I'm a fan of the Lloyd Hotel, the spacious and unique hotel housed in a former migrant hotel in the Eastern Dock area of Amsterdam. Why? Because it has history, character, and every room is extremely different, which includes cost! Useful for all levels of traveler, even those of us who don't have much money but seek something interesting.

So perhaps because I like them, or perhaps because they are a major creative force in this city, I was very interested in the news that the owners of the Lloyd Hotel (Otto Nan and Suzanne Oxenaar) are going to be opening another hotel in the center of the city.

It will be called the Exchange Hotel and it will be housed in a historical building ride on the main street of Amsterdam, the Damrak. Like its sister-hotel, the Exchange will feature rooms from 1 star to 5 stars, each to be designed in its own unique style. A total of 63 rooms in total, it is hard to imagine that this place will not be fun to visit and stay at.

According to their press release, the Exchange Hotel will be ready next year and will feature an all-day breakfast spot called Stock, as well as a shop that will feature items you cannot find anywhere else.... which brings up all kinds of visions in my head.

Stay tuned.

Leiden has its share of hotels, but finding a charming new establishment just minutes from the train station is a rare event. That's what happened this weekend: While walking back from the Saturday market, I spotted the Rembrandt Hotel, a smart, modern oasis in the middle of an otherwise hectic street.

I hopped online when I got home and checked out their website. Indeed, the rooms are brand new and very chic, and the hotel even has executive rooms on the top floor, complete with balconies. They have a fabulous looking restaurant and serve breakfast each morning.

I also checked out TripAdvisor - and there's already one review. If you're planning to visit Leiden, I recommend looking at this hotel. Located at the Nieuwe Beestenmarkt 10, it's very close to central station and even closer to shopping and museums.

Every wondered what it would be like to sleep in a crane, a lighthouse or an old airplane? Hotelsuites has converted such structures into luxury hotel rooms.

My personal favorite is the airplane suite (see here for pictures of the interior). For a mere € 350 per night (including breakfast!), you can sleep in a 40-meter long converted aircraft - an Ilyushin 18 built in 1960. The interior is designed for two guests and contains a whirlpool, separate shower, infrared sauna, mini-bar, 3 flat screen TV's, a blu-ray DVD player, kitchenette with combi-microwave, coffee and tea making facilities, free wireless internet, air conditioning, etc. Wow.

The airplane suite is located at De Zanden 61b, in Teuge, The Netherlands, which is located close to Deventer, Apeldoorn and Zutphen. Book if you're interested but be aware: Reservations canceled within less than 30 days of your planned stay will be charged. And no smoking in the airplane, please.

If you have ever visited Rotterdam or the city is on your list of places to visit, am sure you have come across the Cubic Houses (or kubuswoningen in Dutch). As of Monday you will have a chance to actually sleep in one of the cubes as the hostel chain Stayokay is opening with rates starting at €23.50. Each of the 49 unique rooms differ in layout and design.

The unusual architecture by Piet Blom has attracted visitors from all over the world. The cubes are located in the city center and overlook the historic old harbor of Rotterdam. For bookings and more information visit the Stayokay website.

A good friend of mine was just on a romantic getaway which took him to different small cities in the Netherlands, and one stop along the way was Delft. Where did he stay in Delft? The very interesting Havenstraat 5 Guesthouse.

Unlike hotels and hostels Havenstraat 5 is not for the masses. More to the point, Havenstraat 5 is a stylish apartment for 2 people. (yes, 2!) The apartment, which can be rented per night, per week or per month, features a fully stocked kitchen, a combined living room-bedroom, and a modern bathroom. Guests can also enjoy the tranquil garden.

Location wise the guesthouse is very near the Delft train station, and walking distance from the historic city center. So not only do you get to relax in an extra comfortable apartment, you're also right in the middle of the legendary city of Delft.

Looking for a beautiful getaway inside the borders of the Netherlands? Bed of Flowers is an incredible Bed and Breakfast located about an hour southeast of Amsterdam, close to the village of Beuningen. The photos on the website say it all.

From the B&B it is possible to enjoy biking trails and some walking as well: you can see a castle from the 14th century (Doddendaal) after a 15-minute hike.

Two different rooms are available and are prices at €95 per night for two persons including a breakfast made with local cuisine.

Ever heard of TripAdvisor? If you’re looking for a hotel in Amsterdam (or anywhere else, really) it’s a great place to start. Not only to they list 570 hotels and accommodations, but they employ a system of peer review to the order in which the hotels are listed.

For example, the top-rated hotel today is called Fusion Suites, and its high rating is based on 80 traveler reviews. Many of the raters take their time to explain exactly what they loved (or hated!) about the hotel, including its location, price, and tidbits about public transportation or nearby shops.

Happy New Year all! Why not start off 2009 with a description of a great place to stay – at Schiphol airport.

Yotel is a relatively new concept that allows passengers to get a good night’s sleep at the airport. Hours between transfers can now be spent in comfort – and if you’re too lazy to get up at 4am for that early-morning flight, you can even stay over the night before.

Yotel’s décor is contemporary and the sleeping arrangements luxurious. Best of all? Standard cabins start at EUR 35 for four hours and EUR 70 for an overnight. Quick, tell all those people sleeping on chairs in the waiting rooms that there’s a better solution!

Why not go to Rotterdam this summer while visiting Holland? From the end of May until the beginning of September almost every weekend there is something going on in Rotterdam. Street theater, open air movies, dance parades and concerts on the water. You can find more information on Rotterdamfestivals.nl where you can link to the different festivals (culturele agenda).

If you're looking for a place to stay in Rotterdam the people at Use-It can help you out. Here is a list of hostels and cheap accommodation. Sleep-In De Mafkees seems like the cheapest option. For only € 10 per night (including breakfast) you can spend the night at an old skating rink near Central Station. And they have one very special suite: the honeymoon suite!

Some of your may remember my video tour of the Lloyd Hotel, available right there in the top right hand menu if you shuffle through the videos.

This week I decided it had been too long since I was last in the Lloyd Hotel Restaurant/Bar/Cultural Embassy, and as my mom is visiting, I figured it was a good time.

Middle of February is certain not the high season in Amsterdam, though I'm sure you enjoy the pun. So the Lloyd was pretty quiet... made me want to get a room and go to sleep in such a peaceful atmosphere. But dinner was the goal so we grabbed a table and perused the menu.

I chose a pasta dish of course, sticking with the vegetarian's reliable friend. Mom went for the Mackerel, sticking with our Portuguese fish culture. While the food itself was delicious, there's not too much in terms of filling up the plate. The cuisine is very designer, just as the hotel itself prides itself for being. This meant we had to order some delicious panacotta deserts. If you can explain what panacotta is, you get a cookie.. cause I can't - but I like it.

The delicious but not quite filling food gave us just enough energy to wander around the hotel and take in the super-interesting exhibition on the history of the Lloyd. An amazing history, of course.

All in all, it was nice and overdue, to be back at the Lloyd Hotel for some food, relaxation, and education. (not to mention free wifi!!)