Help; I'm planning a trip to Amsterdam in mid August and was wondering if anyone can suggest a really nice hotel in Amstedam that is in the $150-250 range. I was looking at the Canal House but was worried about the lack of AC. I was in The Netherlands last year in a heat wave and was worried about a hotel without airconditioning. Should I worry? How about non-smoking rooms, or am I being too American? I'm looking for a really nice place for my wife and I to enjoy. Any thoughts on restaurants? Thank you very much.

Stayed at the Hotelswiss right on Dam Square and found it to be a great choice for location, price ($124.00), nice rooms and helpful staff. My room was not air conditioned but it was not a problem. Do request an inner room to avoid the noise from the street. The restaurant, Swiss Bistro, on the ground floor is also great for dinner.

Just got back from a stay at the Amstel hotel in Amsterdam. The room was great, and the service even better. The lobby is a bit stuffy, but overall you can't go wrong staying at this hotel.

We stayed at the Canal House, it was in June, temperture seemed to be in the 90's. As there is no elevator, was fortunate to have a room on the second floor overlooking the canal, with a breeze thru the large windows. We stayed one week and enjoyed the location and breakfast they served in large dining room full of flowers.

When in Amsterdam we stayed at the Tulip Inn on Spuuistraat, near the University. It was quite nice-very clean, lovely furnishings, modern bathroom and convenient. We had a nonsmoking king room on a corner that very spacious. It was less than $125 a nite and is a part of the Golden Tulip chain but is less is expensive. The hotel is safe, has a great breakfast and the KLM bus stops right in front of the hotel. It's also convenient to the "trolley" and plenty restaurants. THe hotel is probably only about 7-8 yrs. old and the staff is very accomodating. Any other questions -write me. If you decide a reservation call the hotel direct. There is a nice nontourist place called Haase Klaas (spelling??) almost across the street from the hotel. Also, eat at the Pancake Bakery near the Anne Frank House. THe food is good, reasonably priced and just an interesting place to see. Have a great trip-we loved Amsterdam! Sharon

Anyone else have suggestions for where to stay in Amsterdam or restaurant ideas?

I have stayed several different times at the Hotel Hegra (Herengracht 269, FAX 020-623 81 59). It is a small, family-run 12 room hotel in a surprisingly peaceful but yet handy location. This is NOT what I would call a classy hotel but it is clean and well run. They have rooms facing the canal but I prefer the rooms facing the back as they are so quiet.

We stayed at the Hotel Toren on Kaisergracht (sorry if I mispelled it) overlooking the canal. It was about $122 per night. The view was beautiful, the room a pretty decent size and the service good. It is also about a block or two from the Anne Frank House.