Elliottravel

We will arrive into Amsterdam mid morning and then are departing Amsterdam the next morning on a 10:20 am flight back to the States. Should we stay near the airport that night or in the city? Dumb question I know but it is hte last night and last detail of 14 day family trip and I my head is spinning!
Thanks for your thoughts.

artstuff

I would definately stay in Amsterdam for the evening. Schiphol Airport is a 20 minute train ride from Centraal Station, trains running about every 15 minutes, so there is no need to stay near the airport.

If you arrive in Amsterdam mid morning, before you can check into the hotel, you can probably stash your bags there until your room is ready.

You could take a boat ride on the canal, to give you a feel of the city, then maybe visit one of the many museums. A visit to the Anne Frank House is best done later in the afternoon, when the lines are shorter. My favorite museum is the Amstelkring (Our Lord in the Attic), located in the Red Light District. Which, by the way, has some really neat and old architecture, and is worth a stroll through during the day (as well as the evening).

We'll be in Amsterdam this October, heading to Germany. Our plane lands early in the morning, so we plan on stopping in the city for a few hours, to grab breakfast, then off to Cologne. We're always looking for an excuse to visit Amsterdam.

Happy travelling. Peace, Robyn >-

aliced

I too would stay in the city; the airport is not a long ride. Take an hour or so canal ride, get away from Van Dam Square (not the prettiest part of the city), try for a hotel in the Jordaan area, on the western canals, walk everywhere from there!

suze

Definitely I would get a hotel in the city. It's a very short ways away from the airport (by train, taxi, or airport/hotel Connexxion bus).

You can have a lovely day to explore a little of Amsterdam, then have your hotel arrange for a shuttle or taxi, or take the train back to the airport early in the AM. Plenty of time.

hopscotch

I agree with most of the above. Stay in the city. Staying in Haarlem is also an option. Bus 300 from Schiphol Plaza takes you to the Haarlem station in 45 minutes.

You don't say when or what day of the week you will be overnighting. It makes a difference.

In any case, I advise that you not take a canal boat tour. It is a waste of time and money. I'm probably the only one on Fodor's who would say this but I think I am more experienced in A'dam that most. I lived in Haarlem for a few years and often visited Amsterdam, and worked there.

Click my name here and you'll find many posts advising on things to do and not do. You don't have much time so choose wisely. Don't bother with a guidebook but get a tram system map of Amsterdam when you buy your Strippenkaart at the office opposite the train station. Get tourist info from the VVV official tourist office at Schiphol.

rkkwan

Actually, I wouldn't mind getting the Sheraton or Hilton at AMS (bid 5* Priceline, and you can often get either for just over $100). Drop off your stuff at the hotel, then take the train to town till nighttime. You can then get up late morning and walk over to terminal.

lizjc

I live in Amsterdam and agree with rkkwan - see if you can get a deal at the airport Sheraton and that simplifies your last morning immensely.And the train station is right under the airport and joined by a walkway to the hotel.

If you haven't been to A'dam before the canal boat trip is worthwhile - you get a different view and see quite a lot in a short time compared to walking around.

Dukey

Not sure why you think this is a "dumb" question because it isn't.

Let's talk about the Hilton and the Sheraton if you DO decide to stay at the airport.

These two hotels (other than the Mercure) are the closest to the main terminal and within walking distance; the Hilton is a few minutes walk beyond the Sheraton; all others probably require a taxi or shuttle to reasonably reach.

martin_nl

Elliot,
because of safety procedures you'll probably need your time at schiphol (check in 08am). When you stay in a hotel in AMS center this means on week days transport from center to schiphol during morning rush our. With luggage and kids this might be spinning as well. I suggest: stay near the airport, train to AMS on arrival day, have a great time just wandering around the canals, maybe a canal boat trip (best way to see the beauty of amsterdam, we love it!), see the begijnenhof with the english church, have a meal in the jordaan area and train back to the airport in the evening...

Elliottravel

Thanks for the posts. We are arrving on Sunday and departing on Monday so week day rush hour is a factor on getting to the airport for flight home. I failed to mention that we are doing the same upon arrival to Europe-that is arrving AMS mid morning adn o/n for one night before departing for LON next afternoon so we do have the opportunity for some sightseeing in AMS at beginning of our trip as well. (We are at the Estherea for this first night in a family room and I believe we will look toward an airport property for the last night. Any thoughts on the Mercure (my $$ conscious husband thinks the IBIS b/c of price but not me!) First trip overseas for the kids 15 and 11 yo. We have a Ambitious itinerary...here's hoping we are all still speaking at the end of the trip!

Dukey

LET your husband prevail on the IBIS and insist that HE schlep all the luggage there!