Hotels in Groningen, Netherlands
Leonardo Hotel Groningen Stadspark
Leonardo Hotel Groningen City Center
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Groningen
Home to the youngest average population in the whole of the Netherlands, Groningen is a lively university city with something for visitors of all ages. Lined with picturesque canals, and with a car-free centre perfect for cycling, this is a city where rich heritage meets a youthful creative scene and vibrant nightlife. If you’re seeking a cool, comfortable place from which to explore the city, look no further than the Leonardo Hotel Groningen.
Get your bearings
What better way is there to get a sense of the city than with its best view? That’s what you’ll find at the top of the Martinitoren or Martini Tower, a 96m-tall medieval tower that has stood in the city centre since 1482. In stark contrast, the Groninger Museum is a riot of colourful modern design dreamt up by architect Alessandro Mendini. A group of three pavilions sitting in the canal opposite the city’s train station, it houses a range of international contemporary art.
Don’t miss
Folkingestraat and Zwanestraat are both past winners of the ‘best shopping street in the Netherlands’ award, and it’s easy to see why. Surrounded by markets, independent boutiques and fashion outlets, visitors can spend hours exploring here. Cheese fans should head straight for De Kaaskop, said to be the best cheese shop in the whole of the Netherlands.
While you’re there
As a student city, it’s not surprising that Groningen is well known for its nightlife. There’s a multitude of bars and clubs that never seem to close their doors, so you won’t struggle to find somewhere that matches your vibe, but if you’re after something a bit more laid-back, the city is also home to some fantastic coffee houses and restaurants. And don’t miss DOT, a distinctive waterside geodome in Ebbingekwartier, which houses a bistro and film and theatre hall, and even stages planetarium shows.
Home to the youngest average population in the whole of the Netherlands, Groningen is a lively university city with something for visitors of all ages. Lined with picturesque canals, and with a car-free centre perfect for cycling, this is a city where rich heritage meets a youthful creative scene and vibrant nightlife. If you’re seeking a cool, comfortable place from which to explore the city, look no further than the Leonardo Hotel Groningen.
Get your bearings
What better way is there to get a sense of the city than with its best view? That’s what you’ll find at the top of the Martinitoren or Martini Tower, a 96m-tall medieval tower that has stood in the city centre since 1482. In stark contrast, the Groninger Museum is a riot of colourful modern design dreamt up by architect Alessandro Mendini. A group of three pavilions sitting in the canal opposite the city’s train station, it houses a range of international contemporary art.
Don’t miss
Folkingestraat and Zwanestraat are both past winners of the ‘best shopping street in the Netherlands’ award, and it’s easy to see why. Surrounded by markets, independent boutiques and fashion outlets, visitors can spend hours exploring here. Cheese fans should head straight for De Kaaskop, said to be the best cheese shop in the whole of the Netherlands.
While you’re there
As a student city, it’s not surprising that Groningen is well known for its nightlife. There’s a multitude of bars and clubs that never seem to close their doors, so you won’t struggle to find somewhere that matches your vibe, but if you’re after something a bit more laid-back, the city is also home to some fantastic coffee houses and restaurants. And don’t miss DOT, a distinctive waterside geodome in Ebbingekwartier, which houses a bistro and film and theatre hall, and even stages planetarium shows.
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About the City
Groningen features the Martinitoren tower, Groninger Museum, historic Grote Markt square, and the medieval city center. The city blends 15th-century architecture with modern design and vibrant student culture.
April through September offers optimal weather for exploring Groningen. Spring brings King's Day festivities and blooming parks, while summer features Noorderzon festival and outdoor café culture. August offers warm weather with university summer events.
Direct trains run from Amsterdam Centraal to Groningen station every 30 minutes, taking approximately 2 hours 15 minutes. The journey costs around €25-30 for a single ticket.
Groningen offers an excellent weekend destination with its compact historic center, world-class museums, over 1,000 cafés and restaurants, cycling culture, and vibrant nightlife driven by its large student population.
Try Groninger mosterdsoep (mustard soup), eierbal (deep-fried egg snack), poffert (regional cake), and local jenever (Dutch gin). The city's international student population also brings diverse global cuisine.
Groningen hosts Noorderzon Performing Arts Festival (August), Eurosonic Noorderslag music festival (January), Groningen Marathon (October), and the Groninger Museum Night (November). The Christmas market runs throughout December.
Groningen is one of Europe's most bike-friendly cities with over 60% of trips made by bicycle. The city features extensive cycling paths, bike parking facilities, and flat terrain ideal for cycling.
The Groninger Museum showcases modern art and design, the University Museum explores science and natural history, and the Comics Museum celebrates graphic novels. The Noordelijk Scheepvaartmuseum covers maritime heritage.
Popular day trips include the UNESCO Wadden Sea (30 minutes), medieval town of Appingedam (20 minutes), historic Bourtange fortress (45 minutes), and the scenic Lauwersmeer National Park (40 minutes).
Leonardo Hotels in the City
Leonardo Hotel Groningen City Center is 400 meters from Groningen Centraal station, a 5-minute walk. Leonardo Hotel Groningen Stadspark is 2.5 kilometers away, requiring a 10-minute bus ride or 8-minute taxi.
Leonardo Hotel Groningen City Center sits directly in the historic center within walking distance of Grote Markt, Martinitoren, and shopping streets. Leonardo Hotel Groningen Stadspark is in a quieter park setting, 2 kilometers from the center.
Leonardo Hotel Groningen Stadspark is ideal for business travelers, offering meeting rooms, conference facilities, and capacity for group travel. Leonardo Hotel Groningen City Center does not have meeting spaces.
Leonardo Hotel Groningen Stadspark is adjacent to Stadspark with playgrounds, green spaces, and a quieter environment. Leonardo Hotel Groningen City Center provides direct access to museums, attractions, and pedestrianized streets safe for children.
Leonardo Hotel Groningen City Center is 800 meters from Groninger Museum, a 10-minute walk. Leonardo Hotel Groningen Stadspark is 1.8 kilometers away, a 7-minute bike ride or 5-minute drive.
Leonardo Hotel Groningen City Center offers superior public transport with the train station 5 minutes away and multiple bus lines nearby. Leonardo Hotel Groningen Stadspark is serviced by buses 6 and 15 connecting to the city center.
Leonardo Hotel Groningen Stadspark offers a quieter setting beside the park away from nightlife and traffic. Leonardo Hotel Groningen City Center sits in the lively historic center with more street activity and evening noise.
Leonardo Hotel Groningen City Center is surrounded by over 200 restaurants within 5-10 minutes walking distance. Leonardo Hotel Groningen Stadspark has fewer immediate dining options but the city center is 10 minutes by bike or bus.
Leonardo Hotel Groningen City Center is 1.5 kilometers from the main University of Groningen campus, easily accessible by bike or bus. Leonardo Hotel Groningen Stadspark is 2 kilometers from campus with direct bus connections.
Bike rentals can be arranged at both hotel receptions, allowing guests to explore Groningen's extensive cycling network and surrounding areas. Rental fees and availability vary by property.
Hotel Features & Services
Both hotels offer Standard Rooms, Comfort Rooms, and Family Rooms with modern amenities including flat-screen TVs, private bathrooms, air conditioning, and work desks. Room sizes and layouts may vary between properties.
Both properties serve daily buffet breakfast with hot and cold options including eggs, breads, cereals, fresh fruits, Dutch cheeses, meats, and regional specialties. Breakfast typically runs 6:30-10:30 AM weekdays and 7:00-11:00 AM weekends.
Leonardo Hotel Groningen Stadspark features an on-site restaurant (Chef’s! Food & Drinks) open for lunch and dinner, as well as a bar. Leonardo Hotel Groningen City Center offers a breakfast restaurant and a bar.
Only Leonardo Hotel Groningen Stadspark offers meeting rooms with modern equipment and catering services. Leonardo Hotel Groningen City Center does not have meeting facilities.
Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout both hotels in all guest rooms, public areas, meeting spaces, and restaurant areas.
Both hotels provide accessible rooms designed for guests with mobility requirements, featuring adapted bathrooms, wheelchair accessibility, and assistive amenities. Advance reservation is recommended.
Pets are welcome at both Leonardo Hotels in Groningen for an additional fee per night. Contact the specific hotel directly to confirm current pet policy details and associated costs.
Both properties provide 24-hour reception service for guest check-in, local information, concierge assistance, and support throughout day and night.
Leonardo Hotel Groningen Stadspark features more extensive on-site parking in a less congested area. Leonardo Hotel Groningen City Center offers limited parking with nearby public garages due to its central location.
