One day layover in Amsterdam

Whoops! Sorry about that. I'm reading and typing at the same time. You can go down to the train level of Schiphol and catch a train into Amsterdam. There are places to stay overnight near Amsterdam Central train staion. You will be able to see the old downtown in the afternoo and and get the train back to Schiphol in the norning, early to catch your plane. There isn't really much to see if you stay at the airport area hotels.

For just one night it would be best to stay at the Ibis hotel connected to Centraal Station. The trains to/from the airport run 24/7.

We stayed at that Ibis last October. If you choose that option be sure you have some Euros before you leave the airport. There is no ATM at the hotel. They will exchange your dollars, etc. for Euros but the exchange rate is awful. You will pay extra for breakfast but the good thing is it begins about 4:AM to accomodate early risers. The restaurant exceptional for an Ibis hotel.

staying in the airport would give you additional peace of mind. It is an easy train ride in or out of the city. Personally, I'd rather catch a later train (there is one every hour between 1AM and 5PM) to the airport and set to sleep instead of waking up earlier next morning.

Thanks all for your input!
The Ibis looks great, but given it is Queens Day prices are around 270 (dollars) per night. Any other good recommendations for places to stay? I don't mind walking a few blocks. Erica

I'm going to be in Amsterdam on Queen's Day as well, so I know how brutal the rate are this year. Not only is it QD, but the new King is also being crowned so it's an extra big celebration this year! Unless you are willing to pre-pay a non-refundable reservation, you're not going to be able to find any hotels under $250 a night:( Check out the Crown Plaza also near Centraal Station. I seem to recall they had a pre-pay rate closer to $200USD.

What about staying in Haarlem? It's only 30 mins away from Amsterdam by train, and they would hopefully have more reasonably priced rooms. It might be worth checking out.

During Queen's Day (in 2013, since it will change after 2013 with the new king), anything in a 50km radius of Amsterdam is priced up. Amstelveen, Utrecht, Haarlem, Zaandam, Prumerand, Weesp are all priced way up (to varying degrees). I'd suggest you to try to book something at the airport.

I stayed at the Citizen M which is walking distance to the airport. It is modern and convenient. Catching an early morning flight is no problem.