Well, we are on our 11th or 12th trip to Amsterdam, and as usual cannot find a good non expensive hotel!! We usually try out a new place everytime we go, but as the Euro exceeds the Canadian dollar, the prices have become outrageous..Last time we settled for a 1* but do not want that again.. Alot of the hotels have become non-smoking as well, so that is making it even tougher.. Anyhow, we generally stay in the area of Spui/Singel Canal. It is our favorite area of Amsterdam although I am open to any suggestions. Right now we are looking at the Agora (we stayed there several years ago and it was not too bad). We like a nice room, preferably canal view, smoking and in a nice central area. Any ideas? Has anyone stayed in Hotel des Arts? It looks not too bad. Thanks.

www.channels.nl for hotel lists and user reviews

WEll thanks..I am sure I have been on every website that exists, but not that one..I will be busy reading the reviews..Thanks.

You can also call the VVV, Amsterdam Tourist Office which books hotels of all categories. I actually booked a stay in the San Luchesio Monastery thru them at 35 euros a night with buffet breakfast. I don't think this is what you're looking for as was shared toilet but had shower in room. But VVV will help you if other sources don't pan out. VVV Reservations: 31 20 20 18 800; you may also try the Netherlands Reservation Center: 299 68 91 44, have reserved thru them but havn't contact with them in a few years so don't know if phone works.

Have you ever tried Haarlem? Do a google search for <i>hotel haarlem</i> and scoll down past the commercial booking agencies.

Thanks, have done the Haarlem thing a few times, and do love it, but I think we are set on staying in Amsterdam this time..

I keep a short list of 2-3* hotels around Leidseplein/Museumplein, but none will have a canal view because I find that drives up the price and I'm not looking at a canal in my sleep.

Others can help you more if you quote a price range to work with, and also what time of year you will be going.

Since you have been to Amsterdam so many times, you may have already tried this place, but we are staying at Maes Bed and Breakfast in May. I believe it is in the Jordaan area.

I just realized that you want a smoking facility and this Maes in no-smoking. For us, that was a big plus.

We like staying a block or two from Vondelpark, as then my hubby can go for &quot;a stroll&quot; before going up to the room (non-smoking hotel).

Travelnut, it doesn't have to be canal view..I am open to any suggestions..And as for smoking, it is my husband that smokes!!
Thanks for your input everyone though..I have found a few hotels (Agora and a few others that i am emailing back and forth right now, trying to get a deal!!) By the way, we are going in April (middle of April)for 9 nights..Would like to spend no more than 130 Euro per night, but that is maximum..Cheaper would be much better.