Amsterdam with Hubby who can't walk/ Car rental question
May 31st, 2004, 12:50 PM
#1
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Amsterdam with Hubby who can't walk/ Car rental question
Hi Everyone 
We are travelling to Amsterdam in July, stay 2 nights and then want to drive to Germany. We studied this forum quite a bit and found a lot of answers, but still have a couple of questions.
My husband can not walk very far, so we chose to stay at the Hotel American which seems to be very centrally located.
We are now trying to figure out, if we should pick up our rental car at the airport, so that we can get around easy, but we heard, that parking in the city is a real challange and quite expensive, plus they hit you with a 16% surcharge for picking up the car at the airport (is this true???)
Our question is: Considering that Rob can't walk very far will we still be able to get any place by tram or boat and would it make sense to pick up the car at a downtown location on the day we want to drive to Germany ?(how far is 197 Overtoom from our Hotel (Hotel American)
Thanks for all your help.
Be Blessed
Bea and Rob
We are travelling to Amsterdam in July, stay 2 nights and then want to drive to Germany. We studied this forum quite a bit and found a lot of answers, but still have a couple of questions.
My husband can not walk very far, so we chose to stay at the Hotel American which seems to be very centrally located.
We are now trying to figure out, if we should pick up our rental car at the airport, so that we can get around easy, but we heard, that parking in the city is a real challange and quite expensive, plus they hit you with a 16% surcharge for picking up the car at the airport (is this true???)
Our question is: Considering that Rob can't walk very far will we still be able to get any place by tram or boat and would it make sense to pick up the car at a downtown location on the day we want to drive to Germany ?(how far is 197 Overtoom from our Hotel (Hotel American)
Thanks for all your help.
Be Blessed
Bea and Rob
May 31st, 2004, 01:13 PM
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Rather than paying for a car rental and garage in Amsterdam I would just take a cab from place to place. Or tram if the route is convenient for you. We never found a cab hard to find near any of the tourist attractions. then you can pick up your car when you leave town.
May 31st, 2004, 01:30 PM
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I agree that driving in Amsterdam is a great challenge and parking is not fun either.
That said, driving in Europe is great as long as you visit the smaller towns and vills.
I would stay in A for a couple of days and pick up the car on the way out
That said, driving in Europe is great as long as you visit the smaller towns and vills.
I would stay in A for a couple of days and pick up the car on the way out
May 31st, 2004, 02:56 PM
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Your husband may have quite a bit of trouble getting around Amsterdam. The sidewalks can be rough and narrow, the curbs are high and bicyclists and trams stop for no one! Does he have difficulties with his legs, or is it his general health that restricts him? If he has trouble lifting his leg high, he won't do well on a tram, so best to take taxis as much as possible. Driving would be a challenge, and you have no guarantee of a close parking spot.
The American is in a very good location. Look into the KLM bus for transportation from the airport to your hotel. You don't have to fly KLM to take it.
The American is in a very good location. Look into the KLM bus for transportation from the airport to your hotel. You don't have to fly KLM to take it.
May 31st, 2004, 03:47 PM
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I believe that hotel is in the Leidseplein district(?) which is a wonderful location with lots to see and do nearby. The airport hotel bus is also called Connexxion (I'm not sure if this is the same or just similar to KLM's). It makes a loop from the airport around to a long list of hotels in the city. Inexpensive and very convenient. Then I'd advise taxis or trams if you can manage them. Call me chicken, but I can't imagine driving or parking a car in the heart of Amsterdam.
Jun 2nd, 2004, 08:41 AM
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Hi Folks,
Thanks soooo much for all your great information. We decided to follow your advise and pick up the car on our way out of town instead of at the airport. Makes a lot more sense...
Thanks again for your help.
Be Blessed
Bea and Rob
Thanks soooo much for all your great information. We decided to follow your advise and pick up the car on our way out of town instead of at the airport. Makes a lot more sense...
Thanks again for your help.
Be Blessed
Bea and Rob
Jun 2nd, 2004, 10:19 AM
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There is a taxi rank across the street from the American, and a couple of tram lines cross there, also.
A lot of the Leidseplein area is pedestrian-only, lots of restaurants. There is an open 'square' with cafe tables and a few benches - fun for just people-watching (watch your wallet while you watch the people!). We ate at Indonesian restaurant in this area called Puri Mas - unfortunately, you must go up a flight of stairs; the food and service was good.
By the way, there is a canal boat tour near the American Hotel - it would be about 1/2 mile walk; just 'under' the Holland Casino.
A lot of the Leidseplein area is pedestrian-only, lots of restaurants. There is an open 'square' with cafe tables and a few benches - fun for just people-watching (watch your wallet while you watch the people!). We ate at Indonesian restaurant in this area called Puri Mas - unfortunately, you must go up a flight of stairs; the food and service was good.
By the way, there is a canal boat tour near the American Hotel - it would be about 1/2 mile walk; just 'under' the Holland Casino.
