My wife and I will be in Amsterdam 8/11 -out 10/11 (2 nights) and would appreciate suggestions for accommodation, please. We would like ' lower' cost accom, clean quiet double with private facilities, short distance to the train station preferred. Any recommendations (if you've stayed there recently) and cost, please? <BR>Thanks, Andrew and Libby <BR> <BR>

Try the Botel - I'ts a large hotel boat <BR>near the station, reasonably priced,clean,good facilites. <BR> There are many sites giving prices for <BR>A'dam.The city is not busy at that time <BR>& you shouldn't find it difficult. <BR> Prices are NEGOTIABLE in most hotels. <BR>(if you ask!)

Thanks for the advice, Frank. Appreciated. <BR> <BR>Anyone else, please? <BR>

We stayed at the Hotel Nova last November (http://www.bookings.nl/hotels/nova). It was nice, inexpensive ($75 off-season rate) and had a good free breakfast (though we only made it downstairs in time once). <BR> <BR>It is about a 15-minute walk to the station, so with luggage, it may be too far. But it is nice to sleep a bit away from the station as it is much quieter.

One of the hotels we stayed at in Amsterdam was the De Roode Leuwe on Damrak. It's located about 2 blocks from the train station. From the outside, it doesn't look like much. In fact, all you see is the pub, and can't tell it's a hotel. However, our room was huge and very quiet (we were skeptical since Damrak is a very busy street) with a bathroom. The food in the restaurant was also very good. I don't recall the cost, but I believe that it was less than $100 per night.

We stayed at the Hotel Amsterdam on Damrak close to the Dam Square. IT was about $100/night. Check out this web site for deals - http://www.bookings.nl

Dear Andrew and Libby <BR>We returned last week from Europe and flew in/out of Amsterdam. We stayed the first night at the Hotel Trianon which is just behind the Concert Hall, near the Museumplein. I booked it through a discount web site and it cost $95 for three. The rooms were small but clean, included ensuite WC and bath, breakfast included. On our return we stayed at the Owl Hotel (web site http://www.owl-hotel.demon.nl/index.html) Again the rooms were small by American standards but clean and comfortable. Breakfast and ensuite WC and shower included. We paid around $90 US again for 3. The Owl is in a quiet neighborhood not far from the sites. As far as staying near the station-- you can buy a 1 day pass (very economical)on the circle tram that will take you around the sites and many hotels (including these two hotels) are within walking distance of the stops. We had no trouble managing our luggage in this way, but it was wheeled or back-pack style. E-mail me if you have further questions. Also, do a search on this site for A'dam accomodations--I found the Owl in this way. Good luck!

There is now an Ibis hotel near the train station. Lat time in Adam I stayed at the Ibis near the airport. These are basic but reliably clean "lower cost" accommodations, and include a good breakfast buffet. Website www.hotelweb.fr will get you info, but don't take the posted rate as gospel - call their 800# and ask for best avaialable rate.

I also stayed at De Roode Leuwe and had quite an opposite experience of the prior poster. The room was not noisy but the first room I was shown looked like a flop house room. Torn bedspread, stained ceilings from water damage and fit no more than 2 twin beds. I was absolutely horrified and had this reservation for 6 nights in high tourist season. I knew enough to not accept any room and was shown 2 others. The one I got was still nasty but more spacious. I however immediately went to the tourist office to see if anything was available in Amsterdam and nothing at all was due to tulip festival. The worst was on night 4 going back to the room for a change for dinner and having a mouse jump out of my suitcase. Either my experience was a fluke or it was a fluke for the other poster but don't risk it. <BR> <BR>The IBIS hotel (1-800-NOVOTEL) has a hotel next to central station. The rooms are small but functional and really clean. <BR>Ellen

To; Ellen, Seamus, Joylene, Teri, Ilisa and Brian: <BR>Thank you all for the recommendations and the helpful advice. Much appreciated. <BR>Andrew & Libby. <BR>

One more..... I stayed at the Westropa in May. Its located near the Leidseplein along the Nassaukade. Its not near the train station but its a great hotel. The rooms are compact but have good baths and the staff is great. Can't be beat at the $75 price that I paid. <BR> <BR>http://www.westropa.demon.nl/ <BR> <BR>I also stayed at the Owl Hotel. Its comparable to the Westropa and also priced right. <BR> <BR>I have also seen reccommendation for the Hotel Maas in the same area, next to the American Hotel and the prices seemed good here too. <BR> <BR>http://www.hotelmaas.nl/ <BR> <BR>good luck

Thanks for your recommendations, Richard. <BR>Regards, Andrew. <BR>

We like the Bridge Hotel right on the Amstel. Two years ago we stayed there for $80 a night in a large room overlooking the river. This year we've been quoted a rate of $88 for the same room - and that includes breakfast. It's just far enough out of the city center to be very quiet but close enough in to walk. From the train station, it's a 2 or 3 stop subway ride. We were very pleased with it. <BR>