Golden Tulip Barbizon Palace in Amsterdam
 

Tried to get into a number of hotels in Amsterdam and all were booked. We booked at this hotel; anyone ever stayed there or have any thoughts on the place. Also, any ideas for what we must see, or places we must eat at while there in August? Thanks.

It is a very nice place for a business trip

I've never been, but it looks like a nice place with an old exterior and new inside; anyone else.

We had the same problem - we tried to book a hotel in amsterdam and the only <BR>available one was Golden Tulip. but <BR>we were so glad after we went there. <BR>The hotel is very nice - the location <BR>is excellent - it is right at the intersections of all 5 canals. There is <BR>an excellent restaurant right near the hotel - great pancakes for breakfast.

Jeff - an excellent restaurant in Amsterdam is the Selecta. It is an Indonesian restaurant which specializes in rice tables. Fabulous food and great atmoshpere - also decent prices too. Within walking distance of the Rijksmusem - which is also a must to see. Sandee T.

We were in Amsterdam from March 28-April 3, and stayed at Hotel Terdam (Best Western) behind the Marriott, which is next door to Golden Tulip at Amsterdam Centre(or Barbizon Centre). The G.T. at Barbizon Palace is in different part of city. <BR>We went to the VVV office to ask questions and buy tickets to canal cruise. Reserved seats on 4.5 hr bus tour with Lindburgh Tours to go see Zaanse Schans, Volendam & Marken. After we took that tour, we booked a 2nd one the next day for visit to bulb fields, Franz Rosen(distributor), and the Keukenhof Gardens (but they will be closed in August). Lindburgh Tours was very reliable and well-organized, but get there earlier than they tell you to. <BR> (at 26 Damrak) <BR>In Amsterdam, we enjoyed: Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House, a quick stroll thru Red Light Dist(kind of seedy/spooky in the evening), LOTS of walking up/down canal-side streets, popped into a couple of 'coffee shops' to see what that was about and to use the Internet for email, walk thru Vondelpark (very nice, family-oriented)...we wanted to rent bicycles but I am only 5'3 and the bikes were all too tall for me. Took a canal cruise for about 1.25 hrs. <BR>This was our 6th trip to Europe, and I finally experienced the 'inevitable' - my coin purse was stolen from my daybag while riding Tram#2. I was tired and did not put my coat on over my purse, so it was easy mark. I always wear a moneybelt, so only lost a little cash. We had a lot of fun in Amsterdam, love to people-watch and walk; hope you enjoy it too.

We've stayed at the Barbizon numerous times. It is (or was) a popular hotel for airline crews, given its proximity to Central Station. I only point this out given check-in lines can be lengthy if you've walked in right behind a Northwest 747 crew.

In any event, the hotel is actually several homes connected together, resulting in a lack of uniformity - which is a positive. One room we stayed in had a sunken bedroom on a canal. Others were the opposite (the entrance was sunken).

I usually stay at Blakes when I travel to Amsterdam, a function of being on my company's dime. Blakes is probably too funky for some. The Barbizon would be my first choice based on value, location, and uniqueness of its rooms. If they give you a stale room, ask for a different one. Keep trying, as my parents did, and you'll likely wind up in something truly special. Good luck.