Has anyone heard anything about when the Canal House will be taking reservations for Spring, 2009 and just any insight as to what changes there will be to accommodations and prices?

We are wanting to visit Amsterdam at the beginning of April for Spring break and wondered how the weather is then and if Tulips may be in bloom? Also, if anyone has recommendations for hotels/B&B's similar to the Canal House which you have experienced?

I can't help with the Canal house, but early April is normally too early for tulips. There will be plenty of other bulbs in bloom, but tulips are very unlikely unless we get an exceptional March.
Weatherwise - it could be anything from cold and wet, even snowy, to warm and sunny. I suggest you check back nearer the time for an update on the expected weather.

We were in Amsterdam in early April several years ago and the tulips were not yet in bloom. Went to Keukenhof and crocuses and daffodils were blooming plus lots of things blooming in the indoor greenhouse type facility. The weather was fine--light jackets were appropriate. We considered the Canal House but regretably we opted for a B&B from a Rick Steves Guide. Not a good choice. At that time the Canal House was run by an American couple.

We have stayed at the Canal House several times and wanted to go again last May - even then they had raised their rates from remodeling, so who knows what they will be when they reopen after, I guess MORE remodeling. I think their lowest rate was maybe 160E - we had stayed there before for 140E. With the low dollar that put Canal House out of my price range so we stayed at Mae's B&B instead for 115E. It is in the same area, our room overlooked a lovely garden and into the backs of adjacent houses - we liked it but there are no canal views there.

We did the tulip thing one year at the end of April - I think we were very fortunate with very nice weather. One day we went to Kuekenhoff, another day we biked thru the tulip fields. I think in Kuekenhoff they have about a three stage display of blooms, early, mid and late bloomers. If I go again, I think I'll go near the end of April and leave town before May 1st - Queen's Day - but if you love a big party, you could stay on for that!

Suec1, April 30th is Queens Day, not May 1st, so bear that in mind for your next trip!