Hi everyone. I'll be spending 10 days in AMS in April with my mother (85y and uses a mobility scooter). We will be mostly walking ("scooting" in her case) the city, going to museums, and if she feels energetic enough, taking day trips to Leiden/Haag/Delft. I have my eyes in three hotels with accessible facilities (allegedly): Ibis Stopera, Swissotel, and CitizenM Amstel. Which location would be more strategic if trams are not as accessible as claimed and we need to walk/scooter to the museums are or the train station? Which hotel area will be more pleasant to enjoy the canals and grab a bite if she does not feel up for day trips?
Are trams as easy to board with mobility scooters as official websites claim?
Any Dutch or resident can clarify if mobility scooter should go on the bike lanes or in the sidewalks?
Many thanks in advance!
Posted by
Salem, Oregon, USA
2342 posts
In case you didn't know, CitzenM only offers king sized beds (no twins) so if you don't want to share a bed you'd need to book two separate rooms. I've not stayed at either of the other places, but note that the Swissotel would be in a very central location (but also very crowded and busy) and the Ibis is a bit far from transportation stops.
You might look at these websites for more info. The GVB (public transit) offers a planner that you can indicate you need accessible stops, that might be a good way to test your location choices for hotels. Google street view might also help. I don't think she should go in the bike lane unless the sidewalk is not passable. Good luck!
https://www.iamsterdam.com/en/travel-stay/visitor-information/disabled-travellers
https://accessibletravel.nl/
https://www.gvb.nl/en/accessible-public-transport
Posted by
Tucson, Arizona, United States
10 posts
Hi- I spent time in Amsterdam, leading college students on Study Abroad Trips. I believe that the trams were very accessible but can be crowded in the central city during rush hours for commuters, so, traveling mid-day is MUCH less crowded! Having ridden bikes in Amsterdam, I would recommend staying OUT of the bike lanes, as bicyclists are traveling quite fast and can be crowded. A scooter (with companion walker) will be overtaken/overrun/crashed into rather quickly.
One of my favorite spots in Amsterdam is the Vondelpark...a large green space with paths and car-less roads used by walkers, cyclists, joggers, skaters, etc. Check it out! It's a lovely respite from the hustle and bustle of the city! Hope you and your mom have a wonderful visit. https://www.amsterdam.info/parks/vondelpark/