lucybell

Hi-Anyone have input re staying in South Amstr. when our favorite area is the quiet canals in the historic center? Planning last min trip to Ams for Valen. wknd.We avoid hotels prefer BnBs. I've found many BnBs in hist center in lovely old canal houses that I'd LOVE, but at this late date I've contacted probably 15-20 so far and all are full.
I did get a msg from Blaine's BnB (www.blainesamsterdam.com) they do have space, website looks lovely. My concern-its in South Ams on the far side of the Vondel-park. On my map that looks quite a distance from hist center where we love to leisurely stroll along canals,enjoy cafes, canal boat tours,etc. I need some input. We've only got 2days and want to be in a pretty area.I'm having a hard time finding info on this area. Their website says its easy to take the train to the center but I wonder if anyone has any thoughts? I hate to pass it up since it's the only nice thing I've come up with, but loc isn't what I had hoped. Thanks much.

Travelnut

I've ridden bikes down in those streets, I don't specifically know Blaines, but that's just a 'normal' neighborhood kind of thing. The trams should take care of moving you around... but if you're just not sure or really think you will miss being more central, you could try some of these:

http://www.amsterdamby.com/accommod/bb_amsterdam.htm

lucybell

Thanks for the reply, Travelnut. I have actually contacted the majority of places on that website and other BnB inclusive sights. You wouldn't believe how many email inquiries I've sent across the ocean in the last 24hrs. Everyone has been lovely responding back, but the answer is always the same...FULL. I will take a closer look and see if there is anything I've missed. Blaine from Blaine's BnB answered some questions this evening saying biking from his inn to central station 15-20 mins, by tram 30mins including walk and waiting. Hmmm...perhaps I'll try looking just a little further.

Travelnut

If you've considered staying in Haarlem, there is a new and attractively decorated hotel just off the grote markt:

http://www.stempelsinhaarlem.nl/

It shows avail a superior double for Feb 14-18 for 430€ w/o breakfast, or 506€ with breakfast

PatrickLondon

Blaines is quite a way out. I compared www.mappy.com with
http://www.gvb.nl/english/travellers...etworkmap.aspx

and (without seeing the B&B owner's comment above) guesstimated it would be about 5-10 minutes to the no.2 tram and another 20 minutes or so into the central area - so at least they're being upfront with you!

McNeill

Don't know if you'd consider a houseboat but I'm trying to get one and this site has some places though I don't know about availabililty or actual location since I've never been.
http://amsterdam.citymundo.com/amste...tments/ab.html

lucybell

Thanks everyone. I did actually get very close to booking a houseboat, found one on a great canal, a couple others on the Amstaal river. But they had 3nt min and we are only there for 2nts. next time we'll go back in warmer weather, stay longer, and get a houseboat where we can sit on the deck and watch the world float by. sounds lovely. this time however i have decided to try Blaines. He has been terribly gracious and helpful w/lots of info even before i decided to stay, that says a lot. it is a distance from some things, but not so far from the museums, and it will get me familiar w areas of amsterdam that i might not have checked out otherwise. the price is right (terrific winter reduced rates) and glowing reviews. reservation is made, we'll make the most of it. thanks again for the ideas.