I'm going to have a 24 hr. layover and have a couple of quick questions.<BR>1. How far is the downtown area from the airport?<BR>2. What is a reasonable rate for moderate hotel?<BR>3. Anyone been to one of the coffee houses where pot, etc. is served and what's that like?

Sorry for the anonymous post, but I don't want to incur the wrath of the moralists. (1) Took a train from Schiphol to Centraal Station - took about a half hour as I recall. (2) Stayed in a gay guest house, very cheap, very clean, great breakfast. Maybe $60/night. (3) This site will tell you everything you need to know: http://www.coffeeshop.freeuk.com/Frames.shtml It's kind of embarrassing, but the only stoned people you see wanderdering around are Americans.

wandering around? maybe, but, I sure saw a bunch of local Dutch people in the coffee houses, so don't think, it is only Americans, I won't buy it.

The tea bars are just outside of the RLD. I walked by a few, and you can tell immediately where they are, as the scent lingers in the vicinity. I wasn't in one, but I did see a travel show about them. You order from a menu, and you can only order enough for you to use while onsite. It's just like ordering an alcoholic beverage. The airport is about a 1/2 hour by train. It depends upon what time of year you will be in Amsterdam. But you can expect to pay about $80.

You'll find interesting travelers' comments about marijuana on Rick Steves site.<BR><BR>http://www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/graffiti46.html

Regarding Melva's comment, certainly both tourists and residents frequent the coffeehouses, but the vast majority of people I saw on the streets who were "wandering around" stoned were American kids. <BR><BR>In fact, I had some interesting conversations with Dutch people regarding the behavior of Americans who regarding marijuana. It seems that it's the forbidden aspect of illegal substances that makes it even more intriguing to a lot of people.<BR><BR>As a child of the seventies, I enjoyed several visits to coffeehouses. Like bars or restaurants, they range in style from pleasant to seedy. As Leslie indicated, you order from a menu, actually it's more like a wine list. Different varieties at different prices. The staff is very much aware of tourists who are unfamiliar with coffeehouses, and are most helpful. <BR><BR>Since I don't smoke cigarettes, I asked for something mid-range and mild. Rolling papers, matches, etc. are extra. Perhaps you're supposed to consume what you buy on premises, but I had no difficuly bringing part of my purchase back to my guest house. Don't even think of bringing any "leftovers" out of the country, however. Many of the coffeehouses sell lighters and other paraphenalia geared toward tourists, and I did bring several of the lighters back for my cigarette smoking friends. They were a big hit. Pardon the pun. That was before 9/11, though. I suspect that you wouldn't be able to carry on cigarette lighters these days.

A reasonable rate for a moderate hotel is about 165-195 guilders per double room. I recommend any of these: Hotel Brouwer, Adolesce, Fantasia, and De Munck. There are loads of coffeehouses so they vary in clientele, decor, atmosphere, etc. Avoid the very dark ones as they tend to be shabby and serve inferior stuff. I'd recommend these: Paradox (Jordaan), Abraxas, Siberie (Brouwersgracht), Greenhouse (the one at Waterlooplein), Dutch Flowers (Singel), Cum Laude, and Stix (Utrechtsedwaarstraat). If you go to a coffeeshop, ask advice from the assistant. Ask for something mild if you're not a heavy, regular smoker. The assistants in these places would much rather you ask advice than end up a wreck because you've asked for "the strongest you've got", for example. The coffeeshops I've recommended are all very clean, bright, and cheerful with relaxed atmospheres and great, varied music, and have lovely, helpful staff. Enjoy.

Hi Spike, for detailed responses to your questions go to: www.channels.nl click on "Amsterdam Forum". There is a train directly from the airport (downstairs) to the central station in Amsterdam. It only takes about 20 minutes or less and just cost a few U.S.D. You can purchase your ticket right there at a ticket counter or at a machine. There was an ATM right in the middle of where the luggage area. Hotel rates and availability will depend on the time of year you are going. AMS is very crowded in the summer.

In response to Leslie's experience of only buying enough at coffee houses to have "onsite"... this wasn't our experience at all. We purchased some with tobacco (big mistake) but took it right off the premises. Not only did we confess, but it was clearly obvious we were tourists, and the staff was very helpful.

The quality is good, costs less away from the tourist areas.Good guidebooks will have cafe reviews.<BR>Most cafes have about a dozen types on the menu, hash (resin) or grass (buds only) price depends on supply & demand rather than quality, so locally grown skunk is very cheap while indian hash is more expensive though usually no stronger.<BR> Many cafes sell prerolled - take care, if you buy hash rather than weedv it will have tobacco in it!Also many supply pipes.<BR> The staff should be happy to advise.<BR>Some places don't sell hash in the bar but in a "juice bar" next door.(to comply with the law)This sometimes confuses newbies.<BR> You can bring in and smoke your own- no need to buy the cafe's weed.As long as you buy a drink, they don't care.<BR> For a quiet place try the Rusland (street name also Rusland)<BR>Train takes 25 min (15 min by express) and is usually faster than a taxi.<BR>You can get a reasonable room for $50.<BR>Booking well in advance is advised.This city fills up.

I'm not sure exactly how long the train from Schippol to Centraal Station takes, but it can't be more than 30 minutes or so. <BR><BR>I think you can definitely find a decent hotel for less than US$100, but it depends on what you consider reasonable and moderate. When you will be there also has a lot to do with rates. <BR><BR>There are coffee shops all over Amsterdam. When you arrive in town, try to find a copy of The Mellow Pages (available in many shops in the RLD). It's a guide to the best shops (in the opinion of the author) in the city. I always like to find different shops on each visit. Definitely try to get away from the shops in the center/RLD that are geared towards tourists. I second the recommendations of Abraxas (they have hash bon bons) and Greenhosue at Waterlooplein. If you just want to get to the most convenient one, as soon as you reach Centraal Station, head straight up Damrak. The Grasshopper is on the left across the canal - hard to miss with the giant green neon sign. It was the first one I ever visited. You buy your weed/hash downstairs but then can smoke it anywhere in the place. And you don't have to smoke it all at once, and you can take it with you.

Homegrown about a block away from the Virgin record store but on the same street.

I found that the coffeehouse host were very welcoming, very pleasant to hold conversation with and more than willing to answer any questions. At first I was a little stand-offish, but then realized they were very helpful. Of course, like a bar, there are different strokes for different folks. The Bulldog or Grasshopper are safe choices. The Grey Area is my fav. cheers

What is the name of the best strain anyone has tried? N.lights, Purple indica, etc.

QUERY FOR STONER: Name of guest house you stayed in would be appreciated.Thanks.