Thinking of staying close to airport in Amsterdam and travelling into city by train when required.ANy ideas and opinions on hotles near airport and waliking distance to train going into city centre

You might want to check out the airport website www.schiphol.nl

The Sheraton and the Hilton are two of the closest to the terminal and are connected to it by walkway. There is also a Mercur, I believe, which is within the terminal itself.

Train station is below the terminal "plaza" area; trains into the city take between 15-20 minutes one way.

We've stayed at the Ibis at Schiphol a couple of times and think it's just fine. Cheaper than the others too. Free shuttle to the airport, then quick train to Centraal Sta.

Also stayed at the Ibis Airport and really like it..

You should just stay in Amsterdam. It is a 15 minute train ride to the airport and the trai leaves every 8 minutes. I have stayed in the Koopermoolan hotel which is a 3 minute walk from Central Station. http://www.mallemoolen.nl/

Unless there is some reason why you must stay at the airport you are nuts. What do you mean by only traveling to Amsterdam "when required?"

Ibis is fine, Sheraton expensive but convenient, kopermoolen is a lousy hotel. I know, cause I stayed there.

We stayed at the Hotel Zwanenburg. We had a rental car to return and it was quite close. Very nice.
Booked in over the internet direct.