Nieuw Minerva  

In 3 words: Location, Location, Location. It is in walking distance of all the tourist highlights, and in the centre of town. The hotel has a nice interior, though it doesn't exude luxury. The staff was very friendly and helpful. Check in and check out was painless, quick and professional. The room was clean, smelled good and was not noisy (but perhaps the hotel was rather empty, couldn't tell that). The bathroom was clean and well maintained. The breakfast is simple and not expensive. It provides ample choice in types of breakfast: some selection of cheese, meats and breads. There's some fresh fruits (apples, oranges, kiwis). The selection of cereals is good too (the standard Kellog's varieties).

My minor issues are really minor-rather a fishing expedition than anything substantial. Finding a parking spot was a bit hard for us, but a different arrival time might be better for finding one. The room was small, though sufficient. The 2-person bed consisted of 2 separate beds positioned together, making a midnight hug a risky business. The bathroom was tiny, but useful. No bath, just a shower cabin. The soaps were common Dove creams, and the shower bottle was almost empty. The coffee at the breakfast table tries to be coffee, but unfortunately doesn't make the cut.

I like the Nieuw Minerva (this was my second stay) for a lot of reasons: it's 6 old buildings knocked into one, with each retaining its own character; it's right on a canal; it's 10 minutes' walk from the central station and 5 minutes from just about everything else in the centre; it fits right in with the whole wonderful Leiden atmosphere; staff are really friendly and relaxed; free internet; Dutch food for breakfast, and in the restaurant (lunch/dinner)... It's comfortable, rather, than luxurious, with masses of character and reasonable prices. I hope to be back!

Location

Better if traveling by train because hard to reach with car and no free parking (12.50 EUR per day)

Its location. The shower was good.

By British standards, very poor value for money. Rooms at the back are dreadfully dingey, I changed to the front overlooking the canal - much better. The hotel needs updating considerably. There appeared to be no lift. Staff are unfriendly. No tea/coffee making facilities or mini-bar. Pokey room. Bed with no headboard. Old-fashioned TV. Only one pillow. Very dark generally. Did not have breakfast so cannot comment on that.

Good location and price. The room was quiet. The reception staff were very friendly.

The breakfast was not worth the money. It was self service for everything including the coffee and no-one came to even say good morning or check everything was OK. Will come again but not take the breakfast.

The hotel is very cute, old fashioned, placed just above a channel in the middle of Leiden and very well served by public transportation (train station is 10 minutes away, Schipol then only 25 minutes).

Rooms are really singles (very small), decor is so outdated it is almost museum level: if they do not hurry, they will not be allowed to change it anymore. Television was tiny. Worst of all: 6 euro an hour for use of Wireless!

I loved the location on a canal in the old city center, a very convenient location for walking and sightseeing around Leiden, dining and shopping. I chose Nieuw Minerva because it looked charming. The rooms have character and individuality; it isn't an every-room-looks-the-same place. The lobby, parlor, and dining rooms also have charm. It was like staying in a private home. Finally, I thought the front desk staff of young women were superb--very capable, helpful, friendly, offering warm welcomes and greetings as I came and went. They also were very attentive to guests needs and requests (for beverages, ice, directions, etc.) It was one of the most welcoming places I have stayed.

good location.

Saturday night noise from street til 4am! Very little lighting in room... impossible to read.

Central location in Leiden and old-fashioned charm

There were roadworks (canal bank) immediately ouside the hotel and no hotel parking. Public parking was expensive at 12 Euros per day starting at 0900 (before we were ready to leave the hotel).

Excellent location, all of central Leiden is within walking distance. Charming interior, my room was comfortable and had a view over the canal.

There was occasional noise outside in the evening. I was ok with it, but a light sleeper might feel different. Getting the shower to keep an even temperature was a bit of a balancing act.

Very clean, albeit aged decor. Lots of bars and restaurants near by.

No lift, so if you have heavy luggage ask for assistance. Student Union behind hotel, can get noisy at closing time

The staff is very helpfull and kind.I Stay now since 2006 every year and I like staying in new minerva hotel.Evry time I visit holland I will stay in the new minerva hotel and I want to advise people to stay at the new minerva hotel.

The hotel do noy have a lift

Comfortable mattress and good light over the desk

Small room, not enough space between wall and bed. No lift. No coffee/tea facilities. Not reachable bed light switches.