transportation and inexpensive hotels in amsterdam

Darcy:I have a map,do access Rick and know where I want to stay(See my msg. I was told by the cruise line that the "canal of departure" is near the train station,and thats why I asked about that area.) But Ive always benefited most from frequent visitorsperpectives and the more info one has the better.&#40;IMO&#41; Thx. <br />Monte:Sorry,but obviously my msg seemed to disturb you.But last time I checked this was not an obligatory answering service.&#40;For future reference&#41;Fortunately 99% of all respeonses Ive ever gotten have been informative and courteous, irrespective(obviously) of how they may feel about the question,and my responses to other`s questions have alawys been the same,irrespective of "obvious answers".
Have a good day

There are 6-8 trains per hour between Schiphol Airport station (which is beneath the terminal) and Amsterdam Centraal station. Easy to travel.

Jack, it seems to me like you need to look at a map, figure out where exactly your river trip begins and then find a hotel nearby. Rick's books and tripadvisor.com always have several suggestions for hotels.

There is not "the canal" there are "those canals". They are all over the city. You will walk over one as you emerge from Central Station. Just after that you will gaze slightley to your right and see a huge hotel. There are really no cheap hotels is Amsterdam, nor B & Bs, but some hostels may be. You are going to need to do some research on your own.

"...There are really no cheap hotels is Amsterdam, nor B & Bs..." Ridiculous statement. There are plenty of cheap hotels in Amsterdam. For just one night consider the Ibis Hotel connected to Centraal Station. Rates are around $150USD. If you book well in advance you can get rates at the RHO Hotel off Dam Square for around $100USD. Also check out the Avenue Hotel. Just a five minute walk from Centraal you can enjoy lovely canals like this: http://goo.gl/maps/OZ8GD

Hi Jack, Chances are good you are going to depart from Amsterdam's Cruise Terminal, which is a tram stop away from Centraal Station. It sgould be on the ship's website in a "booked passenger" tab. It is possible to take the tram there but there are 2 walkways, and one goes to the Muziekgebow ( concert hall), the further one goes to the terminal and the Movenpick Hotel. Probably I would just take a taxi from central to the terminal for the first time just for a lower frustration level.
The Movenpick is nice,modern- only a glass door to the bathroom- and has a good restaurant as well as good pub food in the first floor bar. It has wonderful views of the city, if you're lucky to get a room on that side. Prices vary, though. Have also stayed in the Ibis at the station, book early online and join their accor club for ( usually) a better rate. It's modular and plain, the new tower is better but further to walk within the hotel. There is also a new Doubletree somewhere near Central. None of these hotels are going to have Dutch charm or owners at the desk, so you might miss out on local knowledge; depends on what you really want. Amsterdam is full of decent hotels, staying on one of the canals is more fun than near Centraal Station.

michael/melissa: Many thx
Jack

Michael/Melissa:many thx.
Jack

jack, You could also consider Hotels close to the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum, as they're only about a 10-15 minute Tram ride from Amsterdam Central. Have a look at THIS Hotel for one example. I stayed there last year, and had to travel to Amsterdam Central for an early morning train. It was an easy trip. Happy travels!