We will be disembarking from a river cruise in Amsterdam. Can anyone suggest a very nice hotel right in the center of activities for a 2 day visit. We'll have no car, etc. & want to be able to easily (if possible) walk to shops, restaurants, etc. Never been there before. Many thanks!

I stayed at the Estherea last year. It was a good location. It was very centrally located. Many very good restaurants with 1 or 2 blocks. Near everything.

We stayed at the Grand Krasnapolsky (in the new towers section) right on Dam Square two years ago. Great location, near train station, lots of restaurants, shopping close to sightseeing, and restaurants etc. The web page doesn't do the hotel justice, we were pleasantly surprised and loved the tower section. Visit their web site and check out the rooms--enjoy, Amsterdam is great, by the way which river cruise are you taking? We are thinking of doing one next spring. Thanks.

The Dam Sq is a building site right now, Hotel Kras residents are picking their way across muddy debris to get in. <BR> In any case the Dam is full of shady characters, the activities it's at the centre of are not for publication. <BR> Try the Ambassade, or (cheaper) the Doelen.The Estherea is good but pricy for what you get. <BR>Always book well in advance for Amsterdam.

Hi: <BR>As always Frank and I will recommend The Doelen when in Amsterdam. Lovely, completely renovated in 1998 and convenient to everything! No car needed in Amsterdam. <BR>The Doelen is part of the Golden tulip chain. Book now though, it is geting tougher to book as spring approaches. <BR>www. goldentulip.com. <BR>Have a great trip!

We also stayed at the Estheria Hotel and found the location, the room, and the breakfast all very good. My sister stayed at the Canal House and loved it for she found it the most charming hotel that she has stayed in and the location was also great and it was cheaper than the Esteria. It is very easy to walk or take the tram to all the sights in the city.