As the days grow shorter and the air becomes crisper, autumn offers the perfect opportunity to discover cosy spots where you can relax, work, and warm up with an excellent cup of coffee. For business travellers in the Netherlands, finding the right coffee bar is essential—whether you’re looking for a quiet place to catch up on emails, meet with colleagues, or take a well-deserved break. In this blog, we’ll guide you through some of the best coffee bars in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, and Eindhoven that are ideal to visit during the autumn season.

It's time for another resident interview! This time, we spoke with Alondra about her experience living in a CHF apartment and in the Netherlands. She recently relocated to The Hague from Mexico with her husband and two children, and she’s excited to share some tips to make your stay with us even more enjoyable!
 

Rotterdam, a city renowned for its modern architecture and vibrant cultural scene, is a haven for art and design enthusiasts. From contemporary galleries to street art, the city offers a diverse array of creative hotspots. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor staying in one of Corporate Housing Factory’s comfortable accommodations, exploring Rotterdam’s art and design scene is a must. Here’s a guide to some of the best spots to immerse yourself in the city’s creative energy.

At CHF caring about the planet and environment is part of our daily job. To make the world a little greener everyday, we hope that you as well will help us getting this world greener by making small efforts. This spring, let's take small steps towards a more sustainable future. By implementing these simple tips into our daily lives, we can make a positive impact on the environment and inspire others to do the same. Together, we can create a greener, healthier planet for future generations to enjoy.

It’s time for another resident interview. This time we spoke with Terri and Loren about their stay with CHF in New Orleans, Rotterdam. Continue reading to find out about their experience and their number one tip for relocating as an expat!

Do you want to stand eye to eye with iconic paintings, dive into the city's history and get inspired? Amsterdam has numerous exquisite museums to offer. If you intend to visit Amsterdam's museums regularly we highly recommend purchasing a 'Museumkaart'. With this card, you can visit every museum in Amsterdam as often as you'd like. We've curated a list of the best museums for you, so all you need to do is reserve your ticket!

Each month, we chat with one of our residents about their stay in a CHF apartment and their life in the Netherlands. Last year, we caught up with Smriti! She stayed in one of our Hoge Duin property apartments due to a work assignment in the Netherlands. Keep reading to learn about her firsthand experience and discover some useful tips for navigating life in The Hague.

Moving to the Netherlands is an exciting adventure, but it comes with a fair share of administrative tasks, one of which is registering yourself. Everyone moving to the Netherlands for a period exceeding four months, including EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens, are required to register their address in the Personal Records Database (BRP). To make navigating the registration process a little easier, we have created a step-by-step guide to registering yourself in The Netherlands.

Last weekend, we officially waved goodbye to summer and said hello to Autumn. While you may not be doing cartwheels about colder weather and rummaging for your raincoat, fear not! Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a food lover, or a fan of art, this season has much to offer. Here are our top seven recommendations of what to do in the Netherlands this fall.

What better way to learn about living abroad than through other expat’s experiences? Read our latest Resident Interview! Here, you will meet Diana Vidal, who relocated from Mexico to The Hague with her family and is currently residing in one of our Hoge Duin serviced apartments. 

Corporate Housing Factory (CHF), The Netherlands' top corporate housing provider, takes residence experience to new heights with a fresh online guest directory!

Let’s face it: being away from home for an extended period can be both exhilarating and challenging. While exploring new cities and immersing yourself in new cultures can be exciting, being disconnected from your regular routine and away from family can be tough. Corporate housing is quickly becoming the go-to option for business travellers looking for a comfortable, cost-effective, and convenient alternative to traditional hotels. Here are just a couple reasons why opting for corporate housing is a smart move when you’re relocating. 

It’s time for another resident interview! This month, we spoke to Alessandro about his experience living in a CHF apartment and in the Netherlands. He recently relocated to Eindhoven from Milan,Italy and has some great advice to make your time with us even more enjoyable!

Rotterdam is the second‑largest city in the Netherlands and home to Europe’s largest port. Large parts of the old city were completely destroyed by World War II bombing and had to be rebuilt from the ground up. But as a result, some funky, eye‑catching architecture now adorns Rotterdam’s skyline. To make sure you make the most of your stay in Rotterdam, we have created the perfect guide for a day out in the city.

It’s time for another resident interview! This month, we spoke to Valentina and Federico about their experience living in a CHF apartment and in the Netherlands. They recently relocated to Eindhoven from Turin, Italy, and have some great advice to make your time with us even more enjoyable!
 

Benoordenhout — a stately and popular neighbourhood in The Hague. Architects such as H.P. Berlage and Gerrit Rietveld have left their mark on some of the facades here and institutions and multinational companies, such as the International Criminal Court, have found it a place to call home. It is also the location of Hoge Duin, one of Corporate Housing Factory's newest properties. But what makes Benoordenhout such a great place to live? Read on for five reasons.

 

It is time for another resident interview! This month, we asked Dahee about her experience living in a CHF apartment and in the Netherlands. She recently relocated to Amsterdam from the United States, and has some great advice to make your time with us even more enjoyable!

Jan Verberne, our very own Eindhoven-based service host, has compiled a list of places you should not miss during your next visit. So, keep reading to get the best insider tips from a local! 

It is time for another resident interview! This month, we asked Oleg about his experience living in a CHF apartment and in the Netherlands. He recently relocated to The Hague, together with his wife, and has some great advice to make your time with us even more enjoyable!

Although the new year has only just begun, there is no time to sit still! We’ve got a jam-packed calendar prepared, full of exciting events that we’ll be attending in the upcoming months. Feel like visiting, or are you just curious to see where you can find us? Here’s a quick rundown of some of the events we’ll be attending!

Three years have passed since Covid first appeared, and we can all agree that it has significantly changed our daily lives.

 Every month, we ask one of our residents about their experience living in a CHF apartment and in the Netherlands. Earlier this month, we spoke with Giuseppe who is currently living in one of the apartments at our Hoge Duin property. Keep reading to find out about his personal experience as well as some helpful tips for The Hague!

The smell of gluhwein in the air, twinkling lights and beautifully decorated trees … There’s no place more festive than a Christmas market. We’re all aware that the Netherlands has a plethora of fantastic Christmas markets; Magisch Maastricht, Het Amsterdamse Winterparadijs, and the Royal Christmas Fair are among the best in the country. However, there are numerous other must-see Christmas attractions in Europe. Continue reading to learn about our top 5 Christmas market recommendations in Europe!

In many ways, coffee has become a necessity in our daily lives. The smell, the taste, the warmth of the mug in your hands and the feeling you get when you take that first sip in the morning all contribute to the enjoyment of coffee.

Our CHF apartments have plenty of space for working from home, but we understand that not everyone likes to work in the same place they sleep, eat, and relax in . It’s not ideal if your sofa becomes your office chair, your hallway serves as your commute to work, and the refrigerator serves as your snack drawer!

Every month, we ask one of our residents about their time spent in a CHF apartment and their experience living in the Netherlands. Earlier this month, we spoke with Smriti! Along with his wife and dog Alba, Mr. Mihajic is currently living in one of the apartments at our Hoge Duin property. Continue reading to find out about his personal experience and some handy tips for The Hague.

Moving to the Netherlands for the first time, means you will need to sort out a number of formalities. However, finding your way around the governmental websites has caused many expats a headache. To spare you the hassle of deciphering the Dutch fine print, we have partnered up with specific expat centres in each of our operating cities! We work together with IN Amsterdam, The Hague international centre, Rotterdam Expat Centre and Holland Expat Centre South (Eindhoven).

Finally, we have exchanged the typical Dutch rain and wind for sun and rising temperatures. Surely, you’ve enjoyed some warm late nights on your favourite terrace, or maybe even on your own balcony. We’ll tell you, there’s much more that the summer season brings in your city. From local festivals to amazing terraces, here’s some tips for each place! 

Stay eco-conscious, save money & enjoy!  

We are proud to announce that we have received the award for Best Operator (51-200 units) at the 2022 Serviced Apartment Awards!  

Going to the Netherlands for business? Renting a car can make your life easier. Corporate Housing Factory has just become a proud partner of Enterprise Rent-a-car, the largest global car rental provider operating in over 100 countries, with 9,500 locations worldwide. Whether you need a car to transport furniture to your new house, drop your children off at school, or plan some fun city trips – they have the right package cut out for you. 

When you land in this flat country (also known as the Lowlands), there are a few nuances that may surprise you. The Dutch have developed a culture, somewhat differing from their neighbours, influenced by Calvinism and centuries of trading with the East. Most expats enjoy the easy-going and open culture, where everyone can do their own thing. However, there are some aspects that might surprise a newcomer. For example…

Great news, we have a jam-packed agenda full of awesome events that we will be attending in the coming months. Feel like visiting or are you just curious to see where you can find us? Here is a short overview of where we will be!

Relocating with your family abroad is a big endeavour. Your employer usually organizes short-stay accommodation (ideally with us!) and easy onboarding at your company. However, tasks like arranging education for your child are left to you. Foreign children can either enrol at an international school or a Dutch school (where they receive integration classes). Before you decide whether to send your child to an international school, consider the following!

just like you, we at Corporate Housing Factory care about the world we live in. Sustainability is not only truly important to us, it is part of our DNA. That’s why we proudly like to share with you how we, together with our residents, contribute to a greener society! Here’s what we do so far!

No matter the circumstances – Dutch Design Week is on this year like every other! For those new to this event: Dutch Design Week is the largest design event in North Europe, which takes place in Eindhoven. It displays art projects from around 2,600 designers, and takes place this year 16- 24th October. This year, Design Week in Eindhoven is expecting 355 000 visitors attending 310 events spread out all over the city.

The Hague is known for many things, including  for being the country’s political capital and home to the royal family.  Yes, you got it: King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima and their three daughters. This stunning city also happens to be located right by the beach (Scheveningen). Meaning, you can explore the city’s historical monuments and go to the beach – all in one go! Of course, to thoroughly visit all the significant landmarks, you’ll need some time.  Perfect for your short stay with Corporate Housing Factory. There is just so much to do!

Why not indulge in some conscious activities during your short stay? Sustainability is a big subject in these times, so it’s nice to choose our accommodation and leisure activities, such as dining out or shopping consciously. CHF has taken the matter seriously by reducing water and energy usage in our properties, keeping the carbon footprint at a minimum. Luckily, for those of you who have gone green already, there are many eco-friendly things to do in the Netherlands! In this blog we’ve listed our top 6!

There may be 9 million bicycles in Beijing – sings Katie. But did the artist know that Amsterdam alone has 881 thousand? Perhaps then she would’ve made a song about the Dutch capital, which has more bicycles than people and 767 km of bicycle paths. That guarantees unlimited possibilities for cycling in this beautiful city of romantic canals and architectural wonders. 

On April 27th, we celebrate King Willem Alexander's birthday, 'King’s Day' (or Koningsdag in Dutch). Being the most highly celebrated holiday in the Netherlands, King's Day holds a special place in the hearts of the people. But how to celebrate in times of covid19? No worries, there are plenty of activities you can still enjoy. Below are some tips on how to have a King's Day to remember!

You finally landed that dream job in the Netherlands – the country of beautiful canals, flat organizational structures and big opportunities. Arranging your short stay accommodation and governmental formalities, such as registering (on your CHF address in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague or Eindhoven), and finding a health care provider is one thing. Another is to find the right school or day care for your children and make it easy for them to adapt to the new country. What options do expats with children have? Keep reading below to find out.

Occasionally we all have our nights where we’re just not in the mood to cook up a meal. Curling up on the couch while watching a movie with a plate of take-out is all we can think of then. For those kinds of nights, we’ve found some restaurants in the Amsterdam Zuid area, where residents can either pick up delicious meals or have them delivered right to their doorstep. All you need to do is to put your meal on a plate and.. ‘Eet smakelijk’!

Goedendag! Hoe gaat het? (“Good day! How are you?”). Try to read this basic phrase in Dutch. Now admit it, you pronounced the “g’s” as you would in English? The truth is: to impress the locals (and get them to understand you at all), you need to master articulating the hard “g’s”. Once you get that in place, you are ready to speak “als een echte Amsterdammer”, cause  the Amsterdam locals definitely accentuate the “g’s” the most! We can distinctively hear this in Danny de Munk’s famous song “Mijn stad”.            

We have entered a new year where we’ve also been introduced to a new albeit smaller EU. On January 1st, the EU officially parted ways with the UK as Brexit became official. This change will be most felt by UK nationals who will now need a passport to travel to the EU, and to work here they’re required to have a work permit and a residence permit when staying longer than 3 months.

To minimize the pressure health workers are currently experiencing, the Dutch prime minister has issued  further restrictions in order to protect all citizens. While this means you’ll probably have to postpone a museum visit or a shopping trip in the city, there are plenty of activities you can still enjoy while social distancing and being safe. 

The holiday season is right around the corner and it’s going to be a little different from what we are used to. Luckily enough everyone is still able to decorate their homes and Christmas tree to their hearts content and still keep the holiday spirit alive. As there aren’t many things that you can do this year ‘round we’ve decided to enlighten expats on holiday traditions that are uniquely Dutch and name a few activities you can still indulge in safely.

The coronavirus has a great impact on our lives. Eating and drinking establishments are closed and even visiting others has been restricted. A lot of us are also not able to go to the office. In this blog you will find helpful tips and fun activities to do, while not being able to go out. 

Have you seen, have you seen? Probably you have if you are reading this blog.. but as you can see we have launched our brand-new website and we're so excited to share this! The new corporatehousingfactory.com website serves as a booking engine and guide for our six properties with serviced apartments in the cities of Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam and Eindhoven. But mostly, the new website features make it easier for our residents to stay connected, be comfortable and feel at home during the pandemic.

Are you about to move to the Netherlands and are trying to get to grips with the Dutch school system? Then you have come to the right place. Below you will find a broad strokes overview of education in the Netherlands.
 

The coronavirus has changed the way we live, work, and travel. One element that can cause the most anxiety in this unusual time, is the feeling of not having control. That’s why here at Corporate Housing Factory we want to take the opportunity to let you know what changes we have made and how you can continue to make the most of your serviced apartment stay.

Labelled a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) in March 2020, the coronavirus disease, also known as COVID-19, has significantly changed the lifestyle of expats and non-expats alike. Whether you have been in your new country for six weeks or six months, here’s how to deal with the Coronavirus as an expat.

Corporate Housing Factory is excited to announce a new location in one of The Hague's most popular neighbourhoods: Welcome to Hoge Duin Serviced Apartments!

As an expat in a foreign country, the holidays can be a little rough. One of the best ways to make things a bit easier is to embrace the holiday atmosphere and enjoy what the country has to offer. So why not head to one of the major Christmas markets in the Netherlands for some extra Christmas spirit?
 

spring and the Netherlands might be the words that usually go together when thinking of this European country. However, there are plenty of perks that the cooler weather brings. Here are our top recommendations of what to do this fall in the Netherlands.

Rotterdam does not shy away from stunning architecture. There's the Erasmusbrug, the Markthal, the famous Cube Houses, and, on the Wilhelminapier, the New Orleans residential building. The best news? You can feel part of this bustling city by making this building the location of your extended stay in Rotterdam.

The Hague is the city with the highest concentration of international schools in the Netherlands. You'll also find an excellent selection of English-speaking playschools (peuterspeelzalen), day care facilities (kinderdagverblijven), and after school care (buitenschoolse opvang) options. Below we have outlined the main primary and secondary schools for expat children in The Hague.

Dutch cuisine might be stereotyped as a plate full of meat, potatoes, and vegetables. But if this is your only experience with Dutch food, then you are missing out. The country's cuisine is influenced by its history - in particular overseas, the North Sea, and its large harbour, giving rise to an extra international twist. We've put together a list of five great restaurants to help you embrace the Dutch cuisine experience.

You're headed to the Netherlands and are looking for the perfect expat rentals in Eindhoven. With so many options to investigate, it can be difficult to know where to start. We've based our expat rentals in some of our favourite places. Here's what we like about each one.

King’s Day, Koningsdag in Dutch, is when the Dutch celebrate King Willem Alexander’s birthday. At first glance, it might seem like a party for the adults, but there are also plenty of ways to celebrate with children. Here are some family friendly tips for celebrating King's Day 2019 in Holland.

The dictionary defines culture as the ideas, customs, and social behaviour of a particular people or society. So, what traditions in the Netherlands can you expect to experience during your time in the country? Below are some of the most commented upon.

You're headed to the Netherlands and are looking for the perfect expat rentals in Amsterdam. With so many options to investigate, it can be difficult to know where to start. We've based our expat rentals in some of our favourite places. Here's what we like about each one.

As the days get shorter and the hours darker, you'll start to see the colourful, sparkly lights of Christmas appear in the windows of many Dutch homes. But what does Christmas in the Netherlands really mean? Here is an overview to some of its most important elements.

When you are staying in one of Corporate Housing Factory's apartments in Hoge Duin, you will be spoiled for choice when it comes to eating out in The Hague. With so many opportunities, we've put together a list of ten favourites to help you on your way.

When it comes to staying away from home for business, finding somewhere that is more than just a place to sleep can make all the difference. Between the extra privacy and additional services, there are plenty of perks of staying in a serviced apartment.

Extended stays in a city are the perfect mix of becoming part of the rhythm of a place, together with the excitement of everything still being fairly new to you. And if your time in the Netherlands has you staying in Eindhoven for more than a couple of days, then consider yourself lucky. There is plenty to see and enjoy in the Netherlands’ fifth-largest city. Here are some of our favourites.
 

Even though the Netherlands is a relatively small country, its capital has impact on the whole country. Beautiful places surrounded with a lot of green, and a business sector that is exponentially expanding. One could say it is a very impressive city. But the one aspect most impressive must be: the Zuidas. 

Serviced apartment provider Corporate Housing Factory has been presented with the ASAP (The Association of Serviced Apartment Providers - UK) Serviced Apartment Team of the Year 2017 Award at its annual Gala Dinner & Industry Awards that took place last Thursday in London. Maurice Noten, Sales Manager at Corporate Housing Factory was also nominated as 'Rising Star of the Industry'.

At Corporate Housing Factory we know how it feels to be "at home", and even though we pride ourselves on the places we offer, we know how difficult it can be to feel at home, however nice your expat rental is. But we also know how to help; with these five easy tips.

A business trip is something that most business owners and employees will have to deal with at some point. That first business trip can seem daunting, and even those with experience might be unsure as to how to properly prepare for a business trip. Keep reading for our advice on how to prepare for your corporate travel adventure. 

The Netherlands is a land of many qualities, with its incredible landscapes, exciting nightlife, and many historical monuments, museums, and galleries. While some people believe Dutch food, however, is straightforward and even a little unexciting, the country does offer a variety of dishes including many that benefit from the influences of former colonies. 

We are proud to announce that we are one of the FD Gazellen 2016! This means that we are one of the fastest growing companies in the Netherlands! The prize is annually awarded by Het Financiele Dagblad (FD) to about 500 companies which are financially healthy and  have seen significant growth in the past three years.
 

Are you looking for a place to stay with your family for a trip to a new city or country? Serviced apartments might not be the first option that springs to mind, but you’d be surprised at all the positives they include. From helping to maintain the family routine to saving money, serviced apartments have a whole lot to offer. Here are the top reasons why they are perfect for families.

If you happen to be staying in one of Corporate Housing Factory’s apartments in the New Amsterdam building and don’t feel like cooking. You are in luck! There are so many restaurants to choose from in the Amsterdam Zuidas area. Here are fifteen of the best and top-rated, where you can enjoy a beverage, a quick bite, or a full meal. 

We are super proud to announce that we have been selected as finalists for Team of the Year in the ASAP Serviced Apartment Industry Awards 2017!

Are you moving to the Netherlands to begin your expat life? Wouldn’t it be great to have someone follow you everywhere, helping you figure out the language, food, transportation, and all the other things you need to learn?

There is a special spot to head to in Rotterdam if you are looking for the perfect combination of luxurious apartments, great views, and a mix of old and new. That place? The Wilhelminapier. More specifically, the New Orleans residential building.

We are super happy to have gained the Quality Accredited Operator Netherlands status and to be the latest Serviced Apartment Operator member to join The ASAP (Association of Serviced Apartment Providers)!

Lesser known than its big brother/sister counterparts Rotterdam and Amsterdam, what The Hague misses out on in fame, it more than makes up for with unique things to do.

Here at Corporate Housing Factory, we pride ourselves on top-notch service delivered by a knowledgeable and dedicated team. But it isn't just serviced apartments that we can help with. We also have great suggestions on what there is to see and do in the Netherlands.

Corporate Housing Factory will be renting out 14 short stay Serviced Apartments and two guest rooms for business travelers in the new Park Hoog Oostduin (the former Shell building) in The Hague. Completion is set for fall 2017.

As expat rentals have evolved, many amenities that were once a luxury are now considered basics. But that doesn’t mean that residents don’t have any special requests. Here are the top five most requested apartment features that we regularly receive:

Arrive in the Netherlands on April 27th, and you will find yourself surrounded by orange and a party atmosphere. Welcome to King's Day in the Netherlands.

Corporate Housing Factory, expert in the rental of serviced apartments, opens a new location in Eindhoven with 35 apartments.