Where to stay in Amsterdam

[Barbie075]

Will be spending three days in Amsterdam in late August 2010 and am looking for some less expensive accommodations. Not real low end -- just moderate pricing. Hoping to find something between $125-$180/night. Appreciate any input from previous visitors to Amsterdam.

[Loganeski]

I stay with friends when in Amsterdam but I have seen those hotels mentioned on this board. These are located in centre of amsterdam and not too expensive.
http://www.hotelbrouwer.nl/
http://www.lecoin.nl/indexEN.html
http://www.embhotels.nl/bellevue
http://www.accorhotels.com/nl/hotel-...re/index.shtml
http://www.accorhotels.com/nl/hotel-...ra/index.shtml

Also the site of amsterdam tourist office gives more hotels:
http://www.iamsterdam.com/en/visiting

[Clasina]

Last year, we stayed in an absolutely fabulous private guesthouse in Amsterdam. The price was in the range you mentioned, and we thoroughly enjoyed everything about it: the location, the hosts, the luxury, the view from the roof garden, the woooooonderful bed, the bijou kitchenette. It was a total treat!
At the time, we selected this option only because it was within walking distance of our friends' place, and they don't have room for houseguests. But in my opinion, it is an ideal spot for anyone who wants to see the "real" Amsterdam, through the eyes of an Amsterdammer, from a totally charming pied-a-terre.
I'm jealous of you already!
The website is linnaeussuite.nl and there are reviews (mine is one) on Flipkey: http://www.flipkey.com/properties/vi...te+guesthouse/

[Barbie075]

Thanks so much will check these sites out.

[Lair Bear]

This is what I posted on an earlier thread:

This coming April we will actually be staying at a brand new hotel that is being built just north of Amsterdam. We will be using the local transportation system such as the trains and busses and spend a lot more time then two days. The hotel is in Zaandam about fifteen minutes by train from the Centraal Station in Amsterdam. Here is a picture of what is being built by the Golden Tulip chain. The architecture is supposed to represent the old houses you might see at the Zaanse Schans, dating more than two hundred years ago. We went ahead and already reserved a room at 99 euros per night.
Goddey? Perhaps, but it is not along one of the canals in Amsterdam where it would really be out of place.
http://www.goldentulipamsterdamzaand...tie.31957.aspx

[MikeKam]

Originally Posted by Lair Bear

This is what I posted on an earlier thread:

This coming April we will actually be staying at a brand new hotel that is being built just north of Amsterdam. We will be using the local transportation system such as the trains and busses and spend a lot more time then two days. The hotel is in Zaandam about fifteen minutes by train from the Centraal Station in Amsterdam. Here is a picture of what is being built by the Golden Tulip chain. The architecture is supposed to represent the old houses you might see at the Zaanse Schans, dating more than two hundred years ago. We went ahead and already reserved a room at 99 euros per night.
Goddey? Perhaps, but it is not along one of the canals in Amsterdam where it would really be out of place.
http://www.goldentulipamsterdamzaand...tie.31957.aspx

That picture for some reason reminds me of a ginger bread house.

[Lair Bear]

Originally Posted by MikeKam

That picture for some reason reminds me of a ginger bread house.

As I said, it is a take off from the old houses you can visit at the Zaanse Schans.

[Budget Queen]

In Amsterdam, I find a big advantage to staying central in the city, rather than having "commutes" in/out. It's a great walking city. Although very modest, and stairs, on the low end of costs, I like Hotel Kap. A superb location right off a Tram 16/24 stop.

[Wendy The Wanderer]

I will second the recommendation of Hotel Kap. It's central enough, but not too central. It's close to the museums, in a nice area, not heavily touristy. We really enjoyed it.

[janmcn]

Originally Posted by Clasina

Last year, we stayed in an absolutely fabulous private guesthouse in Amsterdam. The price was in the range you mentioned, and we thoroughly enjoyed everything about it: the location, the hosts, the luxury, the view from the roof garden, the woooooonderful bed, the bijou kitchenette. It was a total treat!

The website is linnaeussuite.nl and there are reviews (mine is one) on Flipkey: http://www.flipkey.com/properties/vi...te+guesthouse/

CLASINA: was this place convenient for touring the area without a car? i.e. Walking distance to canal tour boats, public transportation, etc.? It looks wonderful for 4 nights we'll need it next Aug.

[Ine]

Any place in Amsterdam is good without a car. Parking is difficult and very expensive. Public transport is very good.
In case your stay in Augusut is during 19 - 23 Augusut, the city will be busy due to this 5 yearly event:
http://sail2010.nl/en/

[janmcn]

Thanks for the "heads up" about the Sail Event! It DOES take place when we're there (actually our cruise leaves Aug. 19 so we should have good views of many of the tall ships, etc.)...but it will be crowded ahead, so we'll definitely need to reserve NOW for our stay the 4 days before. Thanks...Jan

[linh123]

I really like the Marriott hotel. I know it is primarily an American hotel and does not give you a local experience, but the hotel is nice and clean. Also, it is in an excellent location. You can walk to the museums, it is on the tram line, across the street from the casino. If you ask, they will give you a free pass to the casino. Also, the area has restaurants of all cuisines with walking distance. Boon Chicago is also only a few blocks away. I would not stay outside the city limits. I think it is always more enjoyable to stay right in the heart of things.

[janmcn]

Which Marriott? There are two in A'dam. I'm quite definite now (with the Sail Function) about staying there, using "points".

[Clasina]

Originally Posted by janmcn

CLASINA: was this place convenient for touring the area without a car? i.e. Walking distance to canal tour boats, public transportation, etc.? It looks wonderful for 4 nights we'll need it next Aug.

janmcm -- 2 minutes walk to the tram and it's a short ride into the center (and tams run every few minutes). The ride is a scenic tour in itself, and takes you past most of the tourist sights you'd want to go to! Bonus: there is a huge park/green space for walking or jogging also a two minute walk away. Shops close by, everything is there. Once you're "home", it is peaceful , and one of the prettiest streets you'll find in the city.

Ine is right. Trust us, do whatever you can to AVOID having a car in Amsterdam! Traffic is crazy and the streets are a nightmare of tram lanes, cars, buses, bicycles, access lanes, intersections and pedestrians. You'll see! You want to be comfortably inside the tram, rather than in a head-on with one. And parking ... *shudder*. Once outside the city, though, driving is fine.

I've lived in Holland. Over thirty years (more, actually, but that would really show my age!!) I've been to Amsterdam countless times, both as a local and as a tourist. The time I stayed at Linnaeussuite was the best time!

[Wendy The Wanderer]

Trust what everybody says--a car is not viable in Amsterdam! Much less viable than any other major European city. The trams are great, and lots of fun. To me, that particular guesthouse looks too far out. Again, just for me. But not having stayed out in that district, perhaps I would love it. Just more travel time to get to the centre.

[janmcn]

Don't worry...we have absolutely no thoughts on renting a car in A'dam. However, I do want to know how central the Amsterdam Marriott is

Address: Stadhouderskade 12
1054 ES Amsterdam, Netherlands

We will arrive by flight from the US and will be leaving on the Eurodam wherever that leaves from.

We'll have 2-3 days to explore the area, so want easy access to transportation.

Thanks for all the great advice!

[Ine]

The marriott is opposite Leidseplein, a area with various bars, restaurants,cinemas etc. Walking distance from the museums, various tramstops on Leidseplein to all directions.
From the airport either take a cab (about E. 45.-) or the shuttleservice:
http://www.schipholhotelshuttle.nl/s...sp?Language=EN

There is a goodtrainconnection from the airport into town, but not convenient if you stay in the marriott.