Amsterdam Trams?

Hotel Weichmann is a bit of a walk from the nearest tram stop, so with luggage it would probably be best take a taxi from Centraal when you arrive. While Amsterdam is very walkable, you also don't want to wear yourself out. So it's best to use the trams a bit. The unlimited transport passes are very easy to use, they operate with radio-waves simply wave them near the reader when you enter and exit the tram. Unlike a lot of trams I've experienced in Italy, the ones in Amsterdam are separated from the rest of street traffic and have priority over cars, so they're much faster/efficient.

We will be traveling with just our backpacks.. The hotel is telling me that it is a 5 minute walk from the tram stop.. Do you disagree?

It probably is a five minute walk, but the hotel is on a side street and the layout of Amsterdam is a bit confusing so it will take while for you to get oriented.

We will also be in Amsterdam in about a month. This is helpful info! Does anyone know if there is a tram stop close to The Ambassade Hotel?
Herengracht 341, Amsterdam Where do you purchase the cards? Thanks!

The Ambassade Hotel is about a minute walk from the nearest tram stop. Google Maps has all the tram stops listed. If you click the tram icon it will list which lines serve that stop: http://goo.gl/maps/gFumQ You can purchase transit passes at the GVB ticket office just outside Centraal Station or on board the tram. The one advantage to purchasing at the ticket office is that they have a ample supply of trams maps available, whereas you typically can't get them from tram conductors.

Use Google maps they have options for tram and walking.
I was there in July and we (3 young senior citizens) walked all over until we rented bikes. It's flat. Hotel is 1.4 miles from Station To walk turn right out of station and walk past IBIS Hotel and bike parking ramp continue walking until you see bike/pedestrian bridge on your left. Take that bridge as it follows The Singel Canal and goes under the major thoroughfare. Continue following the Singel until you hit Raadhuistraat. Turn right on Raadhuistraat(BIG BUSY STREET, restaurants etc)and cross the canals until you cross the Prisengraacht. Turn left and walk on the far side of the Prisengraacht to your hotel. It's not a bad walk but after travelling and possibly jet lag it might be a long 1.4 miles. Suggestion: If you are young at heart take a Bike Tour with Mikes Bike and get your bearings then rent bikes it is the only way to go in Amsterdam.

I think the transportation passes are good value. Even if you can walk throughout the city, it can wear down a bit (distances are not so short like a small city). Moreover, there are interesting places you probably won't bother visiting if you have to walk to get there, like the Plantage district.

Christy, if/when you get there try the tram. they are nice and run frequently. the only issues i had with them was that as long as there wasnt any gridlock, they worked. my last trip i was on 2 different trams that were sitting in traffic due to gridlock. go figure. also, one of locals told me that the address numbers increase with the distance away from the central station. and i confirmed this where i want. dont know if it true for everyplace/block/building. happy trails.

Thank you all for your replies..... most helpful... don't know why, but I always get a little anxious with ground transportation... ;)... Oh well... now I have a more clear picture in my head. I am looking very forward to Amsterdam.. Think I have just about decided on day trips. We will go to Delft and Haarlem. i would like to take in another one too, but I know 4 days is a really short time.. Do you think I might have time to take in Gouda or another town like that, especially if one of the above is only worth 1/2 day? Thanks

The beauty of Amsterdam day trips is that they do not require any advance planning. The trains are frequent and there's no discount for advance purchase. So, once you're there, if you want to take a day trip, do so; if you feel there's more to see and do in Amsterdam itself, then stay put. Do you have Rick Steves Amsterdam, Bruges, & Brussels? Despite the title, he has lots of information about all kinds of day trips from Amsterdam, including transit details. I said above that you don't have to decide on day trips in advance, but once you do know that you're doing one, the book will be very helpful with logistics.

Harold, Yes, I do have the RS Amsterdam book. I also picked up the Lonely Planet- Amsterdam book (the mini-one). Thus my indecision about day trips.... there are just so many good places to see! Can't wait!