My husband and I will be in Amsterdam in late September for 3 nights. I'm so confused about where to stay. We want to see the big museums, especially the Van Gogh museum, we want to experience the red light district (during the day!) maybe check out the nine little streets area. In town or a up to a 20 minute tram ride to attractions would fine. I would like to be able to walk around to restaurants and bars close to the hotel at night. Our budget in other cities is $200/night. I think we would be willing to go to $250 in Amsterdam. We like nice, somewhat upscale hotels but clean rooms, beds and bathrooms are the most important factor. Not lugging our luggage too far from a tram stop is fairly important. I know hotels book quickly and we are almost exactly two months out. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks! Amy
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
The last time we were in Amsterdam we stayed in Haarlem about a ten minute train ride outside of Amsterdam to the west. We are returning this Sep and decided to stay in Amsterdam. We were more than a little surprised at prices and some lack of availability and we were looking in May for next September. In our opinion the better locations in Amsterdam were full and the few that were available were 250 Euro or more. So at this time you might have some trouble finding what you like at the price you want to pay. We decided that for an saving of a 150 Euro we could ride the train for ten minutes. So we are returning to our old hotel, Amadeus, in Haarlem. Haarlem is a little sleepy but a very relaxing after a long day in Amsterdam. Some good restaurants, especially fries, and Haarlem even has it's own red light district.
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9110 posts
For $250 a night checkout these places: Inntel Hotel, Crowne Plaza, the brand new Doubletree Hotel, or the Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky. All are right in the middle of the action in the Centraal Station/Dam Square area.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32350 posts
Amy, You might have a look at the www.poethotelamsterdam.com/ as it's in a great location and an easy walk from both the Van Gogh Musuem and Rijksmuseum. It's also easily accessible to a Tram line. It was recently renovated, so the rooms are very modern and clean, albeit a bit "small" in some respects. I didn't find that to be a problem as I'm typically just in the hotel to shower and sleep, so lots of room isn't needed. Happy travels!
Posted by
Lebanon
711 posts
Here are 2 hotels we love...the Hotel Fita which is close to the museums an tram lines and the Hotel Wiechmann which has about the best location in Amsterdam but lots of stairs....both are very clean, good breakfasts, maybe filled by now but you could try.
Posted by
Ohio
2161 posts
Amy, we stayed at the Hotel Alexander in May and I thought it was a good choice - it's within your budget, perfect location, walking distance to the museums, public transportation at the corner, and plenty of restaurant choices nearby. Staff was helpful. There is also a Marriott and Best Western on the same street. Hope you have a great time!
Posted by
CA, USA
266 posts
I stayed at the Inntel Hotel a few weeks ago and I wouldn't recommend it. It's very loud (bc of its loctation) and the rooms are tiny for the price you pay. Personally, I would stay further back - on a canal street. More quaint and defintely more quiet. There is an NH back there: Your text to link here...
Posted by
Annapolis, USA
16 posts
We were there in January 2012 and stayed at the Movenpick hotel
http://www.moevenpick-hotels.com/en/europe/netherlands/amsterdam/hotel-amsterdam/overview/ It is about a ten minute walk from the train station, and they do have shuttles to and from the hotel to the station (that you can take even if you're not going on the train but want to get there to start your day of touring). We had breakfast included & ability to use the concierge lounge which had free drinks, appetizers, and coffee during two hours early evening. Our friends had recommended it to us, and I would absolutely recommend it to anyone. While it is not technically in the center of town, we literally walked everywhere and in the middle of winter. We walked from the hotel to the Rijks museum without issues, which I think is the furthest point we went to in the city. Also, my husband sells craft beer for a living, and so we went to almost every good beer bar there was, if you're into that I highly recommend this bar: 't arendsnest Also, definitely take time to do a canal boat tour, you really get to see a lot and it doesn't take too much out of your trip.
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9110 posts
I stayed at the Inntel Hotel a few weeks ago and I wouldn't recommend it. It's very loud (bc of its loctation) and the rooms are tiny for the price you pay My experience is the complete opposite. I've been to Amsterdam many times, and Inntel had always has the largest rooms of any hotel I've stayed at in the city. Also, zero problems with noise. As an added bonus there is a tram stop directly in front of the hotel, which is used by multiple lines. It's a very popular hotel and often sells out, it's my hotel of preference when I'm in town.
Posted by
OP
Farmland, Indiana, USA
54 posts
Wow, everyone here is SO helpful!! Thank you for your suggestions. I'm going to check them out now and we'll let you know what we decide :) What would we do without Rick Steve's and his site?!? Thanks again! :-D Amy
Posted by
OP
Farmland, Indiana, USA
54 posts
Ok, it's a very busy time in Amsterdam and we had a heck of a time finding anything.... and ended up choosing a room twice our original budget but it should be nice and our rooms in other cities are below budget. Does anyone have any experience with the Ambassade Hotel? Amy
Posted by
Lebanon
711 posts
Hi Amy...yes it is very nice, but you are right ...it is higher than the others. As an interesting aside...I turned on the TV a couple of days ago and there was Rick Steves checking into the Ambassade. I had to rewind to make sure it was that hotel. It really is very nice, and in a wonderful area.Definitely not a budget choice though. They have a wonderful breakfast...if you stay there, treat yourself at least one day.
Posted by
Lebanon
711 posts
Hi Amy...yes it is very nice, but you are right ...it is higher than the others. As an interesting aside...I turned on the TV a couple of days ago and there was Rick Steves checking into the Ambassade. I had to rewind to make sure it was that hotel. It really is very nice, and in a wonderful area.Definitely not a budget choice though. They have a wonderful breakfast...if you stay there, treat yourself at least one day.
Posted by
No-Wheresville, USA
166 posts
When I was in Amsterdam last July, I stayed at the RHO Hotel in the Dam Square neighrborhood, and just loved it. Close to everything, good size rooms, walking distance to just about everything. Also great restaurants and cafes such as Golden Chopsticks restaurnat and Re'ne Croissants just up the sgtreet. Have a blast.
http://www.rhohotel.com/
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9110 posts
The RHO hotel is indeed an excellent budget hotel for those looking to save money, but the OP was looking for something more plush in the four-star range.
Posted by
OP
Farmland, Indiana, USA
54 posts
Jane - that is awesome that Rick Steve's stayed at the same hotel we are. I wonder what the chances are we will have the same room? LOL :) I really thought Rick liked to stay in 3 star or B&B type places. I'm a little surprised he stayed at Ambassade. I hope I get to see the episode! All - We have our way too expensive but very nice room booked for Amsterdam! Thank you all so very much. I love this community! Now on to finding an apartment in Paris.... That will be a challenge! Amy