i'm headed to amsterdam for new year's. any suggestions on hotels? i was thinking of either the amstel inter-continental, hotel de l'europe, or the pulitzer hotel...thanks!p.s. any suggestions on fun restaurants for new year's would be great as well!

I loved The Pulitzer, although I should say I didn't love the first room they gave us. The canal view room was much better. My husband and I especially enjoyed their breakfasts, and the staff was outstanding. <BR><BR>From there we were easily able to walk to the museums, Vondelpark and Dam Square. The Jordaan is right there with the Westerkerk and Anne Frank house. I haven't stayed at the others you mention so can't help you there, but I'd return to the Pulitzer in a second.

The Pulitzer is the best out of the hotels you listed. however, everyroom is different (very different). So if you check in and hate your room just ask for another one and they will most likely accomodate you (canal rooms are more senic but really loud. I'd suggest booking the largest interior room you can). But if money is no object try to get a room at Blake's Hotel. It's just down the road and very cool although much more pricey.

The "bad room" comment about the Pulitzer is well known. Many of their rooms are tiny, dark, and user unfriendly. Friends stayed there and tried to get a better room, but even though they had arrived at 10 in the morning, the hotel kept insisting that it was the best room available. After three days and many complaints they were finally offered a better room, but they were leaving the next day. There are various price categories at The Pulitzer. If you want a good room, you have to reserve a suite or deluxe room at a higher rate to start. It runs very nearly full occupancy so the opportunity of switching rooms is not great.

My husband and I stayed at the Pulitzer last March for 5 nights. It is under the Sheraton Luxury Collection. We had a deluxe category room and requested a quiet location. Our room was on the top floor inside the courtyard. We slept really well since it was completely quiet. Although there was no view, quiet was our priority. The room was beautiful with a high beamed ceiling, marble bathroom, very comfortable mattress, small sitting area, mini bar, etc. Although the room was not extremely large (rare in AMS), it was very comfortable. We will go there again. I appreciate knowing that there are rooms that are best avoided.

We didn't find the canal view room loud. What was the noise, Julie?

On a scale of 10 I'd rate the l'Europe a 9, Pulitzer 5 and Amstel 5/6. The l'Europe is easily the best, and probably enjoys the best location too.<BR>Last time I was at the Pulitzer it was little more than a bus tour, middle management businessman style hotel.All hustle and bustle, poor rooms, substandard air conditioning, if any.<BR>No class at all. The Amstel is poorly located, away from the heart of Amsterdam.

Wow, I love that picture on the opening page of l'Europe's website, Tony. How was the location as far as getting around to the sights?

dear tony,<BR>it is very interesting that you preferred hotel de l'europe! from the photos on the website, it does look nicer than the pulitzer, but i thought it might be somewhat old and stodgy. how is the location compared to the pulitzer? or the restaurant? or the staff? i am in the process of looking up the Blake Hotel, but haven't found their website yet.<BR>thanks everyone for your help!

I stayed at the Pullitzer a few years ago, and loved it. However, as someone already said, the rooms are all different.<BR><BR>Here is the Blakes (Small Luxury's) web address:<BR><BR>http://www.slh.com/netherlands/amsterdam/hotel_amsbla.html<BR><BR>Regards,<BR><BR>S

Re fun restaurants, try The Supper Club or their new venture, Nomads. They both have websites. Garlic Queen is one of my favourite restaurants in Amsterdam. It even does garlic ice cream, no kidding...and it's great! Sorry, I can't comment on your hotel choices as we always do cheapish sleeps, but the Hotel de l'Europe has always looked particularly enticing. There's a really cool hotel called the Wiechmann which also looks great. I believe it's on Prinsengracht. Enjoy your trip. We've been six times, though never at New Year. Maybe next festive season...

Sorry I've been away for a few days, so am answering your questions rather belatedly.<BR>April, the location of l'Europe is perfect, almost exactly in the middle of Amsterdams's main sights and attractions - walking distance to just about everything.<BR>Diane, it is an old hotel - but are'nt all the good ones in Amsterdam; as regards stodgy, this depends on you I suppose. It is quiet, extremely comfortable, with very helpful staff. Is this stodgy? Good bars and dining though, although we would eat out by choice as this is more interesting.<BR>The first time we stayed there we were in our mid thirties, and found it a very satisfying experience, to the point that we would'nt stay anywhere else now. We have stayed at the Pulitzer, but only had drinks in the Amstel.<BR>

I would have to agree about hotel de l'europe. It is very elegant and extremely well located - near flower markets, boat tours, etc. In fact, we bought a ton of flowers and brought them back to the room ($15 for 100 irises!!) and the hotel was only too happy to provide vases. It has a lovely breakfast in the morning- great views. If you book through American Express Travel (I think only Platinum Card), the hotel will upgrade you (double check on this). We got upgraded to a suite and we got free breakfast and one free tea while we were there..Also, near the hotel is a very "cool" cafe where you can sit by the water and observe the young and hip of Amsterdam - All in all, a great choice

I also loved the Pulitzer. In addition to its great location it also offers a canal house atmosphere--and definately ask for a canal view--goodluck and enjoy!