Cty Books, Leiden

Cty Books offers Superior Double Rooms, Deluxe Double Rooms, and a King Suite, each located in a restored bookstore building on the Nieuwe Rijn canal. Several rooms include fully equipped kitchenettes with induction stoves, and some are two-level lofts with separate bedroom areas. All rooms have air conditioning, soundproofing, premium bedding, and private bathrooms; front-facing rooms provide direct views over the canal and the historic town hall.

The hotel uses a staffless digital entry system that sends a mobile key via email for the front door and room, allowing express check-in and check-out. Daily housekeeping is provided in all rooms, and an intercom system connects guests to management for quick communication. Safety features include CCTV in common areas and outside, smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, and detectors throughout the building.

Cty Books sits on the canal in central Leiden, with the Wednesday and Saturday markets directly outside and a bus stop to Leiden Central Station two minutes away. The Naturalis Museum and the Rijksmuseum voor Volkenkunde are within walking distance, as is the main campus of Leiden University. Schiphol Airport is 26 km away, and Keukenhof gardens are 19 km from the hotel; a variety of restaurants and shops are on the doorstep.

The hotel occupies a 400-year-old building with steep, narrow spiral staircases and no elevator; guests must carry luggage up to their rooms. The canal-side location can be lively with bar and market noise, and earplugs are provided in the lobby. Each room has themed decor inspired by local culture and history, reflecting the building's past as a bookshop.

Cty Books receives high ratings for its convenient and central location, with guests awarding location scores of 9 or 10 in multiple reviews. The digital entry system works smoothly for most visitors, and the daily housekeeping and responsive management are frequently praised. The kitchenettes, canal views, and proximity to cultural landmarks are consistently noted as standout features.

Location: Canal-side, opposite town hall, 2 min to bus stop

Rooms: Themed suites with kitchenettes, two-level lofts available

Technology: Staffless digital entry with mobile key

Safety: CCTV, smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, detectors in all areas

Guest services: Daily housekeeping, intercom, express check-in/out

Nearby: Naturalis Museum, Rijksmuseum voor Volkenkunde, Leiden University