8.2

1,055 reviews

CTY Books

CTY Books

Nieuwe Rijn 2 , Leiden, 2312 JB, Netherlands

Choose dates to view prices

Free wifi

Air conditioning

Kitchen

Non-smoking rooms

Landmark view

River view

Kitchenware

Kitchenette

CTY Books

Welcome to CTY Books, your delightful escape nestled in the heart of Leiden, just a stone's throw away from the city center! Bang on the Nieuwe Rijn, this quirky hotel offers an unbeatable starting point for exploring the charming streets and storied canals of this vibrant city. With rooms starting at an affordable price, you can embrace the Dutch spirit without breaking the bank.

Get ready to indulge in modern comforts paired with a whimsical atmosphere! Each room at CTY Books is equipped with free wifi, air conditioning, and a kitchenette, making it perfect for both short stays and extended adventures. Picture yourself waking up to a beautiful landmark or river view, sipping your morning coffee in a soundproof sanctuary, and then stepping out to uncover the treasures of Leiden, including its captivating museums and lively markets.

Don’t just take our word for it – with over 1,000 glowing reviews, it’s clear that guests love calling this unique hotel their home away from home. Whether you’re wandering through the charming streets or unwinding after a day of exploration, CTY Books is the perfect spot to relax and recharge. Ready to pack your bags for an unforgettable stay? We can’t wait to welcome you!

Your adventure in Leiden wouldn’t be complete without sampling the vibrant culinary scene, and the CTY Books is strategically located to help you do just that! Just a leisurely stroll away, you’ll find a dazzling array of cafes, restaurants, and bistros just waiting to tantalize your taste buds. From classic Dutch poffertjes to innovative cuisine that pays homage to both local and international flavors, every meal can be an occasion. Why not grab a delicious lunch to-go and enjoy a picnic by the picturesque canals? Imagine sipping a local beer or a freshly brewed coffee while watching the world go by—a quintessential Dutch experience!

As the sun sets, take advantage of the hotel’s unique ambiance that encourages playful relaxation. Whether you're gathering with fellow travelers in the cozy common areas or curling up with a good book from the in-house library, every corner is designed to make you feel right at home. For those looking to kick back after a day of discovery, consider partaking in a fun movie night with friends you’ve made during your journey. With the enchanting glow of the canals illuminating your evening, laughter and stories are sure to flow as freely as the delicious pastries found in nearby bakeries.

Don’t forget to take advantage of CTY Books’ handy kitchenette in your room! For those mornings when you want to rise at your own pace, a home-prepared breakfast is just the ticket—whip up a Dutch-style omelet or toast to your heart’s content! Plus, the free WiFi will keep you connected to share all your foodie adventures and breathtaking memories. So go ahead and plan that romantic getaway or family vacation; CTY Books is your inviting launchpad into the wonderful world of Leiden!

Closest airports

Rotterdam The Hague Airport

14.3mi

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol

15.5mi

Eindhoven Airport

61.9mi

Most popular amenities

Free wifi

Air conditioning

Kitchen

Non-smoking rooms

Landmark view

River view

Kitchenware

Kitchenette

Free toiletries

Soundproof

Rooms

Show 6 photos

Superior

1 Double Bed

325 sqft

Kitchen

Private Bathroom

Kitchenette

Kitchenware

+

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Deluxe Double Room in CTY Books

Show 6 photos

Deluxe

1 Queen Size Bed

325 sqft

River view

City view

Kitchen

Private Bathroom

+

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Deluxe Double Room in CTY Books

Show 3 photos

Deluxe, Single Use

1 Sofa Bed

1 Queen Size Bed

430 sqft

Kitchen

Private Bathroom

Kitchenette

Kitchenware

x3

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King Suite in CTY Books

Show 3 photos

Suite

1 Queen Size Bed

325 sqft

Kitchen

Private Bathroom

Kitchenette

Kitchenware

+

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Apartment in CTY Books

Show 2 photos

Apartment

1 Double Bed

375 sqft

City view

Kitchen

Private Bathroom

Kitchenette

+

More details

Signature Duplex Thorbecke

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Signature

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Signature Duplex Burcht

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Signature Suite

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Guest reviews

8.2

1,055 reviews

Categories of assessments

Cleanliness

Comfort

Location

Facilities

Staff

Value for money

WiFi quality

Featured reviews:

🇳🇱

Stefan

9.1

March 2025

I expected a mini-apartment, but on arrival I found a beautiful old building with a nice 2-story apartment-with-view into old Leiden. I enjoyed the stay very much and hope I can come back another time. The check-in worked nicely without any hotel staff; there was even room-cleaning every day, which I had not expected for an appartment setting.

The building had very narrow and steep staircases, which I could manage, but less mobile people will have difficulties with it, being no elevator in this old building. I could manage the no-staff situation well with the mobile log-in feature, but having a personal welcome is nicer nevertheless.

🇬🇧

Keith

10

October 2024

Outstanding location and we chose a room overlooking the canal, acknowledging that it might be a wee bit noisy some mornings. very stylish and the rooms are themed on different authors; a nice touch as it's a former bookshop. Everything looked new and the property was very clean. You are handy for the main shopping area and for plenty of bars and restaurants. There is a market held each Wednesday and Saturday across from the hotel. Communications were answered very promptly. There are no staff on site but there is an intercom which was answered immediately the one time we had to use it.

Not a problem for us, but worth noting that the stairs are, like all such properties, a bit narrow and steep. If mobility is not a problem, it won't be an issue.

🇬🇷

Georgia

9.1

October 2024

very picturesque building at the heart of Leiden. beautiful location on the canal, nice rooms, cozy atmosphere, great view from the rooms at the front. very polite welcome. everything you need, cafes, restaurants, shops is right next to the building with many choices for you to choose from. there's a Saturday open market right at the doorstep. the bus stop to go to central station is a two minute walk. bonus: the church clock plays wonderful tunes every 30 mins.

as Leiden is lively University town, full of students you may hear them having fun late at night. which is why they provide earplugs, if you are a light sleeper. as we were actually visiting our sons, who are students,we didn't mind this too much :-) also expect narrow, Dutch staircases. very authentic.

🇬🇧

Rachel

10

March 2025

Beautiful apartment in a perfect location in the very centre of Leiden, on a nice canal with lots of bars and cafes on it. The mobile key for entry worked really well, and although the hotel is staffless there was housekeeping every day, and additional coffee pods and tea bags and earplugs in the lobby. The lighting was nice (not very bright but I liked that), and good toiletries were provided - shower gel, shampoo and body lotion. I didn't hear any street noise and the room was quiet at night.

🇬🇧

George

8.2

August 2024

Location location location. Centre of the old town, thronged with places to eat & drink around the canals. Very picturesque. If that is what you have come to Leiden for then this is a great place to stay. The rooms are quirky, nicely laid out - the top floor had a great view and a spiral staircase up to the bedroom, get it if you can! I felt trepidation about the checkin with a digital key emailed to us, but it worked smoothly.

Steep narrow stairs and no lift meant that you need to be prepared to carry your belongings up. Inevitable in an old property like this.

🇬🇧

Neil

9.1

October 2024

Location great, very central. Overlooks one of the canals. Leiden is beautiful.

The only slight difficulty was with the entrance as I've not come across the system before. When you get the electronic "key" link it's not a passcode, it's a page with an entrance door and room entry. You slide to the right the round "gold" button. Once you've done it once it's so easy! It would be helpful to have the hob instructions in English too, but we found some on the internet. 2 minor problems easily sorted! These did not spoil our stay.

🇬🇧

Timothy

8.2

April 2024

The room set-up was lovely. 3 windows with shutters overlooking the canal. Comfortable seating. Facilities to make food and drinks. Convenient location. Able to lock up bicycles in view of the room.

The lighting in the kitchen area. One light was out, but even with that it would have been stygian. We were not overly disturbed by people drinking at tables outside partly because they stopped after midnight and partly because it was rainy and most of the tables were closed. However, be aware that in summer or nice weather there are a lot of alfresco tables under the windows of the rooms that face the canal and it will be noisy. The shutters do not act as a soundproofer and there is no secondary glazing

🇧🇪

Karen

9.1

February 2025

The location was excellent. Very near to restaurants and shops, and to the water. The staff-less hotel was a bit strange at first, but the instructions were clear, and the facilities worked as expected. The cleaning was a plus!

The stairs were steep, so it might be an issue if one travels alone and has heavy luggage. My room was on the 3rd floor (loft), so it was a bit of a climb. The hotel told me there was no lift beforehand, so I am not complaining. :-)

🇺🇸

Heather

9.1

December 2023

Exceptional stay! I will stay here again. The location is in the heart of the action and centrally located for fun events and activities. Food options are just a step away and shopping the same. I really enjoyed that there was a microwave, cooking top, and a few things like plates, glasses and silverware, and a fridge. Always beneficial.

It is not that I didn't like it and it wouldn't stop me from staying again, I was cold. The heater would not go up in the main room in the evening (the bathroom one was excellent). I looked for extra blankets and I was unable to locate them. An extra blanket would have been perfect. I didn't think to message the team, I am sure they could have accommodated had I thought in the moment to ask for one.

🇪🇸

Hendrik

9.1

December 2023

It is a staff free hotel. Nevertheless, it was very easy to get in the hotel and room. Upon check out there was one person in the lobby, so not completely staff less. Room no2, is a studio. sitting room, with small kitchen including basic pans/plates/cutlery and desk, a large bedroom and spacious bathroom. the studio is at the back of the building so no nice views but also no noice. Check out is at 12 (noon) which is appreciated. The hotel is in the middle of the city center. There are two underground parkings each only a 10 min walk from the hotel (16 Euro per 24 hour fee).

It took me a while to find how to turn on the heating. There is an on/off switch at the top of the touch screen control units (each room has a seperate control unit). I could not find the description in the room.

Points of Interest Around CTY Books

Attractions

Museum De Lakenhal

0.3mi

Square 1813 (Plein 1813)

9.2mi

St. John's Church (Sint Janskerk)

13.9mi

Miniworld Rotterdam

16.4mi

Delfshaven

17.7mi

South Kennemerland National Park (Nationaal Park Zuid-Kennemerland)

18.1mi

Museum Van Loon

22.1mi

Prinsengracht

22.1mi

FOAM Photography Museum Amsterdam (Fotografiemuseum Amsterdam)

22.1mi

Emperor's Canal (Keizersgracht)

22.2mi

Pathé Tuschinski Theater

22.3mi

Zuiderkerk (Southern Church)

22.6mi

Museum Het Schip

22.7mi

St. Nicholas Basilica (Sint Nicolaasbasiliek)

22.9mi

Theater Amsterdam

23.2mi

Amenities of CTY Books

Free wifi

Air conditioning

Kitchen

Non-smoking rooms

Landmark view

River view

Kitchenware

Kitchenette

Free toiletries

Soundproof

Stay rules - CTY Books

  • Check-in / Check-out

  • Pets

  • Internet

  • Age restrictions

  • Curfew

  • Parking

  • Children and beds

  • Cards accepted at this property