What is a very central location to stay in Amsterdam. Any locations to avoid? It is all so confusing!

Personally, I prefer the Leidesplein or the Museum District. There are some nice hotels in the Dam area and the Centraal Station area, but I don't care for those areas because there are more "unusual" people and pickpockets. One of my favorite small hotels is Hotel Fita (www.fita.nl) which is a block from the Van Gogh museum, on a quiet street. For a splurge, I love the Hotel American in the Leidesplein.

All of Amsterdam is easy to navigate by Tram or foot and is quite safe.

With screen names like "KatWoman" and "Grasshopper" I would suspect you'd both fit right IN with those "unusual" people you seem to think STAY in the Dam area of A-dam.

In terms of areas to "avoid"...based on what? Safety? not near sightseeing? the possibility of seeing someone (gasp!) who doesn't look exactly like you do but is basically, harmless?
Frankly, your question is somewhat vague and just adds to the "confusion" IMO.

Having been to Amsterdam 3 times so far, I would not like to stay around the Damrak / Dam Square area. Too crowded / congested / noisy / busy, whatever 'kinds' of people that may include. I've walked there, biked there, and trammed there - just don't want to sleep / relax there.

The Joordan / Leidseplein / Museumplein / and along Amstel are still central enough but with a nicer 'residential' feel.

Where do you stay, "Singletail"?

The original poster probably hasn't been to Amsterdam and the place has a bit of a buzz. Not a big deal. Maybe you could make some constructive recommendations instead of jumping to conclusions.

Singletail,

It's nice to see you are grown up enough not to judge someone by thier screen name. By areas to avoid I simply meant places that may be more dagerous then others. Thank you for NOT being helpful. I suggest you spend your time more wisely and not harrassing people who are looking for honest helpful info.

Grasshopper, Thank you for your help. You were very kind.

Grasshopper you are right I have never been and can generally rely on people to give good advice here. Thank you again.
Travelnut, Thank you for the info. Just hoping to stay safe during my visit.
There are places here in the USA I would not want to wander around in.

The great Tram system makes just about anywhere accessible to anywhere else.

Even so, I recommend the Leidseplein area. Plenty of hotels (The American and the Marriot are nearby), lot's of restaurants, coffee houses, museums, and canal boat tours.

Have fun.

MM

My wife and I have been twice to Amsterdam and stayed near Dam Square.
We found it very convenient. We used the tram only once in a combined 6 days. That was to go to the Van Gogh and Rijksmuseum. Never felt threatened and walked everywhere.

Katwoman - my wife and I just returned last week from a 6 day stay in Amsterdam. We stayed at the Marriott in Leidseplein - I also would recommend this area. It is right next to the main museums, Vondell Park, and numerous clubs, restraunts and shopping. Also, we walked virtually everywhere and had no problem getting around the city. We occaisionally road the trams to get out of the cold/wet weather on a couple days there, and they were extremely convenient - with a drop off about 100 yards from the hotel.