File this one under strange but cool places to stay while traveling around the Netherlands; a former East German airplane turned luxury hotel suite.

The "hotel" is called the Vliegtuigsuite or "the plane suite", yet it is anything put plain. Decked out with super smooth and modern features from the bedroom to the bathroom and everything in between, this old flying machine looks like the future on the inside. The only part of the vessel that actually remains original is the cockpit, everything else is set up as a super cool living space.

I have yet to see it in person, but it has come up in conversations and news reports as one of the most creative hotel ideas the country has to offer. Located between Appeldoorn and Deventer, the price per night is listed as €350 for 2 people. Certainly not a cheap sleeping option, but if it is a unique stay that you seek, the Vliegtuigsuite is just what the doctor ordered. And yes, you can bring the kids, but leave your pets at home.

That is the question you need to answer in order to win free bike rental during your stay in a hostel in Amsterdam. Hostelbookers teamed up with the Bicycle Hotel and are running a competition where 2 people can win free bike hire. Details on the contest can be found here. Good luck!

Did we mention it is 30 Days of Biking month?

When I first heard about the street that Swissôtel is located on, Damrak, I figured it would be a bad option because that is the main thoroughfare leading directly to Central Station. As someone who prefers the out-of-the-way type hotels, being located practically on Dam Square with all the people, trams, and hoopla, did not sound comfortable.

Then I went there to see family members who were spending a weekend in Amsterdam, and over the course of three days I walked around, chatted with the friendly staff, and got the feel for this busy hotel.

Like all Swissôtels, there are a number of things you can count on: efficiency, 24 hour service, functional though small rooms, and cleanliness. In the case of Amsterdam's Swissôtel you get all of this, plus a very advantageous location if you want to see the different parts of the city while doing it mostly on foot or public transport. If you've ever fretted about getting from the train station to the place you're staying when you arrive in a new city, staying here eliminates that concern.

That said, everything is quite small. Facilities are not quite and functional and shiny as they probably were 10 years ago. And since it is so small and centrally located, there's not much in terms of extras and it is never not busy.

So if you seek reliable, convenient, comfortable, and predictable, Swissôtel should be on your short list.

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.