Amsterdam... NOW!!
 

Hello All!!!

I'm leaving to amsterdam by myself (I'm 26 yrs) and I need to find cheap accomodations for a week, no special needs... just close to the main places there...

Any suggestions will be EXTREMELY helpfull since I'm completely LOST :)

THANKS!!

How cheap is your "cheap"?

I don't want to spend more than $40 - $50 per night.

I'm just going for fun, I've heard many good things about this city and I'm finally going to visit it.

Oh, and the reason for the NOW!! is because I'm leaving in 2 days!! and I still don't have anything planned...

THANKS AGAIN!!!

I got stranded when I missed my connection at Schiphol once, and the only room available in town was at the Hotel King of Leidseplein. I dreaded the thought of a room without a bathroom, but it was quite alright. The room was clean, comfortable and a decent size, and their were two bathrooms on each floor so it wasn't so bad. It was about $50 a night.

I've heard that this area of Leidseplein is close to all major city atractions (and distractions... :) ) is that correct, which area would be the closest to the main nightlife areas?

thanks!

Yes. Leidesplein itself is a fairly raucous nightlife area at night, but it's very central to everything else in A'dam. You could walk to Rembrantplein (another major bar/club spot) or the Dam Square-Centraal Station-Red Light District nightlife, or better yet, take the short tram ride. It's also convenient to the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum should you want a little culture after your first of what are sure to be many hangovers!!

Leidseplein would be a great location IMO. Some say it is "too touristy" but I found it to be loads of fun and better looking neighborhood and more comfortable atmosphere than in the most central area near the train station, the dam, RLD.

Can you buy a Let's Go Amsterdam guidebook to read on the plane ride over? I found it an excellent resource, very accurate and covered the "only in amsterdam " kind of topics you might be interested in.

How about 55€?
http://www.la-boheme-amsterdam.com/

And for nightlife advice, or even suggestions on topics like "smoking" coffeeshops, don't leave home without "Time Out Amsterdam." It's the one guide I always actually take with m (No one 18-35 yrs old should travel without it!)

Check http://www.ratestogo.com and http://www.laterooms.com .

Thanks a lot for all your help, I have just bought both guides so I can read them on the plane.

What do you think about hostels (I'd get a private room with private bathroom).. They look kind of well priced too.. I saw a couple for $40 - $50 per night.

Has any of you stayed in one of these?

Thanks!! and good night!

Your thoughts about a cheap hotel will be good for Sunday through Wednesday nights but Thursday Fri and Sat always are fully booked and you're just gonna have to work extra hard or just take what you can find. I'd do that for Saturday and then Sunday move to one of the more reasonable priced value for your money hotels/hostels.

www.eurocheapo.com ...has quite a few hotels in your price range. Myself I like to not be in the Centrum/RLD beacause of the noise so I'd recommend Eurocheapo's Grachtengordel (canal belt) South or West The South includes both Rembrandtplein, the most central area of touristy Amsterdam as well as Leidseplein which is about another 10 minute walk further out from Dam Square.

My favorite for Sun. thru Wednesday for you is The Hotel Kap, very near the Heineken Brewery/Experience which has EUR 44 singles (just slightly over your budget) with a killer included breakfast buffet.