Going to Italy and on the way, have 1 day and 1 night in Amsterdam. Looking for a hotel in downtown that is where the locals may stay. Also looking for tours that would show off the city and be informative of the sights and culture. Will be there April 1st. Thank you for your response.

The canal boat tours make for a great introduction to the city, day and night.

I recommend the Doelen Hotel, Nieuwdoelenstraat - less cramped than most A'dam hotels, quiet situation,central,lovely view from the breakfast room, also good view from upper rooms facing the Amstel. <BR>Canal tours are good.

Pardon my hopping right in here, but I'm interested in Amsterdam, also. <BR> <BR>My wife and I would like to visit Amsterdam the first or second week of May. I'm unsure as I have to make a business trip to Brazil next week for approximately two weeks. <BR> <BR>Right now, we are looking at hotels and air. I'd like to use US Airways as I have enough miles to fly free, but we have to fly from Pittsburgh (originate in Erie) to Frankfurt and then either fly or train to Amsterdam. I'm hoping that my fellow Fodorite's may offer advice on hotels in Amsterdam and method of travel from Frankfurt to Amsterdam and back. <BR> <BR>I have been to Amsterdam previously, but about 12 years ago and my memory is going. <BR> <BR>I'm going to look into the Doelen. <BR> <BR>Thanks.

Lee, aren't you the rude one, just stepping into someone else's inquiry? Just kidding!! We enjoyed the Hotel Toren on Kaizersgracht very much. It is a former canal house (actually two separate houses). At the time (1995), we paid about $122/night. Our room was pretty big with a fabulous view of the canal. Staff was also very helpful. The hotel is in a great location that allowed us to walk everywhere. I highly recommend it. Kelly, a canal boat ride is a must, as are visits to the Van Gogh Museum and the Anne Frank House.