Home Swap vs Hotel in The Hague: Real Cost Comparison That Changed How I Travel

I was standing in a stranger's kitchen in The Hague at 7 AM, making coffee in my pajamas while watching cyclists stream past the window, when it hit me: this exact moment would have cost me €189 at the Hilton down the street. Instead, it cost me nothing.

Well, not exactly nothing—but we'll get to that.

The home swap vs hotel debate in The Hague isn't just about money, though the numbers are staggering enough to make any budget-conscious traveler pay attention. It's about the kind of trip you actually want to have. After spending a decade bouncing between both options in this underrated Dutch city, I finally sat down and did the math. What I found surprised even me.

Why The Hague Makes This Comparison So Interesting

The Hague isn't Amsterdam. Thank god.

I say that with love—Amsterdam is wonderful. But The Hague offers something different: the seat of Dutch government, the International Court of Justice, world-class museums like the Mauritshuis (where Vermeer's Girl with a Pearl Earring hangs), and beaches that locals actually use. It's a city where diplomats grab lunch at the same herring stands as construction workers.

Here's the thing about accommodation in The Hague: there's this weird gap. You've got a handful of luxury hotels catering to diplomats and business travelers (expect €200-350/night), some mid-range chains that feel like they could be anywhere (€120-180/night), and a smattering of budget options that... let's just say I've stayed in one where the shower was literally in the closet.

What you don't get much of is that sweet spot—comfortable, character-filled places that don't require an expense account or a tolerance for questionable plumbing. This is where home swapping enters the picture.

The Real Numbers: My 10-Day Hotel Stay

Last September, I tracked every single expense during a 10-day trip to The Hague, staying at a well-reviewed 4-star hotel near Plein. I wasn't being extravagant, but I wasn't slumming it either.

Accommodation:

• Hotel room: €175/night × 10 nights = €1,750 ($1,890 USD)
• City tax: €3.50/night × 10 = €35 ($38 USD)
• Total lodging: €1,785 ($1,928 USD)

Food (because hotel life changes how you eat):

• Hotel breakfast (skipped the €24 buffet, grabbed coffee): €45 total
• Lunches out (no kitchen = no leftovers): €156
• Dinners out (every single night): €340
• Snacks, drinks, random coffees: €89
• Total food: €630 ($680 USD)

Incidentals people forget:

• Laundry service (one load): €28
• Mini-bar water (I caved twice): €12
• WiFi upgrade for video calls: €40
• Total incidentals: €80 ($86 USD)

Grand total for hotel stay: €2,495 ($2,695 USD)

That's roughly €250 per day. For The Hague. A city most tourists skip entirely.

My Home Swap: What It Actually Cost

Fast forward to this past April. Same city, same 10 days, completely different approach. I arranged a home swap through SwappaHome with a Dutch couple who wanted to explore San Francisco while I explored their city.

Their apartment? A two-bedroom place in Archipelbuurt, one of The Hague's most stunning residential neighborhoods. High ceilings, original 1920s details, a kitchen stocked with Dutch stroopwafels (they left a note saying "help yourself"), and a balcony overlooking a quiet, tree-lined street.

Accommodation:

• Home swap: 10 credits (earned by hosting guests in my SF apartment)
• City tax: €0 (not applicable for home exchanges in the Netherlands)
• Total lodging: €0 ($0 USD)

Food (with a full kitchen):

• Groceries from Albert Heijn: €127
• Market purchases (cheese, bread, flowers): €43
• Dinners out (only 4 nights—I wanted to cook): €148
• Coffees and treats while exploring: €52
• Total food: €370 ($400 USD)

Incidentals:

• Laundry: €0 (washing machine in apartment)
• Water/drinks: €0 (filled my bottle from the tap)
• WiFi: €0 (included)
• Thank-you gift for hosts (nice bottle of jenever): €35
• Total incidentals: €35 ($38 USD)

Grand total for home swap stay: €405 ($437 USD)

Read that again. €405 versus €2,495. That's a difference of €2,090—or about $2,258 USD.

Where the Real Savings Hide

The accommodation cost is obvious. Zero versus €1,785. But what surprised me was how dramatically the food costs changed.

When you're in a hotel, eating out isn't really a choice—it's the default. You wake up, you go find breakfast. You're out exploring, you grab lunch. You come back tired, you go to dinner. Every meal is a transaction, a decision, a €15-40 expenditure.

With a home base that has a kitchen? I'd swing by the outdoor market at Haagse Markt on Saturday morning (the largest in the Netherlands, by the way—absolutely worth the tram ride), pick up fresh bread, local cheese, those tiny sweet tomatoes the Dutch do so well. Breakfast became leisurely. Lunch became whatever I'd picked up, eaten on the balcony with a book.

I still ate out—some of the best Indonesian food outside of Indonesia is in The Hague, thanks to Dutch colonial history, and you'd be insane to skip places like Garoeda or Blauw. But dining out became a choice, not a necessity. Somehow, that made it more special.

What the Numbers Don't Capture

Here's where I get a little philosophical, so bear with me.

The €2,090 I saved is real. I could show you my bank statements. But there's value in home swapping that doesn't show up in any spreadsheet.

The neighborhood factor. Hotels in The Hague cluster around the center—Plein, Noordeinde, the area near Central Station. These are fine areas. But they're not where Dutch people actually live. Staying in Archipelbuurt, I discovered my new favorite bakery (Bakkerij Hessing on Bankastraat—get the appelflappen), found a tiny wine shop where the owner spent 20 minutes explaining Dutch orange wine to me, and learned that my street had a weekly ritual where neighbors gathered for Friday afternoon drinks on someone's stoop.

You cannot buy that experience at any hotel.

The space factor. My hosts' apartment was about 85 square meters. My hotel room? Maybe 28. That extra space isn't just about comfort—it changes how you travel. I could spread out my maps and guidebooks on the dining table. I could do yoga in the living room. When it rained (and this is The Hague, so it rained), I didn't feel trapped.

The local knowledge factor. My hosts left a notebook. Not one of those generic "welcome to our city" things, but actual recommendations. Their dentist (hopefully wouldn't need it), their favorite spot for kibbeling (fried fish—I did need that), which tram lines to avoid during rush hour, where to find the best view of the Peace Palace. This kind of insider knowledge would cost a fortune if you tried to buy it from a private tour guide.

But Is It Safe?

I hear this concern constantly. You're letting strangers stay in your home? And staying in theirs?

Yes. And after 40+ swaps, I've never had a serious issue.

Here's why: home swapping attracts a specific kind of traveler. People who own homes (or rent places they care about). People who understand the mutual trust involved. People who, frankly, have too much to lose by being terrible guests.

The SwappaHome platform helps with verification—you can confirm identities before agreeing to any exchange. The review system means that anyone who trashes a place or behaves badly gets called out publicly. It's self-policing in the best way.

That said, I always recommend getting your own travel insurance that covers personal liability. SwappaHome connects you with other members, but it's not an insurance company. I use World Nomads for international trips, and I've added a rider to my renters insurance back home. Peace of mind for maybe €50-100 per trip? Worth it.

How the Credit System Actually Works

Since we're talking real numbers, let me clear up some confusion I've seen about SwappaHome's system.

It's simple: 1 night hosted = 1 credit earned. 1 night stayed = 1 credit spent.

That's it. Doesn't matter if you're hosting someone in a Manhattan penthouse or a modest apartment in Des Moines. Doesn't matter if you're staying in a Tuscan villa or a studio in The Hague. One credit, one night.

New members get 10 free credits to start, which is exactly what you'd need for a 10-day trip like mine. After that, you earn credits by hosting guests in your own space.

The beauty of this system is that you don't need to find a "direct swap"—someone who wants to visit your city at the exact time you want to visit theirs. I've hosted guests from Japan, Brazil, and Germany in my San Francisco apartment. Used those credits to stay in Portugal, Italy, and now The Hague. The flexibility is what makes it actually work.

Neighborhood Guide for Home Swappers

Not all Hague neighborhoods are created equal. Here's my honest take:

Archipelbuurt/Willemspark — Where I stayed, and my top recommendation. Stunning early 20th-century architecture, leafy streets, excellent cafes, easy access to both the center and Scheveningen beach. Lots of families and professionals here, which means lots of lovely apartments on SwappaHome.

Zeeheldenkwartier — The hip neighborhood. More restaurants and bars, younger vibe, slightly smaller apartments. Great if you want to be in the middle of the action without being in the tourist center.

Statenkwartier — Close to the beach, quiet, very residential. Perfect if you're traveling with kids or want that suburban-but-still-in-the-city feel. Some gorgeous early 1900s homes here.

Centrum — Honestly? I'd skip this for home swapping. Most of the residential options here are either tiny or above noisy bars. The hotels have this area covered.

Scheveningen — The beach district. Can be touristy and tacky near the pier, but the neighborhoods just behind the dunes are lovely. Great option in summer if beach access is a priority.

When Hotels Actually Make Sense

I'm not anti-hotel. Honestly.

There are times when a hotel in The Hague is the right call:

Business trips under 3 nights. If you're in town for a conference at the World Forum or meetings with international organizations, the convenience of a hotel near your venue probably outweighs the savings of a home swap.

When you genuinely want to be pampered. The Hotel Des Indes is one of the most stunning hotels in the Netherlands. Sometimes you want someone to bring you room service and turn down your bed. That's valid.

Last-minute travel. Home swaps require some planning and communication. If you're booking 48 hours out, hotels are more flexible.

If you're uncomfortable with the concept. This one's important. If the idea of staying in someone's home—or having someone stay in yours—gives you anxiety, no amount of savings is worth that stress. Travel should be enjoyable.

But for trips of a week or more, where you want to actually experience a city rather than just visit it? The math is pretty clear.

Two Trips, Two Rhythms

Let me show you what a typical day looked like during each trip:

Hotel Trip (September):

• 7:30 AM: Wake up, shower, get dressed
• 8:00 AM: Leave hotel to find coffee and breakfast
• 8:45 AM: Finally eating, €14 spent
• 9:30 AM: Start sightseeing
• 1:00 PM: Lunch break, find restaurant, €18
• 2:30 PM: More exploring
• 5:30 PM: Return to hotel, small room feels cramped
• 6:30 PM: Head out for dinner
• 7:00 PM: Find restaurant, wait for table
• 9:30 PM: Back to hotel, watch TV, sleep

Home Swap Trip (April):

• 7:30 AM: Wake up slowly, make coffee in kitchen
• 8:00 AM: Breakfast on balcony with groceries from yesterday
• 9:00 AM: Shower, get ready at leisure
• 9:45 AM: Start exploring (already saved €14)
• 1:00 PM: Quick sandwich from bakery, eat in park, €6
• 2:00 PM: More exploring, or back to apartment to rest
• 5:00 PM: Return home, glass of wine, read on balcony
• 7:00 PM: Cook dinner OR head to restaurant I specifically chose
• 9:30 PM: Home, comfortable couch, good book, sleep

The second schedule isn't just cheaper—it's calmer. More spacious. More like actually living somewhere instead of touring it.

The Long Game

Let's zoom out.

I take roughly four trips per year that are a week or longer. If I saved €2,000 on each trip by home swapping instead of staying in hotels, that's €8,000 annually. Over the seven years I've been doing this? We're talking €50,000+ in savings.

Fifty thousand euros. That's a down payment on a small apartment in some cities. That's years of retirement savings. That's... a lot of money.

And I haven't sacrificed travel quality. If anything, I've upgraded it. I've stayed in places I never could have afforded as hotels: a converted mill in Provence, a penthouse overlooking the Danube in Budapest, a traditional machiya townhouse in Kyoto.

Your First The Hague Home Swap

If you're new to this, here's how I'd approach it:

Step 1: Create your SwappaHome profile. Be detailed about your home—good photos, honest descriptions, neighborhood highlights. The more appealing your listing, the more requests you'll receive.

Step 2: Search for The Hague listings. Filter by neighborhood if you have preferences. Read reviews carefully. Look at photos of the actual space, not just the pretty exterior shots.

Step 3: Reach out to potential hosts early—I recommend 2-3 months before your trip. The city isn't huge, so inventory isn't as deep as Paris or London.

Step 4: Have a video call before confirming. I always do this. It's not about vetting them (though it helps)—it's about building rapport. These people are trusting you with their home.

Step 5: Exchange practical details. Where's the good grocery store? Any quirks with the heating? What's the WiFi password? The more you communicate beforehand, the smoother your stay.

Step 6: Leave the place better than you found it. I always do a final clean, take out trash, and leave a small thank-you gift. This is how you build a reputation that leads to more great swaps.

The Bottom Line

I've laid out the numbers. €405 vs €2,495 for the same 10-day trip. That's an 84% cost reduction.

But here's what I keep coming back to: standing in that kitchen in Archipelbuurt, morning light coming through the tall windows, coffee in hand, watching the neighborhood wake up. That feeling of being somewhere, not just visiting it.

You can't put a price on that. But if you could, it would definitely be less than €2,000.

The Hague is waiting. And now you know exactly how much it costs to experience it—both ways.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is home swapping in The Hague safe for first-time exchangers?

Yes, The Hague is exceptionally safe for home swapping. The city has low crime rates, and the SwappaHome community here consists primarily of professionals and families. I recommend using the platform's verification features, reading reviews thoroughly, and having a video call with your hosts before confirming. Consider getting personal travel insurance for additional peace of mind.

How much can I really save with home swap vs hotel in The Hague?

Based on my tracked expenses, expect to save €150-250 per day compared to mid-range hotels. For a 10-day trip, that's €1,500-2,500 in savings. The biggest factors are zero accommodation costs and reduced food expenses thanks to having a kitchen. Budget hotels narrow the gap, but luxury hotels widen it significantly.

What's the best neighborhood for home swapping in The Hague?

Archipelbuurt and Willemspark offer the best combination of stunning homes, local atmosphere, and convenient access to attractions. Zeeheldenkwartier suits travelers wanting a younger, more social vibe. Statenkwartier works well for families. Avoid Centrum for home swaps—the residential options are limited and often noisy.

Do I need to speak Dutch for a home swap in The Hague?

No—English proficiency in The Hague is among the highest in the world. Your hosts will communicate in English, and virtually everyone you encounter (shopkeepers, restaurant staff, neighbors) speaks it fluently. Learning a few Dutch phrases ("dank je wel" for thank you) is appreciated but absolutely not necessary.

How far in advance should I book a home swap in The Hague?

I recommend starting your search 2-3 months before your trip. The Hague has fewer home swap listings than major tourist cities like Amsterdam, so early planning gives you better options. For peak season (April-September) or during major events like King's Day, start even earlier—ideally 4 months out.