I have an upcoming flight that has a 19 1/2-hour layover in Amsterdam. Not wanting to spend that amount of time in an airport, any suggestions on where to find lodging nearby?
Take the train from Schipol airport into the City Center, 15 minutes. Things to do should include a canal boat ride, a walk around the charming Jordaan neighborhood, Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh museum. Get tickets for museums ahead.
If you take the train into A'dam, there are a large number of hotels within a few minutes walking time from the Centraal station. Have a look at booking.com. There is a map that shows locations.
Haarlem is another option, by train or bus right from AMS.