We have not been to Amsterdam for about 10 years, but next October we will be there for four nights before flying home to California. We would like to find a comfortable hotel in a middle range (don't know what the going rates are these days). We prefer smaller locally owned hotels. We remember one in Utrecht with fondness, but can't go there this time.

We could do an apartment, but don't want to buy a lot of staples for what would be only three days of meals. I suppose we could just have breakfast in an apartment, though.

We also want to have a really good rijsttaffel. DH is Dutch, and grew up in Java, so we have some experience with the meal, and want to have a good one that is not modified for tourists. We would be happy to pay a little more for this to find a good one.

I would appreciate any suggestions.

I forgot to say it's just the two of us. Accommodations above the first floor European style should have elevator access, as my knees don't take well to going down lots of stairs.

Hi Charnees,

I would almost say "welcome back to Amsterdam" (for October) after 10 years. You will see that some parts have not changed at all and other parts (the area around Central Station) a lot!

There are still works going on for the North-South metro line, which makes some parts of the city a challenge, although they do their best to minimize the hinder.

As to your questions: there is a very cute boutique/designer hotel on the Nassaukade, close to Leidseplein, called NL Hotel. Prices differ and start around EUR 89,- (http://www.booking.com/hotel/nl/nlho...530761;srpos=1).

I just see that Hotel Amrâth has a great deal on Booking.com. Amrâth is a gorgeous 5-star hotel in Art Deco style. Wortwhile checking out I would say: http://www.booking.com/hotel/nl/gran...out=2012-02-29

If you would decide to stay in NL Hotel than you have your desired rijsttafel not that far: Blue Pepper is without any doubt the most stylish and yummy Indonesian where they have the classic rijsttafel: http://www.seatme.nl/restaurant/deta...rid=320&af=647

I don't know whether you go to museums much, but since you have been here 10 years ago, Amsterdam has a new museum, worthwhile visiting: Hermitage Amsterdam - the only satellite museum of the Hermitage in St Petersburg! And by the time you will be here, the Stedelijk Museum (Contemporary art) will have opened again, after a three or four years renovation!

Hope my tips helps you to orientate and have a great experience in Amsterdam.

We spent 3 days in Amsterdam a couple of years ago on the way back from Africa. We loved the Bridge Hotel, particularly our balcony overlooking the canal. Comfy room, great price, lovely staff and within walking distance of everything we wanted to see during our short stay.

We also had riijstaffel at the Blue Pepper and totally enjoyed it. We swore the Girl with the Peal Earring was sitting at the table opposite us!

If I could snag the Amrath as suggested by Amstraveller for 105 euros a night I'd grab it.

If not, keep an eye on the NL forum at TA. There are 2 threads usually in the first couple of pages called "Bidding in a 4 star in the centrum" and "Bidding on a 5 star..." Amsterdam is a great place to take advantage of Pricleline's Name Your Own Price.

You'll see people reporting winning bids for 4 and 5 star hotels for $100 US or less. In some cities you can end up with a hotel out in the boondocks... sticking with the Center in Amsterdam it's not possible to not come up with a deal!

Rob

ParisAmsterdam, one review on Booking.com said the hotel was noisy. And breakfast is an extra 25 euros.

We really were looking for a small hotel, not a great big one.

I stayed at the Toren a couple of years ago. Great location, great staff, generous breakfast. But you need to be able to deal with a full-throttle decor.

http://www.thetoren.nl/index.php?lang=EN

I haven't been to Amsterdam almost as long as you but a long time ago I stayed at this hotel: http://www.booking.com/hotel/nl/amst...FcYbQgodJwIwhw

I am not sure that it fits all your criteria, but the location was great for me.

Thanks, everyone. I think we have found an apartment we like, for about 120 euros a night, which is four blocks from the Van Gogh Museum. It's the Intermezzo, which we found on Flipkey, I think. Looks good, reviews are nice. Just have a couple of questions to be answered. So we would have a bedroom, bathroom, and living-dining room and kitchenette. I think it will work out well.