Can anyone recommend a good three-star hotel close to Amsterdam's Central Station?

Am topping this for you...you might consider the Holiday Inn just around the corner or the Victoria just across the canal but due to their locations those may be 4-star places

We stayed at the Renaissance that was close to Central Station and convenient to the Dam. You can sometimes get fairly good prices on Priceline. The location was convenient and the service was good. We would stay there again.

The one around the corner is actually the Crowne Plaza Amsterdam City Centre, which you can reserve through the same website as Holiday Inn (Six Continents group). The address: Nieuwezjids Voorburgwal 5. It's easily a four-star and arguably closer to a five-star; one of only a few Amsterdam hotels with an indoor swimming pool. There is also a club level, which provides you with access to a lounge featuring complimentary beer, wine, snacks, soft drinks and free internet (the machine is a little slow, but it works.)

At Nieuwezjids Voorburgwal 67 is the Sofitel Amsterdam, which is another higher-end property. Unlike like the CP, which is a relatively new building (although harmonious with its environment), the Sofitel comprises three restored historic buildings. There is a nice breakfast buffet room, so it's nice if you can get that thrown in.

Both of these hotels are great places to stay, but they can be pricey unless you find a deal.

I stayed at the *** Avenue Hotel (Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 33) in May. It's no more than 10 minutes to Centraal Station, even dragging a suitcase behind you. The building is very old, but the entire hotel was renovated a few years ago, so things are in good condition. The room rate includes a buffet breakfast with a decent selection of hot and cold items. The hotel is right on the tram line, which was very convenient for getting around.

The Victoria is an excellent hotel as close as you can get to Centraal Station, but it's probably more in the 4-star category. It's got big American-style rooms that aren't particularly full of character but are modern, elegant and comfortable. It also has a health club and pool, and it's location is peerless.

Last August I stayed at the Amstel Botel about a block from the Central Station. It is a permanently docked boat converted into a hotel in the harbor right in the heart of town. Surprisingly good sized rooms and bathrooms for a boat. Good price, great view, convenient location. Caution: do not get a water level room as the locals like to come along side in small crafts and look in windows. Get a room on higher levels.]

Larry J

Hi.

The Prinz Hendrik is a 3-star virtually across the street from the station.

...and Chet Baker died there.

You're welcome.