tower,
I also love the Seven Bridges Hotel. Stayed there for a week about 10 years ago and found it perfect. Breakfast was huge (lots of bread).
Did you ever eat at the tiny Italian restaurant on the nearby corner? Not sure it's still there but I found it delightful and delicious.

Zoe..no didn't get to it..but about two or three blocks toward The Dam, there is a wonderful old restaurant that manages to plow onward with excellent vibes. We loved it for it's authentic Dutch dishes and seafood/fish dinners..and its inviting ambience.....<b>SLUIZER's,</b>.

I just looked at that restaurant. I wouldn't call anything on it's menu authentically Dutch, apart from some of the ingredients, but as long as you enjoyed it that is the main thing.

het....alas, unlike several Fodorites I sure as hell ain't no blooming foodie nor were either of my two wives..if we enjoyed the offerings, the service and the ambience, and were not stiffed on the prices, and would be keen to return, happy are we. Tra la la... and Bon Apetit! And no photos of each course, please.

Sluizer is an Amsterdam institution, because for decades it was the only fish restaurant in town. Nowadays there are several, but Sluizer has never really updated. It's of mediocre quality, but atmospherical enough.

It's not everyone's cup of tea... but we liked the Pulitzer. Check it out on Trip Advisor.

tower, That you enjoyed it is recommendation enough, I just pointed out that it is not authentically Dutch food, which is what you said it was. I have no idea of the quality of the food, I haven't eaten there.

It doesn't look like internetwiz is coming back to this thread.

het...thanks for clarification. OP's disappearance is nothing new on these forums. Rather poor manners when we take our time to help them. Have a good holiday season.

Sorry for the delayed response. My computer's been down and I'm finally able to get back online. I was able to convince my travel partners to stay at the Estherea, so that's what we're doing.

I appreciate everyone that weighed in about the Hilton. It sounds pretty nice, but for me, I'd rather stay by the canals in a smaller hotel.

(And tower, I did look at the Seven Bridges, but I believe you had to prepay for the room, something I'm hesitant to do. And if you click on my profile, you'll see that I'm much more active on the Asia forum, but I've been on the forums since 2003, so not exactly a fly by night Fodorite.)

internetwiz,

I hope you do a TR,because my trip is in early May. I will also be staying at the Estherea so will really look forward to hearing how you liked it! :-)

We are in Amsterdam now, using our Hilton points at the Doubletree Centraal Station, which is very well located for getting around. We arrived at Schipol airport, took the train right from the airport to Centraal Station, and walked two minutes or so to the hotel. Trams, trains, and boats are all around us. We took an evening Water Colors cruise as part of the Amsterdam Light Festival to see light pieces installed to be seen from the water. Had an excellent Chinese meal at a floating restaurant (yes, here in Amsterdam!) right across the street from the hotel. A big Starbuck's is right downstairs. No club here, but breakfast is free at the hotel restaurant and bottled water is available free at the front desk. We like this location and will stay here again.

Sorry, I just noticed that you'll be in Amsterdam in March -- long after the Festival of Lights is over.

Better late than never, but Dayle, I hope you liked Hotel Estherea as much as we did. It was in a perfect location, the breakfast was good, and the all day coffee/tea/hot chocolate was a welcome treat.