I am going away to Amsterdam with my wife for a couple of days without the children and wondered if anyone could recommend a character boutique style hotel in the centre, close to the cetral railway station and Dam Square. I have looked at Hotel Estherea, Park Plaza Victoria and the Krasnapolky as possibilities. We want something that is conveniently located to get best use of time, but want to enjoy the ambience of the hotel during our very rare time away without the children! I would be grateful of any advise.

Nick

The rail station/Dam square is not the nicest area to my mind. I like the Hotel Ambassade on the Herengracht, although it's more than I pay these days.

www.ambassade-hotel.nl

We stayed in a fabulous location, at The Hotel Residence le Coin, which was directly across a small street from the Hotel de l’Europe, down the street from the Hotel Doelan, on Nieuwe Doelenstraat (sp?). A great neighborhood in the heart of old Amsterdam.

The Estherea is lovely. I don't think you'll be disappointed if you stay there. And it's convenient to everything by foot.

I stayed at Hotel Pulitzer in January and thoroughly enjoyed it. The location was wonderful, on the Prinsengracht canal, adjacent to both the Centrum and the Jordaan, in the middle of the Nine Streets shopping district. I requested a garden view room on the first floor, which was lovely for morning coffee and a great way to start your day, leaving from your own back door! The bar was also a nice place to begin or end the night, very dramatic decor! The service was excellent.

I've stayed in many hotels in Amsterdam.

The latest hotel, a short trolley ride from Centraal Station, I liked a lot. http://www.owl-hotel.nl/gb/

It's about 10 minute walk to the Van Gogh, less to Sama Sebo Rijsttafel restaurant, and in a quite street not far from the Leidseplein.

The price is quite reasonable.

Near Sama Sebo is some upscale shopping.

Hotel Toren?
Also second Ambsassade and Pulitzer-grerat hotels

Umm. Great hotels

Thank you all for your advise. We stayed at the Estherea and thoroughly enjoyed the stay. We would certainly recommend the hotel

Nick