towns near Ijmuiden for hotel stay precruise

Having been to Amsterdam twice we are looking at staying nearer to Ijmuiden where our cruise starts. Is Haarlem nearer to Ijmuiden? Any other suggestions to stay outside of Amsterdam closer to Ijmuiden for one night? I saw the Holiday Inn Seaport Marina in Ijmuiden but wondering if there are other choices, then take a taxi to port the next day. Thanks in advance for any info

Indeed Haarlem is your best choice for IJmuiden. Also Haarlem is convenient to and from the airport. It is a nice city with Frans Halsmuseum, the big marketsquare with the old church and townhall. Lots of nice restaurants too.

The H.I. in IJmuiden is a nice hotel, but is a bit isolated.

If you travel light there are buses to/from Haarlem and the airport. The same to get to IJmuiden.

Otherwise a cab will be best, but rahter expensive.

Your cruiseline will probaby offer shuttles buses to/from Amsterdam and maybe the airport. Check with them.

Haarlem is really nice and not too far from IJmuiden. Other towns in the area around IJmuiden are not that interesting: either heavy industry (there is a big steel plant in IJmuiden), residential sleeper towns, or seaside resorts.

I agree with Ine, her remarks are all spot on.