basingstoke2

For our visit to Amsterdam we got some terrific advice from a neighbor who was part of the Netherlands consulate staff stationed in the USA and a former resident of Amsterdam. His advice which was so right for us but perhaps not for you was to stay in Haarlem, not Amsterdam. His reasoning was that Amsterdam is a heavily touristed international city and in many ways like other cities of that kind and will not give you the actual feel of life in the Netherlands. Haarlem will and is walkable. We took his advice and were glad for it. As far as age,, I was 69 at the time and DW was 65. Harlem is a delightful small city of its own and only a fifteen minute train ride to Amsterdam and there are 4 trains every hour. We stayed at a Hotel called Stempels which is a 4* boutique hotel in a building that dates back hundreds of years. The public areas are elegantly restored and the rooms are thoroughly modern with AC, flat screen TV, our room #21 also had a work station at no extra charge. The ceiling was high, the bath modern and best of all, the bed was the most comfortable we have ever experienced. Stempels is just off the the Grote Markt which is lined with restaurants (we liked Brinkmman''s best) and the square has food stands and a weekly market as well. It is across from the cathedral which has a fantastic ice cream shop attached, down the street from the Philharmonic Hall and a block from the river. The walk to the train station is pleasant, flat and took about 10 minutes. The Haarlem train station is a historical landmark and has been used in period films. The train station of course is convenient to visit other cities, e.g., Delft is a quick non stop ride (we loved Delft). Haarlem has several museums of its own including the Franz Hals museum having not only the work of Hals but also other artists of his time.

Oh, and BTW, The price of rooms at Stempels is much lower than a similar hotel in Amsterdam.. Breakfast at an extra charge of 15 euro pp offers a huge selection, all top quality with baked goods made on the premises. We did not need lunch..

NYCMOM50

In Amsterdam , I quite liked staying in the 9 Streets area. We stayed at the Ambassade Hotel.

KayF

To AlessandraZoe - I'm reading through all these threads on Belgium and making notes, looking at maps, adding things to my list of things to see. With your idea of two smaller bags (instead of one that's heavier) what sort of bags do you take? I think if I had to have one on my back (a small daypack/backpack?) I'd find that uncomfortable. I'm not very strong. But if you have two small bags that wheel, isn't that awkward as you are walking, to wheel both? I checked what 20 lbs was and it's 9 kg. The wheelie case I took to the UK last year was 9kg when I left and I could manage the tube steps etc. Coming home, I'd added a bit of shopping and I only just managed it when I had to lift it. Any thoughts on the best type of bags to take, to ease the load?

ChallengerGrey

We have booked the following locations that meet our other requirements, A/C, walk-in shower, elevator, location. One hotel doesn't have an elevator, but we requested a lower level room and were told that it would be granted.

In Amsterdam, we're very close to Vondelpark - a bit far from the Royal Palace & Dam Square, but we'll buy a 7-day GVB pass to get around Amsterdam.
In Rotterdam, we're across from Market Hall.
In Brussels, we're near St Michaels & Gudula Royal Church.

In addition to our "requirements", I'm always looking for a bit more room space in hotels. Price has played a big factor in determining these rooms too.

We're headed over to London after visiting the above-named cities, taking the Eurostar from Brussels, and staying in the Leicester Square area. We love to see plays and musicals every night. They're so expensive where we live, so it's wonderful to see as many as we can while we're there.

I find the Fodors threads invaluable for our travels. I go places I've never heard of, enjoy outings I wasn't are of, and stay longer in towns to actually enjoy them. You are all so helpful in our planning. Thank you.

GinnyJo

I'm glad things are coming together for your trip. Would love any specific recommendations you might develop for accommodations in the Leicester Square area.

ChallengerGrey

When we were in London in 2022, we stayed at Thistle Trafalger Sq. We noticed there was a Thistle closer to Leicester Sq we passed on the way back to our hotel. So we booked Thistle Piccadilly this time. It meets all our needs.

GinnyJo

thanks - I'll look into it!