G_H

My family of four will be traveling to Amsterdam this summer and are looking for a decent hotel for a family with two kids (8 & 11). We would like to be near a tram or within walking distance. Thank you!

Rastaguytoday

I think the Owl Hotel might meet your needs.

http://www.owl-hotel.nl/gb/

Stayed there a couple of years ago and wished I'd known of it before. It's very centrally located. The prices quoted are inclusive of breakfast and all taxes.

It's walking distance to the Leidesplein, which means lots of trams. The hotel is not one of those mega-hotels.

The street itself is very quiet, which is nice in a bustling city.

It's very close to Vondel Park, a very large park. Good place for the kids. About a 10 minute walk to the Museumplein.

poutine

The Marriott in Amsterdam has two double/queen beds and is very well located. I stayed 5 nights in 2009 with my husband and two kids, and we would all go back. You don't mention a budget, but have a look and see if it fits your needs.

G_H

Thanks for your suggestions. They both look like good possibilities.

indy_dad

Can't help with the hotel as we stayed in an apartment. Really liked the Jordaan area but others may be fine as well. However, we do have kids close to your age so my trip report (and blog link) might be of interest.

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-with-kids.cfm

sunnypm

@Rastaguytoday...The owl sounds interesting...is it far from central station? as we will be arriving by train on Jun 19th, also a couple with one older son.

AlessandraZoe

We stayed at the Marriott twice in Amsterdam. First time was some special deal for youngest daughter and I; second time was because we knew this location would work for our party of six. Those 2 queen beds per room really were a lifesaver.

Just so you know...
We avoid American-type chain hotels in Europe. We prefer the European 3* type places. But this location and our pricing both times were en pointe. You are not paying for room size (narrow alley type room arrangement) but dependable beds, bedding, bathroom and storage were excellent. Clean, clean, clean.

Very small lobby is congested; but concierge in nook there is really solid for advice--was able to get advance museum tickets (not Anne Frank--knew to do that ahead of time) stuff easily. You are a spit tram-wise from the major museums, but you can also WALK to them if you would like, and you have easy access to a restaurant row.

Location: You are a STRAIGHT shot on tram from Centraal Station where it turns to the Museum District branching. You have access to other trams lines within yards.

I would not blink an eye to rebook the place again--and since I am always looking for "better", that should say something.