Looking for a recommendation for a 4 or 5 star hotel that is well located closer to the Leidsplein than the Central Train Station and which is not too formal or stodgy. Going in summer for 6 nights.

Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks

Marriott is close to Leidseplein. The American Hotel is even closer.

I know nothing about this newly remodeled/reopened hotel than this info:

Hotel Roemer - http://www.hotelroemer.nl/
Roemer Visscherstraat 8-10, Amsterdam 1054

Hi Chaz, there are two Virtuoso hotels in Amsterdam. These are 5* hotels with which you get amenities if you book through a Virtuoso agent. Of particular note is the Hotel Pulitzer which is comprised of 25 restored 17th and 18th century canal houses. Small, intimate, and right on one of the canals, this would be a really special place. Virtuoso guests receive an upgrade on arrival, subject to availability; daily full breakfast for two; welcome gift; and a 4 pm late checkout. Email me if you have any questions!

Chaz, as i said in your other post, thegrand.nl.

richardsonsnm,

The Grand hardly fits "well located closer to the Leidsplein than the Central Train Station and which is not too formal or stodgy" as Chaz requested.

I have been in many hotels in Amsterdam and The Grand is the granddady of stodgy. What a high-snoot lobby. Ugh. Also, it's location is east of the Dam and in an uncertain area. Cross that bridge and hold your breath as the dope dealers jump out at you. The picture on its web site is from inside its court yard and not representative of the area.

I find it quite the opposite, more homey. We stayed at Hotel L'Europe on our first visit and would not miss a visit to Freddy's Bar when we visit, but The Grand has better beds, a informal atmosphere IMO, we have come back twice a year since '01. Amsterdam is a very small, walkable city, The Grands location is excellent IMO. The Grand has great apartments as well as suites, and I feel completely comfortable walking the hotel in my robe on the way to the steam and sauna, the opposite of most five star hotels in Europe that we stay at.