Regarding the Amstel Botel (cross between a boat and hostel), this is the place located right beside the train station.<BR><BR>Anything that I should expect besides spending 117 Euro for a double?

Expect the world's smallest bathroom. The shower stall (with a shower curtain) was about 2&quot; wider than my shoulders on the diagonal. The toilet was half under the sink. Very small bathroom, no fan so the bathroom did steam up. <BR><BR>Ask for a room facing the water, not the street. And like all rooms in europe, no screens on the window. There is an elevator in the hotel. Breakfast was included for us, it was breads, coldcuts, cheese, soft-boiled eggs.<BR><BR>I think that was the rate we paid last year (it was $105 when the dollar-euro rate was better). <BR><BR>It's not quite right beside the train station. After exiting Centraal station turn to your left and walk about 100 yards/meters through a bus parking lot to the hotel. <BR><BR>There is a Chinese restaurant next down that was so-so. The main road perpendicular to Centraal station has many restaurants. Also down that street are a couple of department stores and souvenir shops.

The first time I saw the Botel I was arriving in Amsterdam after an 11 day Rhine Cruise. The LAST thing I wanted was another boat room. So tiny! I think it's novel but for the money you could do so much better in Amsterdam. Check out the museumplein. It's a better area for touring, trams, and restaurants.

I agree that the museumplein area is much better. Or try to get a reasonable rate at one of the hotels on the concentric canals (Herengracht, etc.) The Botel would not be a good choice in my opinion.

I stayed at the Botel Hotel some years ago and NEVER AGAIN. Small rooms and bathrooms, narrow corridors, i got a bad sensation of caustrophobia. You pay less and you get THAT. There are lots of other characteristic hotels in Amsterdam and for a little more you'll be more comfy

I stay there from time to time:<BR><BR>Pros: Comparitively cheap<BR>Good Location, handy for trains and trams.<BR>cable porn for free on room TV<BR><BR>Cons: Ship like proportions in the rooms.<BR><BR>I quite like it.