you up with my partners.
Are animals allowed?
Sorry I am pet free hostel.
Are kids allowed?
Yes of course, I am very suitable for families as well.
Can I bring a baby?
Of course. I have a baby cod available. Please add the cot to your reservation in the last step of your booking. Everyone who fits in a baby cod sleeps for free.
Can I bring people from outside the hostel?
Yes of course bring your friends to hang out at the livingroom or patio. Just when the clock hits 22:00 my quiet times starts and I will ask you to continue the fun somewhere else.
Food & Beverage
Is breakfast included in the price?
No, I do serve a delicious local breakfast. You can order this from my menu starting at 08:00 until 13:00. During the day until 19:00 in the evening I serve snacks as well.
I have a guest pantry were you can make your own coffee and tea.
Do you serve drinks?
Sure do! I have a bar in my living room for coffee, beer, cocktails – all local yummies. In Haarlem you can find a huge number of café’s as well. I can give you some insider tips when you’re here.
Do you serve food?
Sure do! I serve breakfast, baked goods and local snacks. I also prepare groups diners on request. All local yummies. In Haarlem you can find a huge number of great restaurants for diner. I can give you some insider tips when you’re here.
Can I bring my own drinks?
Nope can’t do. Bringing your own alcoholic beverages inside the café and your room is not allowed.
Can I have food delivered?
You sure can! You can eat that in my guest pantry, not my café or patios.
Location & Directions
Are you located in the center?
I am located in the center of Haarlem on the quite side. It’s a 5 minute walk from the hostel to the middle of the central square.
How far are you from Amsterdam?
From me it is a 15 min walk to the train station and then a 15 min train ride to get you to the center of Amsterdam. You can schedule your travel with Dutch public transport through this site.
How do I get there from the airport?
From Schiphol airport there is a direct bus to Haarlem. Bus 300 leaves every 10 minutes from Schiphol Plaza. The night bus N30 goes every hour. It’s a 45-minute bus ride to Haarlem station, from there it is a 15-minute walk to my front door.
Walking Directions from the Haarlem Train/Bus Station:
When you exit Haarlem Central Station on the city center (Centrum) side you see the bus terminal. Take the street on the left, the Jansweg. Follow this street till the Korte Jansstraat and walk to the left. Go to the right to the Bakenessegracht. Follow this canal to where it ends at the Spaarne river. Here you cross the Spaarne over a white bridge called Gravestenenbrug. Then take a left and when you come to another (small) bridge on the left, you cross it as well. Now you’re on Spaarnwouderstraat. I’m located just accross from the bridge at number 74.
Can I park my car at your hostel?
You are welcome to park your car right in front of my entrance to unload, but I do not have parking. My street and surrounding streets are paid parking spots for a maximum of 3 hours.
Sometimes you can be lucky and you can find a free parking spot in a neighbourhood close by. Here you will find a few public parking areas which are for free. Navigate to Teylerstraat. From there take one of the streets to left; Zuidpolderstraat, Vooruitgangstraat or the Severijnstraat. WARNING! If you see the sign ‘P Vergunninghouders’ then this is only for locals and you cannot park here. If the parking areas are full you can navigate to the Amsterdamse Vaart. It’s not the easiest but hé it’s free!
Find more information about parkingzones in Haarlem here.