I had been planning to stay at the Marriott,and had even read on this site, that it was in a good location. I'm having second thoughts about not experiencing a hotel with a more local feel to it. Can someone recommend a hotel with a good location, in the range of 200 E a night [as a guideline]. A canal view would be a bonus, but not a must. Thanks!

stayed at Ambassade (spelling?) a couple of years ago. Old townhouses converted to hotels on one of the canals in a very convenient locatation. As it's an old property the room sizes vary. Requested a twin room. First one they assigned was tiny; I complained as I'd made reservations 6 months earlier. They then gave us a very spacious room overlooking the canal. Beautifully appointed. Good breakfast in a lovely room. I would stay there again. I would classify this hotel a high three star.

I think you will find that the Marriott will be less like Marriotts in the US and will have a local feel.

I'm still researching hotel options. I've come across one on a canal, the Canal House I believe is the name, and the location looks like it would be good. Can anyone give an opinion on either the hotel or the location of it? Thanks.

LoisL;

We stayed there last August. Great hotel, good location with a very short walking distance to the street car. breakfast was included and more than enough. the staff was very helpful and knowledgeable about sights to see and which public transportation to take. I can not say enough about the hotel, but if I ever return to Amsterdam I will stay there again!

Clea

We stayed there in October and loved it. We had a huge room facing the canal. See if you can spot the house kitty. Her name is Imelda because each of her boots is a different color. There is an elevator, but you may need to navigate a short flight of stairs enroute to your room.

I agree with Grasshopper--somewhat. We stayed at that Marriott a few years ago and the rooms had a typical hotel feel. However, the service definitely had a European flavor. The concierge at that time was wonderful and made many of our sightseeing and dining arrangements. You can't beat the location. There is a nice pub-like restaurant next door as well as several others that were an easy walk. There is also a water taxi in front of the hotel.

The Hotel Washington is well within your price range, but no canal. Easy access to the museums, concertgebouw, restaurants and trams. It's a lovely place to stay. I almost hate to share this info, but I got it from a Fodor's book in the first place. Have a grand time!

I don't know when you're going, but we recently booked the Sofitel on Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal for 99 Euros/night in mid-February and that is a steal for the quality of the property. It is fashioned from three reburbished original buildings and it is a very nice hotel:

http://www.sofitel.com/sofitel/fiche...he_hotel.shtml

Hotel Estherea is very nice and great location.

We just stayed at the Park Hotel Amsterdam, just a block away from the Marriott. Loved it. Ask for a room with a balcony. Friendly staff. Had NYE's dinner in their restaurant; excellent. Fun bar. Convenient to Vondelpark, museum complex, and Leinestaat area (mispelled, but several blocks of restaruants, cafes, etc.)

Thanks for all the advice! This should keep me busy for a bit. I want to make the most of the limited time we have, and feel the location of the hotel is key to that. We have stayed at Marriotts often in the past, but this past year, we've expanded our choices, and have been pleasantly surprised by many of the other options.

I would also take a look at "The American" Hotel, a Crown Plaza. Ask for a canal view. Another good one near the train station is The Barbizon Palace. Ask for the canal rooms. These are both 4 star hotels, and chain hotels, but not so Marriott feeling. The Pulitzer is another I'd reccommend. Check into some of these, there are lots of great hotels with canal views that make you feel apart of the Amsterdam lifestyle. I wouldn't reccommend the Marriott, just because I think it is too similar to every other Marriott in the world. Plus the Pizza Hut doesn't help. However when you're away from home and want something familiar, this would be something for you.
Ciao,
Melissa

Another vote for Canal House. It's in a residential district by the Anne Frank House, so you're away from the crazy touristy areas. There's a great used bookstore around the corner, and an excellent farmers market a few blocks away. I would return in a heartbeat.

Hi Lois,

With that kind of budget you will have no problem at all - and yes, you totally need a canal-facing room! They're magic (especially if you are on a narrow, quiet one)!

I have used Bookings.nl in the past & they are wonderful:

http://www.bookings.nl/city/nl/amsterdam.html

Hope this is helpful, enjoy looking at all the gorgeous hotel pictures (& check this month's Traveler magazine all about the Jordaan area of town - where you really want to be).
Have fun!