We are staying in Amsterdam for 2 days after departing a cruise. He have made reservations at the IBIS hotel. Wondering if anyone can comment on the location and if it’s a nice hotel. Also, as first time tourists to the city, what are the “must see” places we should see.
Posted by
Windsor, Ontario, Canada
4044 posts
This member of the very large Ibis chain is so close to the busy Centraal railroad station to almost feel like it's part of the terminal. There is lots of parking at the front door, a streetcar stop nearby and a busy street out front, with a major waterway behind it. A very busy scene. I haven't stayed there but I know what to expect because all Ibis accommodations are the same. Built-in plywood fixtures, bathroom with squeeze bottles for soap etc., good WiFi, small rooms, hospitable staff. Part of the chain's appeal is that there never are any surprises. I prefer that security to local colour.
Recommendations? Go to the Explore Europe menu, top left of this page, where there already are lots of suggestions.
Posted by
Chicago
7832 posts
Yes I agree the Ibis hotels are all uniform basic clean. You can get anywhere in Amsterdam from that location on foot or using the tram.
Posted by
Tilburg, Netherlands
2829 posts
There are two Ibis hotels very close to Amsterdam Centraal. One directly on the side of the station. Another across the big plaza and tram stop. The location is okay. Very convenient for ongoing trips. But it is a very crowded area, and restaurants and shops very close by are generally bad or overpriced.
Accor hotels (the chain Ibis belongs to) has generally predictable consistency across each brand. Hotels will be clean, and nothing will be a positive or negative major surprise.
Posted by
Anchorage, Alaska
108 posts
I am in my 60’s and I have stayed there several times in the last couple of years. It is a basic cookie cutter hotel with an excellent breakfast selection. Be sure you are aware whether your room rate includes breakfast or not because they do check. I stay at the back section of the hotel, which is actually built over the train tracks, which has a great view of the river and its commercial boat and ferry traffic. I have not noticed much noise at night, the rooms I have stayed in seem to be soundproofed well. Overall, I find it a good value for my money.
As other have said It is a very busy area that is close by the Centraal Train Station, the tram station, canal tour boats, ferry station, automobile traffic, and about a jillion bike riders! Riding their bikes fast! I always do a 360 degree sweep of the area before stepping into any street or bike path! Amsterdam is the most dangerous city in Europe in my view!. :)
The hotel meets my needs for taking day trips by train, using the tram system, but mostly I walk everywhere and most of the sights are within walking distance. It may not have the character, charm, or atmosphere that you can find elsewhere, but it is a good basic place to stay.
Posted by
Australia
863 posts
A canal cruise is a great way to orient yourself and they start from just across the street from Amsterdam Centraal. We went on the 75 minute Blue Boat cruise. Good value at around 14 Euros.
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9099 posts
Be aware that this Ibis doesn't have AC, which could be an issue in the summer months. On the flip side the rooms are 100% sound proof which is important as the hotel is literally built on top of the train tracks servicing Centraal Station.
If you are looking for something more upscale check out the Doubletree hotel on the opposite side of the station.