Best Area to Stay In

Hi Chris,
I'm planning a trip to Amsterdam too, I'm sure there are others who will have much better advice, but until they chime in, here's what I found.

Dikker and thijys fenice hotel
https://www.hotels.com/hotel/details.html?hotelId=119293&tab=description

I selected it because it has AC, and it's on prisengracht canal, which is supposed to be in a nice area. I used google maps to figure out distances, and it's within walking distance to Ann frank house, and the museums. It was a little above my budget, but I think Amsterdam seems to be more expensive than even Paris.

Brouwer hotel was suggested to me from this forum and we loved it.. great location, we walked everywhere..

AC is not needed in Amsterdam.. heat may be.. even in summer.. lol

Museum district is a nice location with easy express bus access from the airport. We stayed at Hotel Vondel and we're pleased.

These have been good suggestions. Amsterdam's a pretty compact town for the size of the population, and there are many good areas to stay in. We find trams to be the easiest way to get around.
We used to stay in Amsterdam South out by Vondel Park, however the bed and breakfasts in the area have disappeared after being converted into condos--owners selling out for big $. Last visit, we stayed out past the airport in a business hotel--best bargain in town. We took the train from the airport into the city in 15 minutes or less.

The only correct answer to your question is - there isn't "one" best area to stay in Amsterdam. It depends entirely on what you are looking for. I have stayed in the Jordon, near Centraal station, on a canal, in Rembrantplein, and for perhaps my last dozen trips to the city, near Vondel Park. This is my preferred area because of its proximity to the Museum Quarter, restaurants and bars (Leidseplien), and good tram service to the rail station.

We will be in AMS on Sunday - staying in the De Pijp area - I'll let you know how it goes!

We stayed in Jordaan area (right off the Keizersgracht) . It is quieter but very centrally located - easy to walk to Dam Square, Red Light District, and is steps from the Anne Frank Huis and Westerkerk. But it feels more like a place people actually live compared to some of the more nightlife focused areas of Amsterdam. We loved strolling the canal side lanes of this area as much as any of the actual sites we visited in Amsterdam.

I second the Jordan area.

We stayed in the Titus Hotel on Leidsakde near museums. It isn't fancy....you pay for the PRIME location. It was perfect for getting everywhere. The stairs are steep, the front desk person is nice and it is extremely clean. We were very comfortable. The beds are pretty soft if that's an issue.

Here is one take on Amsterdam's neighborhoods for the visitor: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g188590-c156882/Amsterdam:The-Netherlands:Where.To.Stay.In.Amsterdam.html

Here is another: http://www.eurocheapo.com/amsterdam/hoods

From the same EuroCheapo website, here's an excellent discussion of things to know before booking a hotel in Amsterdam - not just "cheap" ones: http://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/amsterdam-hotel-advice.html

We are enjoying our stay in the De Pijp area. There seems to be a bakery every half block. Tons of restaurants. About a 10-15 min walk to a roundabout area where trams will take you to central station. (There is roadwork ongoing so the tram that usually runs nearby isn't running). Ten or so min walk to rijksmuseum.

We took a taxi from south station to our room, cost €11.