Do you guys know Haarlem? No, it’s not a spelling mistake Haarlem with 2 a’s is a small town west of Amsterdam who keeps popping into my social media feed more and more often. Wether it’s bloggers who live there, brands that catch my eye or like this unique hostel I want to introduce you to today.

It’s a funny thing because I’ve actually been to Haarlem back in 2010 for one of the cowboy’s best friends birthday and really liked the place and it’s beautiful historic architecture and canals, a mini Amsterdam.

But I’m starting to think that this little town has a higher creative head count than most places, certainly unusual for a small town. Does it have something to do with the 348.970 local beers being served? Is Amsterdam now grid locked with bicycles? I was curious and had a chat with my local friends who think it’s partly to do with the proximity to both the creative hub of Amsterdam as well as some gloriously unspoilt beaches. The council also has a favourable attitude towards creative initiatives and encourages art galleries, organisations and creative collectives due to Haarlem’s history of printing and graphic design. Can you believe that Haarlem’s newspaper is the oldest in the country!?

But back to today’s post about this boutique hostel in the centre of Haarlem with the quirky name of ‘Hello I’m local’. It’s been a dream of Saskia Hurd to open up a hostel and when she found the site occupied by 4 derelict buildings which had been empty for 23 years she knew she had to go for it.

The hostel offers 12 unique rooms that cater for pretty much any size party and you’re invited to sit back, relax and enjoy Saskia’s living room and patio where she often lights a cosy fire. By her own account Saskia is a little old fashioned and likes to encourage people to talk, play board games or just enjoy the outdoor fireplace but don’t fret there’s wifi in the living room, just no TV please.

I love the individually styled rooms, all based on historical themes, very clean and contemporary with a mostly black and white colour palette. My favourite room has to be the smallest one with an old fashioned bedstee, a bed in the wall, that’s accessed through canary yellow double doors. Unbelievably, people used to sleep standing up in them – hence the name – but oh so cozy.

Saskia has paid attention to every detail and fully embraced the ‘local’ in her hostel’s title, encouraging guests to rent bikes to explore Haarlem or the nearby beaches and dive into the local culture and museums. Before you go make sure to check out her funky website and give her FB page some love. I’m sure to pop in next time I’m visiting.

 
MORE INFORMATION | Hello I’m local
PHOTOGRAPHY | Anouk B with kind permission by Hello I’m local
 
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