jenack

Hey, I have searched the threads and found some good info, but wanted to see if there was anything real fresh: I have an overnight in Amsterdam in early Oct. and want to know what part of town to stay in, and hotel or B&B recommendations(I have not been there in 15 years!!). Gone for me are the days of hostels in the RDL; I will certainly be walking over there and hitting some coffee shops, but will be spending lots of time at the museums, and would love to stay in an authentic feeling place in a cool neighborhood with cafes, cool shops to float around in, and a nice view, maybe on a canal. Not so worried about price, it is just one night, but don't need fancy(coming from mobile tents in Africa, so anything with a bed will be upscale!!), just special; location and vibe is way more important than the room, which I will just be crashing in. I am 42 and my father in law is 70, so we don't want to be surrounded by teenagers!! We will be walking everywhere, so central locale is a must!!
thanks for your time and thoughts
bg

blackduff

I can't give you a good hotel but the place to stay would be Liedseplein (sp?). There's lots of things to see and watch, and all of it is walking distance. You can also jump onto the trolley cars and see things further.

This is a good central area for restaurants.

Enjoy your evening.

Blackduff

freeman0819

Yes, Liedseplein

I have not stayed in AMS in about 9 years, so I don't know where the "hip" places are to stay thesse days. There is a AMS hotel link though, with reviews as well. This may help you: http://www.hotelrooms.com/Europe_Net...idseplein.html

Eleni

When we overnight in Amsterdam, I stay at the Canal House Hotel whenever I can get a reservation. http://www.canalhouse.nl/

It is pretty much exactly what you describe.

dovima

jenack,
If you father in law (or you, for that matter) don't mind the lack of an elevator, check out 't Hotel on the Leliegracht. Nice B&B on a small canal bordering the Jordaan neighborhood. You will be close to the Dam Square/Centraal Station area but totally unaware of it.

There are lots of good restaurants in the area. My favorite is de Luwte, just a couple of blocks up the canal from 't Hotel. Two coffeeshops: La Tertulia on the Prinsengracht, and Paradox on Eerste Bloemdwarsstraat - Paradox is tucked away deep in the Jordaan, but don't worry - it's easier to find than it is to pronounce the street! These places are definitely nice enough to take your father in law to - in fact, I've met people his age in neighborhood coffeeshops.

Look up the B&B at www.thotel.nl.
The stairs are a bit steep but someone is available to carry bags. Great breakfast included.

jenack

Thanks to everybody who wrote back so far, I appreciate the input. I guess before the hotel I will just have to pick the area, then the hotel can follow. Right now the 2 best choices seem to be Leidsplein or the Jordaan area. Leidsplein might be easier because it is just a one night stay en route home to USA from Africa, and that would put me near the museums, which will occupy a lot of my time. However, I am really drawn to the Jordaan neighborhood....it just seems very authentic and unspoiled by tourist trappings. Seems like a great area to wonder around and check out unique shops and stores and studios and bars, and still close enough to get to the museums and down to the 'seedier' parts of town for sightseeing!!
Dovima, I think we would appreciate the lack of an elevator!! We really love authenticity and uniqueness over comfort(well, let's not totally abandon comfort....)and your coffee shops get great guest reviews online. 't hotel could be the spot for us!!

zoecat

I just returned from a week in Amsterdam, my 3rd trip there.

I stayed at the Canal House my first 2 visits. I liked the Canal House very much and enjoyed the location.

This trip though, I stayed at the Seven Bridges Hotel. The hotel was wonderful and located just a block from a street with lots of nice places to eat, shop, and hang out. More of a neighborhood location than the location of the Canal House. The Italian restaurant Ponte Arcara, less than a block from the hotel, was exceptional and I highly recommend it for your one dinner while in Amsterdam. The hotel is an easy 15 minute walk to the museum area.

Although I prefered the area and my room at Seven Bridges, I think you would be happy with either the Canal House or Seven Bridges. Both have charm and are well located.

Travelnut

Couple more to look at are Hotel Brouwer and Hotel Nadia...

RufusTFirefly

Maes B&B was wonderful. Excellent location, knowledgeable and helpful owners.

http://www.bedandbreakfastamsterdam.com

ourjetboat

Hotel Eden Rembrandt Square would be my choice. Hip,lively area. Just what your ;looking for. Just renovated..faces Rembrandt Square etc....