Affordable, well located Hotel Suggestions for Amsterdam

Within in your budget......there is the Ibis hotel connected to Centraal Station where you catch the train to Schipol Airport. Not too far away right on Dam Square is the RHO Hotel www.rhohotel.com. Hotels in Amsterdam are pricey at the last minute, so book ASAP to get the lowest rates.

I stayed in Haarlem and used the train to visit many different places around and in Amsterdam.
Delft, Edam, Utrecht, Haarlem(not sure of the spelling). It was only about a 20 minute train ride from
Haarlem into the main station in Amsterdam.
Stayed in a Rick Steves recommended hotel right on the main square

Based on some research it appears that the Dam Square area seems like an ideal area to stay for convenience (please correct me you have other suggestions). These are some of the hotels that I am coming across that fit our budget and just curious if anyone has an experience with these or other thoughts:
-Inntel Hotel
-HOtel the Exchange (book a room 3 stars or above)
-WestCrod City Centre HOtel Amsterdam
-Die Port Van Cleve Hotel
-Hotel Avenue

Thanks for any advice!

If that's your decision, perhaps somebody will pop up to validate it. I wouldn't but we are likely different people with different needs and criteria.

I do have one question - how do you get a hotel where you can and cannot book a 3 star room? Rooms don't get stars, hotels do. It has nothing to do with quality of room, stars are given by the authority and are based on facilities available in the hotel - like a lift, English speaking staff, 24 hour desk, restaurant, etc.

Tyler,

This is just my opinion and observations based on my travels so far. Only been over to europe 4 times now so take it as you feel.

the star rating is just an subjective rating by someone or organization or even people. even trip advisor you can go and give a rating even if you havent stayed there.

i stayed at some that were 3 stars and compared to USA hotels, probably were not. But i keep in mind that most of Europe is alot older and hence so are the buildings and rooms. the places can be updated, but that would depend on when and with what. I go for affordability, clean, safe and an area central to my needs. thats about it. I know that some people are use to the finer things in life and so they probably wont stay were i would, but to each his own.

just something to think about. readup on the reviews and consider them too.

another comment is that i use/look at Rick Steves books and places to stay reviews. in my limited experience and where i have stayed, his reviews, so far, has been about right as far as ive experience - so far.

one last comment. Since youre only staying over night if you choice isnt the best, consider a learning experince and mark it as one you wont go back to.

happy trails.

While the Inntel is my favorite hotel in Amsterdam, it's way above your price range. Rooms are typically $250+ a night. The Avenue Hotel is a good budget hotel. It has AC in all rooms, while the RHO only has AC in a few rooms.