has anyone used the sofitel hotels in amsterdam? we are booked there for 2 nights and wanted to get some input if anyone has stayed

I didn't stay at The Grand Hotel Sofitel Amsterdam, but I did attend a conference there in March. It's beautiful inside and those who stayed at the hotel said it was very nice. (It's rather ordinary-looking from the outside but the interior is much nicer.)

hi Nicolino

Which Sofitel in Amsterdam are you booked into?

I didn't stay at the Grand but the other Sofitel in the centre of town on Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal.

If it is this hotel you are lodging at let me know and I'll try and help.

Bill

The Grand Sofitel is very nice, www.thegrand.nl

thanks for your input , i am staying at the sofitel amsterdam @ nieuwezijds voorburgwal 67. we usually use sofitel while in europe and though we are doing our first trip to amsterdam we figured that sofitel would be our best bet. would like some info concerning the hotel if anyone can help. we were told it is walking distance from centre station. thanks everyone for any info provided

Hi nicolino

It is the same hotel we stayed at.

The hotel is located parallel to the main street that runs straight up from the station to Dam Square.

Therefore, I'd say the hotel is only about an 8 minute walk from the station and only a few more minutes to Dam.

It's a great location on a quiteish street. If breakfast isn't included in your rate then there are a few small coffee shops/cafes that sell great breakfasts close to the hotel. One I can recommend is immediately to the right as you leave the Sofitel, at the first corner you come to. It is operated by a charming American lady and her breakfasts were wonderful.

The hotel itself is beautiful and quirky. The outside of the building is the original facing, and inside it has cleverly been designed to reflect its past. The rooms are a good size and ours was beautufly decorated, also in an old fashioned style. It almost felt that we had stepped back a few hundred years.

The public areas are similar and very pleasant plus the reception staff were extremely helpful.

The hotel's location is superb. You are within wasy walking distance to all of Amsterdam's delights. Across the road (which was a canal at one time) from the hotel, walk up the narrow alleyways and you will find yourself amongst a maze of old buildings all sitting on the canal sides.

I know you'll enjoy your stay.

bill

thanks so much bill, your input is much appreciated and we are looking forward to our stay. are the canals very far from the hotel?

hi nicolino

Straight out of your hotel. cross the road and walk up a small side street.

It takes about 5 mins to come to the Singel canal then stroll along in the same direction to the Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht canals. All located in a nice area to explore and enjoy.

bill

nicolino; Their are canals on both sides of the hotel, ask for a canal view room on the second floor, great viewing watching the boats go by.

Hi richardsonsmn

Would that be the Sofitel Grand? I know it has canals front and rear.

The Sofitel Amsterdam on Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal has no canals at its rear.

On our first visit to the hotel we had a 3rd floor rear view room and all we had to look at were rooftops heading towards the rear of the buildings on Damrack. Not a canal in sight.

On our second visit we had a front view room also on the third floor and the view we had was the buildings on the opposite side of Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal behind which were the canals mentioned in my earlier response.

bill

bill: My favorite room is a one bedroom suite, 326, canal view, I have stayed at the Grand twenty times since '01, very comfy place.

Bill, email Brechtje Renzema at H2783-REaccor.com, she heads up the reservations dept. if your ever going back.

thanks richardsonsmn

Not had the pleasure of staying at the Grand yet, only the Sofitel on Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal that the original OP was enquiring about.

If I ever do get the chance, I'll take up your recommendations.

Thanks again

bill