One night in Amsterdam
 

I am planning on spending one full day and night in Amsterdam on march 10th, 2000. My biggest question is where to stay. The Canal House is booked, and this was the only recommendation I have been given. Looking to spend under US $250 per night. <BR>Thanks, and Happy New Year!

Make it easy on yourself. In front of the Centraal Station (and likely at Schipol Airport as well), there is an office of the VVV -- the local tourist aid bureau. In a wink, they can get you a hotel room or a room in a B&B or private home. It's all on computer. They charge pennies for their services. Save you a lot of money and aggravation -- and the people at the counter speak excellent English (if that worries you). We have used them, and the VVV is marvelous.

Try Hotel Toren on Kaisergracht (sorry if I mangled the spelling). We stayed there in 1995 and loved it. Our room was spacious with a private bath, and overlooked the canal. Staff was very friendly and helpful. The hotel is very central; we were able to walk everywhere. I think we paid about $125 per night at the time.

Sorry, but I do not agree with you, Al. Amsterdam is often "full", and if you don't make reservations you will perhaps need to stay in a hotel which is too expensive/cheap/distant/whatever. And the queues in the VVV can be long. Their service is good, but if you can make reservations in advance, do it! <BR>

I agree with Sjoerd. When one has only one day and night, why spend as much as three hours of it in line at the tourist desk trying to find a place to stay and being at their mercy. Yes, that line in the Amsterdam train station is often backed up for two or three hours -- not my idea of how to spend my time.

Thanks for the advice so far. Has anyone heard of the Park Hotel? Seems nice, but one can't be sure from pictures.

I used www.bookings.nl to find a web site. I hope this helps.

On a recent trip to Amsterdam, we stayed in the Hotel Washington (also because the Canal House was booked...). We loved it. It is closer to the museum area the canals, but quiet and charming, with gracious hosts. Cheaper than the Canal House, too.

We stayed at the Park Hotel in August, 1997 and would recommend it. The staff was wonderful and helpful from the desk to the bell hops. Breakfast was great. We had a triple for $150 including breakfast. It was very convenient, our room overlooked the canal and the casino. Walking distance to the Riks, Leidesplein, diamond places, cafes, etc. Room was spacious (actually they gave us a quad). It was comfortable and clean, with a large bath. We booked then through an agency which was actually cheaper than calling direct. They gave us passes to the casino which otherwise charges. Enjoy your trip!!!

Had to reply-since you're going on my birthday! Guess we were lucky to get the canal house 2 years ago-we did love it. My friend stayed at the Ambassade nearby and loved it too! <BR>This year we picked the RHO hotel from Bookings.nl, esp. because we like the location of being just behind Dam Square- but we have never stayed there. You DEFINITELY should make a reservation before going-it is very easy on the net. I am glad Mary Ann got a good deal from an agent- I find they only have good deals if you like the hotel they pick! Do you want the charming canalhouse type feel, or will you be happy with a typical type hotel room? You will have a great time!

hi Jordy' <BR> <BR>I stood in the queue at VVV, (not too long) in May '99. They booked a great little hotel, easy walking distance from Centraal Station and very centrally located, just near Dam Square.(that's where all the photos of New Years Eve were taken!!)It is Hotel De Gerstekorrel, Damstraat 22-24, ph.(31) 20 624 13 67. Helpful staff, great breakfasts! Enjoy.

Where can i find out more about the Canal house and its prices ?

I stayed at a lovely fmily hotel backing the Vondel. We stayed for 6 nights and NEVER took a bus or taxi. EVERYTHING is within walking distance and SAFE The name of the hotel is 'Hotel Hestia" it was very reasonable. The staff very helpful and Iwould recommend it anytime. Not 4 star but clean , new bathroom. They have a website. just enter 'hotel hestia amsterdam' in your search.