hotels, sight seeing /Amsterdam

I seem to remember it was about thirty euro for a cab that was for three of us but not sure. I feel Amsterdam was one of the safest cities have been traveling to bar none. If you only have a day, be sure to book tickets for Anne Frank house so you don't have a wait. Can't help with hotel, had an apartment.
We also took a "cruise" out of Boom Chicago that was very intimate, took our own wine, cheese and was great, went to areas large boats could not get to it you have to be prepared to climb down a steep ladder to get to the tiny boat though so you are aware.

I would recommend that you take the train from the airport to the city. It's very easy and will take you right to city centre. I stayed at the Hotel Brouwer for a recent stay in Amsterdam and enjoyed it. Great breakfast, close to the train station, and an interesting old building. I felt completely safe walking around Amsterdam on my own. I was there for the world cup so there were plenty of rowdy people, but nobody was threatening. You should be fine. Pick up Rick's book on Amsterdam, Brugges and Brussels book. He has great suggestions. Pam

Gail/Pamela; Many thx to you both.Good info!
Jack

Cab fare from the airport to Centraal Station is typically around 50-60 euros. If you get stuck in traffic it could easily top 100 euros; best to use the train. For just one night, stay at the Ibis Hotel connected to the train station. There is a Movenpick Hotel attached to the cruise ship terminal; priceline tends to use this hotel a lot.

The train is SOOOO easy, one of the easiest airport to downtown transport methods I have ever experienced.

We did the math and found one of the shuttle services was only a few euros more than taking the train to Centraal Station and then a cab if you are not staying near Centraal, and was worth it just for the convenience. Cab fare really varies depending on time of day and traffic.
I liked the Movenpick for the views, and it is possible to hop the tram and go anywhere after changing at Centraal Station, but it's modern and doesn't really feel like Amsterdam staying there. Good restaurant and good pub food, tho. The Ibis at the train station doesn't feel like AMS either, but it's also convenient to the cruise terminal. Safe walking around, never felt worried anytime day or night except for one underpass, but use common sense for pickpockets. Take a canal cruise and enjoy the architecture, walk from downtown thru the Little Nine Streets, the usual bus tours don;t work as well in Amsterdam, tho we did one with the kids to see some windmills.

Melissa: Many Thx.What is the shuttle service? Is it at the airport and obvious to an arriving traveler? Also is the train also readily available to an arriving traveler?
Jack

Train station is below the center of the airport (all the terminals are spokes to this point), you can't miss it. Fare is 3.6 euro from machine, 4.1 from counter, runs every 10 minutes, 18 minutes to Centraal (or similar train to Amsterdam South station and tram 5 to hotels on that side.) In fact, the train is still inside the airport, the shuttle will be somewhere else outside

you're welcome Jack.....

We stayed at Vondelpark Hostel. If you can stand hostels, it's a decent place (pretty standard). It's close to the art museums and easy to catch public transport into town. The train from the airport is easy. Unless your loaded with bags, I'd choose that over a taxi. Although I'm not really an Amsterdam fan. I like the architecture/canals. We enjoyed the tour by canal boat (basically like taking the tourist bus, only on the canals) and seeing early works, that you don't see elsewhere, at the Van Gogh museum.

Many thx to you all for the train info.Has resolved some uncertainties for me.

I like B and B Batavia, about 15 min. Walk from Centraal Station. Just 2 rooms, but within walking distance of Anne Frank house, along a canal.

This is a city for biking and walking, so do consider going on one of the recommended bike tours or walking tours on offer in Amsterdam. I don't know if RS lists any, but I just counted 23 tours listed on Trip Advisor. Read the reviews and see what interests you. There was an "Amsterdam in WWII" that sounds pretty good and would be one I would enjoy. There were several different bike tours listed too.

Jo/Elaine: Thanks. Good info.
Jack