Taxis at train station
May 9th, 2016, 12:59 PM
#21
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Maybe the taxis in Dutchland are better law-abiding, but I also had of heard of taxis refusing small courses.
Since the Dutch are known for being greedy, I'd imagine they'd find a way to overcharge small courses.
(Which I find perfectly normal BTW.)
Since the Dutch are known for being greedy, I'd imagine they'd find a way to overcharge small courses.
(Which I find perfectly normal BTW.)
May 9th, 2016, 01:11 PM
#22
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They do that in France also, even though it is illegal to refuse a short ride (but they get to charge 7 euros for it - it's regulated - but I understand they lose their place in the taxi line, so it costs them).
May 9th, 2016, 01:16 PM
#23
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but I understand they lose their place in the taxi line, so it costs them).>
How stupid a reaction - over time it will all even out - every driver over time will have about the same number of short fares - I feel no sympathy for the cab driver who looks down on short fares - and maybe there should be a minimum fare charged regardless of distance.
Are not there any Rickshaw Taxis in Amsterdam? Would be better probably getting to that congested local as tonfromleiden things.
Ton- yes north to the redlight district on the same canal - I always get my directions mixed up in Amsterdam!
How stupid a reaction - over time it will all even out - every driver over time will have about the same number of short fares - I feel no sympathy for the cab driver who looks down on short fares - and maybe there should be a minimum fare charged regardless of distance.
Are not there any Rickshaw Taxis in Amsterdam? Would be better probably getting to that congested local as tonfromleiden things.
Ton- yes north to the redlight district on the same canal - I always get my directions mixed up in Amsterdam!
May 9th, 2016, 01:18 PM
#24
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taxis must take you, but i'd be very careful to insist at the taxi stand. although at CS, nowadays, they have security to intervene if things threaten to escalate. having ridden a fair few taxis in amsterdam, I can safely declare, that the best thing is to call for a Taxi Centrale Amsterdam taxi, or get into one at CS: you can see which taxi company by the roof signs. All other taxi drivers are scum.
Most of these guys totally rely on their GPS to deliver you at an address. The area where the Grand is located, is quite notorious for its bad access, so you might be stuck in traffic for a long time, for which you'll pay. And your driver will not go out of his way to avoid these situations.
It used to be that there was a guaranteed minimum of 7.50. this was to ensure short rides and it worked fairly well. but that was abolished under pressure from taxi companies.
since you'll be only be a block and a half from Dam square, getting a taxi from CS is less advisable. You'll either be refused or ripped off.
Most of these guys totally rely on their GPS to deliver you at an address. The area where the Grand is located, is quite notorious for its bad access, so you might be stuck in traffic for a long time, for which you'll pay. And your driver will not go out of his way to avoid these situations.
It used to be that there was a guaranteed minimum of 7.50. this was to ensure short rides and it worked fairly well. but that was abolished under pressure from taxi companies.
since you'll be only be a block and a half from Dam square, getting a taxi from CS is less advisable. You'll either be refused or ripped off.
May 9th, 2016, 01:19 PM
#25
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Dukey - I said up thread that taxis must accept a fare even for a short journey.
No I am not from Amsterdam, but taxi rules are pretty much the same throughout the Netherlands, and I referred to the English language link about Amtserdam taxis. the Dutch site is far more exhaustive in the rules regulations and prices, but that is probably of little use to OP.
The hotel website gives direction to walk or take a taxi, either from Schiphol or CS. It will cost about €10 from CS.
If OP is feeling flush they can always book the hotel limo service, at nearly seven times the taxi price.
No I am not from Amsterdam, but taxi rules are pretty much the same throughout the Netherlands, and I referred to the English language link about Amtserdam taxis. the Dutch site is far more exhaustive in the rules regulations and prices, but that is probably of little use to OP.
The hotel website gives direction to walk or take a taxi, either from Schiphol or CS. It will cost about €10 from CS.
If OP is feeling flush they can always book the hotel limo service, at nearly seven times the taxi price.
May 9th, 2016, 01:21 PM
#26
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PalenQ and others, the Amsterdam taxi market is, I think, quite different from the American model. There have always been huge issues with taxi companies in Amsterdam. There has been a failed deregulation attempt, that ran so badly that even the responsible minister declared that she had made a mistake and that deregulation had "failed".
I think the CS taxi drivers are some of the nastiest in the business.
I think the CS taxi drivers are some of the nastiest in the business.
May 9th, 2016, 01:28 PM
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<since you'll be only be a block and a half from Dam square, getting a taxi from CS is less advisable. You'll either be refused or ripped off.>
<Dukey - I said up thread that taxis must accept a fare even for a short journey.
No I am not from Amsterdam, but taxi rules are pretty much the same throughout the Netherlands, and I referred to the English language link about Amtserdam taxis>
Two diametrically opposed answers! I guess no one really knows for sure?
Rules are rules are rules but rules can be circumvented.
<Dukey - I said up thread that taxis must accept a fare even for a short journey.
No I am not from Amsterdam, but taxi rules are pretty much the same throughout the Netherlands, and I referred to the English language link about Amtserdam taxis>
Two diametrically opposed answers! I guess no one really knows for sure?
Rules are rules are rules but rules can be circumvented.
May 9th, 2016, 01:28 PM
#28
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<since you'll be only be a block and a half from Dam square, getting a taxi from CS is less advisable. You'll either be refused or ripped off.>
<Dukey - I said up thread that taxis must accept a fare even for a short journey.
No I am not from Amsterdam, but taxi rules are pretty much the same throughout the Netherlands, and I referred to the English language link about Amtserdam taxis>
Two diametrically opposed answers! I guess no one really knows for sure?
Rules are rules are rules but rules can be circumvented.
<Dukey - I said up thread that taxis must accept a fare even for a short journey.
No I am not from Amsterdam, but taxi rules are pretty much the same throughout the Netherlands, and I referred to the English language link about Amtserdam taxis>
Two diametrically opposed answers! I guess no one really knows for sure?
Rules are rules are rules but rules can be circumvented.
May 9th, 2016, 02:42 PM
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<i>topeater on May 9, 16 at 2:33pm
We are staying at the Sofitel Legend since it's close to the meeting my husband has to attend. </i>
Ah ha, more data.
I have been to that hotel, as far as the front desk and the lobby bar. I would not spend $500 a night there, or $100 a night. Access and location are the major reasons. The canal street out front is on a slope and is made of some of the oldest bricks in Amsterdam. There is very little foot traffic on that street and it is a mere 100 yards or so from those red and purple lights on shops of ill repute. The hotel courtyard looks nice in photos but as I recall it is something I did not like walking on.
Since you are evidently on a business trip I suggest that you cancel and book at the Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky. If you go to the Sofitel you will have passed the "Kras" a moment before. The Kras is on the Dam, one of the busiest spots in Amsterdam. It is quiet except for the tram and bike bells, which are music for me. This is on the civilized side of the Oudezijds Voorbrugwal.
As for the taxi, enough said. One point regarding the stairs that PalenQ mentions. I agree if you are arriving at platform 1, say from Haarlem. The stairway is a quick and convenient way out of Amsterdam Centraal.
However coming from Paris you will be on the Thalys. This docks at platform 329, or so it seems, at the north end of the station. Your only option is to descend the stairs and walk through a 100 yard tunnel to the south exit. The tunnel is filled with people coming and going and cutting across to reach stairs to other platforms. It is fun - NOT! At the south exit you will see the sunshine if you are lucky, along with a platoon of police in yellow jackets standing guard. Hold on to your stuff and beware of pickpockets. My guess is that you will stand out as American targets as well as if you were waving an American flag.
An alternate plan is to get off the train at Schiphol Airport and take a shuttlebus direct to the door of your hotel. It is €17 PP. If you have too much luggage they charge for an additional person. Find the shuttle bus at http://www.schipholhotelshuttle.nl/. I have no experience with this service since I always stay in Haarlem.
BTW, if you have a spare day I highly recommend a day trip over to Haarlem. Buy a retour ticket for an 18 minute train ride. The Grote Markt, town square, is a few hundred years old and popular with tourists. I prefer the Boter Markt which is more local. There are a number of cafes, a food market, and fish wagon (you HAVE to try the raw herring), and my favorite weed shop.
We are staying at the Sofitel Legend since it's close to the meeting my husband has to attend. </i>
Ah ha, more data.
I have been to that hotel, as far as the front desk and the lobby bar. I would not spend $500 a night there, or $100 a night. Access and location are the major reasons. The canal street out front is on a slope and is made of some of the oldest bricks in Amsterdam. There is very little foot traffic on that street and it is a mere 100 yards or so from those red and purple lights on shops of ill repute. The hotel courtyard looks nice in photos but as I recall it is something I did not like walking on.
Since you are evidently on a business trip I suggest that you cancel and book at the Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky. If you go to the Sofitel you will have passed the "Kras" a moment before. The Kras is on the Dam, one of the busiest spots in Amsterdam. It is quiet except for the tram and bike bells, which are music for me. This is on the civilized side of the Oudezijds Voorbrugwal.
As for the taxi, enough said. One point regarding the stairs that PalenQ mentions. I agree if you are arriving at platform 1, say from Haarlem. The stairway is a quick and convenient way out of Amsterdam Centraal.
However coming from Paris you will be on the Thalys. This docks at platform 329, or so it seems, at the north end of the station. Your only option is to descend the stairs and walk through a 100 yard tunnel to the south exit. The tunnel is filled with people coming and going and cutting across to reach stairs to other platforms. It is fun - NOT! At the south exit you will see the sunshine if you are lucky, along with a platoon of police in yellow jackets standing guard. Hold on to your stuff and beware of pickpockets. My guess is that you will stand out as American targets as well as if you were waving an American flag.
An alternate plan is to get off the train at Schiphol Airport and take a shuttlebus direct to the door of your hotel. It is €17 PP. If you have too much luggage they charge for an additional person. Find the shuttle bus at http://www.schipholhotelshuttle.nl/. I have no experience with this service since I always stay in Haarlem.
BTW, if you have a spare day I highly recommend a day trip over to Haarlem. Buy a retour ticket for an 18 minute train ride. The Grote Markt, town square, is a few hundred years old and popular with tourists. I prefer the Boter Markt which is more local. There are a number of cafes, a food market, and fish wagon (you HAVE to try the raw herring), and my favorite weed shop.
May 9th, 2016, 08:40 PM
#30
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PalenQ, nothing is "diametrically opposed" here. Good luck with Amsterdam CS taxi drivers.
spaarne's preference for Krasnapolsky is a bit mysterious, since it is clearly the lesser hotel of the two.... and in a far less desirable spot, on the corner of cannabis fueled Warmoesstraat and questionable Damstraat.
anyway, this is not about taxis per se, but about the fact that getting to the hotel by tram and on foot is perfectly doable and doesn't warrant the aggravation of getting a taxi from CS.
and finally, the Grand is not "in" the red light district.
spaarne's preference for Krasnapolsky is a bit mysterious, since it is clearly the lesser hotel of the two.... and in a far less desirable spot, on the corner of cannabis fueled Warmoesstraat and questionable Damstraat.
anyway, this is not about taxis per se, but about the fact that getting to the hotel by tram and on foot is perfectly doable and doesn't warrant the aggravation of getting a taxi from CS.
and finally, the Grand is not "in" the red light district.
May 9th, 2016, 10:01 PM
#31
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<i>menachem on May 10, 16 at 12:40am
spaarne's preference for Krasnapolsky is a bit mysterious, since it is clearly the lesser hotel of the two.... and in a far less desirable spot, on the corner of cannabis fueled Warmoesstraat and questionable Damstraat.
and finally, the Grand is not "in" the red light district.</i>
Typical Dutch again from the guy in Rotterdam.
Oh, my preference is mysterious for sure. I clearly stated that the location of the Kras on the Dam is far superior to the Sofitel on a rather dark little canal two blocks away. Who said the Sofitel is "in" the RLD. It is just a scoche outside it. Check your Google maps and street views. BTW, the Kras also calls itself "Grand."
As for the Kras being a "lesser hotel," that is subjective. If you like 19th century I guess you would prefer the Sofitel. The Kras is a bit more up to date.
I have never stayed in either of these hotels. If I ever needed a hotel in Amsterdam again I would stay at the Ambassade again. See http://www.ambassade-hotel.nl/. It is on the Herengracht, one of the major canals. The Ambassade is unique and charming, and in a much much better location for the local cafes and restaurants at the Spui and on Spuistraat.
Back to the Kras, here is a story you might like, from a few decades ago. My Dad traveled the world for a major American chemical company. One night he checked in at the Kras. After going to his room he found that it had not been made up. He gathered the dirty linen and wet towels and went back to the front desk. After presenting the laundry to the desk clerk my Dad was told "You Americans are always complaining!"
spaarne's preference for Krasnapolsky is a bit mysterious, since it is clearly the lesser hotel of the two.... and in a far less desirable spot, on the corner of cannabis fueled Warmoesstraat and questionable Damstraat.
and finally, the Grand is not "in" the red light district.</i>
Typical Dutch again from the guy in Rotterdam.
Oh, my preference is mysterious for sure. I clearly stated that the location of the Kras on the Dam is far superior to the Sofitel on a rather dark little canal two blocks away. Who said the Sofitel is "in" the RLD. It is just a scoche outside it. Check your Google maps and street views. BTW, the Kras also calls itself "Grand."
As for the Kras being a "lesser hotel," that is subjective. If you like 19th century I guess you would prefer the Sofitel. The Kras is a bit more up to date.
I have never stayed in either of these hotels. If I ever needed a hotel in Amsterdam again I would stay at the Ambassade again. See http://www.ambassade-hotel.nl/. It is on the Herengracht, one of the major canals. The Ambassade is unique and charming, and in a much much better location for the local cafes and restaurants at the Spui and on Spuistraat.
Back to the Kras, here is a story you might like, from a few decades ago. My Dad traveled the world for a major American chemical company. One night he checked in at the Kras. After going to his room he found that it had not been made up. He gathered the dirty linen and wet towels and went back to the front desk. After presenting the laundry to the desk clerk my Dad was told "You Americans are always complaining!"
May 9th, 2016, 11:18 PM
#32
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What an injustice to glorious OZ Achterburgwal, one of the most beautiful spots in Amsterdam!
https://youtu.be/FwPCsN0NeNg?t=4m3s
"where Willem Diepraam lived"
https://youtu.be/FwPCsN0NeNg?t=4m3s
"where Willem Diepraam lived"
May 9th, 2016, 11:23 PM
#33
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and since I invoked Ed van der Elsken, here's the entire film, a time machine to 1982
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHUoqM3iyag
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHUoqM3iyag
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