Hotel Brouwer or Acro Hotel in Amsterdam?
 

I am trying to choose between these two hotels for 4 nights in mid-May for my husband and I. Hotel Brouwer writes that they have only twins at their hotel. Acro is off the canal. My husband might want TV (ugh!)Any feedback? Thanks!

ambassade-hotel.nl

Hi Thanks!
I checked out the Ambassade, and although it is beautiful, it's little over my budget. I'd like to stay around the low $100's. Any other suggestions?

Try Maes Bed and Breakfast in the Jordaan. We payed 95 euros per night and this included a very nice breakfast. Each room has a Tv and private bathroom. No AC, though. Our first night in Amsterdam was very warm, but on day 2 it was beautiful. We were there in late May.

So I'm reading that you don't want twins even if there is a TV..?

I was going to suggest Hotel de Munck, which is a 1/2 block off the Amstel, looking over a small side canal...95€ for ensuite w/tv but the pix look like all twins...You could ask them...(someone who posted here before came back and said they really liked the hotel).
http://www.hoteldemunck.com/

There's the Owl Hotel, no canal, but in a quiet little back street off the Leidseplein area. They have a photo of a double, but I suspect it's 2 beds made up as one... starting at 125€...
http://www.owl-hotel.nl/index.html

We stay next door at Hotel Hestia - we like twins so that's what we reserve; once, they were doing some improvement so they put us in one of the large rooms and it had a king bed; I never noticed if it was actually 2 mattresses, it felt like a king bed. The medium twin we ask for is about 110€, while the large one they gave us goes for 133€. They've been working on their breakfast room/garden area, so ask if that's completed yet.
http://www.hotel-hestia.nl/

I can't help you with the Brouwer but I've stayed twice at the Acro. It is in a great location, being about a block from the Rijksmuseum.

One time I had a double room w/double bed. The room was VERY small but nicely appointed with shelves, hooks, built-ins. It did have TV and the bath had a shower and hairdryer. Another time, we had a triple w/3 twin beds . . . this room was much larger, about twice the size of the double. The hotel has an elevator and helpful desk personnel . . . breakfast is included in the rate.

The Acro was listed in Frommer's 25 Top Small Budget Hotels one year. I will stay there again when and if I return to Amsterdam.

Hope this helps,
Sandy (in Denton)

The Brouwer is a lovely hotel, in an historic building on a canal very close to everything. And the rooms were not particulary small either. But I really don't remember if there was a TV, and our room at least was twin beds (right next to each other, as so many hotels in Europe do). I loved the Brouwer, but if your hubby is into American chain type places with TVs then he might not like it. I personally wouldn't think of staying in a chain hotel if I could have an experience like the Brouwer, but to each his own.

Goodness, just because there is a tv in the room doesn't make a hotel a "chain"like establishment. Quite a few people on a different thread (about avoiding disasters) mentioned that they always check news, CNN, BBC etc to keep up with events.

And, the Brouwer website and photos make it pretty clear there is no tv in the rooms. There is a room tv in the hotels I listed above...

Sorry, didn't mean to imply the other hotels recommended were chains. Just something about the fact that they were looking for things like double beds and TVs sounded like they might be more comfortable in a hotel more similiar to the type found in the US (which are often chains). The Brouwer is a very old building. Now I consider that a plus, it had great ambiance. But I could see how some people would not like it. The style of decorating, the very narrow stairs, the lack of double beds, TVs, AC, etc. - some people might not like that. That's all I meant.

Wow,
Great replies!! Thanks! Correct in stating the fact that the TV is purely to 'check in' with news, etc. I'll check out all these places. Thanks again

Hi,
Now I am confused because they all seem so perfect. I even posted a new message trying to get a concensus of the one folks like best as a concensus. What hotel between all the abouve are your first and second choice? Thanks so much!

When we were going to AMS in Feb we stayed at the Brouwer and loved it. No TV correct but I you could pick up an Enlish language newspaper for the news if that was the only negative. Our room was large with two twin beds pushed together. For the price we would definately stay there agian.
Happy travels
J

Thank you! I appreciate the feedback!

Hi,
Okay, this choice thing is difficult. It's looking like Maes Bed and Breakfast is in the lead, but Brouwer, Hestia and Munck are in the running. Before I make a committment, Maes is in the Jordaan area. My husband is slightly handicapped, but can really get around. Are the other hotel more centrally located, or does it not matter much? Maes siad that everything is a 5-15 minute walk. Thanks!

How is your husband on stairs? The Brouwer has an elevator.
J

Thanks,
He's good for one flight of stairs. I really like Maes Bed and breakfast. Will that be central enough? They have a ground floor or first floor room and it looks sweet.

Just wanted to let you know that I picked Maes B&B. Thanks for all your help!!

Hi, we were at the Acro for 2 nights 12th to 14th september. The location wasnt too bad and the price was 110E per night with attached bath, breakfast and tv (if thats important to you). But somehow, we were not happy with the room. It was really tiny and smelled of cigarette smoke. Our room was in the basement with these really steep stairs leading down. Also, the phone in the room wasnt working and they werent able to fix it, even after we complained.

Other than that, getting around the city by tram (or even walking) was okay and the Leidsplein was close by and really lively in the evenings with the bars and restaurants. Also, Vondelpark is really around the corner, nice place to relax. The hotel has internet for 2E for half hour. If you have any other questions, let me know.

I have stayed at the Hotel Acro 4 or 5 times over the last few years and it is a nice hotel for the price. Very close to several museums and leidseplein. Very easy to get to by tram. I've never stayed at the Brouwer, but I am thinking about trying it for a few days in early Nov.

We stayed at the Brouwer last summer. I loved it. It is historic, every room fronts the canal, the rooms are large, the breakfast good, and it is near good restaurants.

I am not sure, but I do not think there was a TV. If you aren't into atmosphere and your husband wants a TV, the Brouwer probably isn't for you. I know nothing about the Acro.

But if you are interested anyway be sure to get your reservation soon. They are small and fill up quickly.