I e-mailed several small canal-front hotels, and the following have replied that they can reserve the kind of room we're looking for (canal view, second floor) when we visit Amsterdam in April:

Canal House (170 or 190 euros)
Hotel Agora (130 euros)
Hotel Wiechmann (140 euros)

Price is a minor consideration. Any thoughs as to which we should choose?

Any recommendation for comparable hotels? (Smallish; canal-front; with breakfast)

Hi, I can only comment on the Hotel Agora, as it is the only one of those that I have stayed in, but it is a nice small hotel, nothing fancy, very friendly, nice breakfast, but the best thing is the location..It is in my favorite part of Amsterdam..Right next to the flower market, and walking distance to shopping,restaurants, Dam Square, Leidseplein, etc...I did walk by the Wiechmann last time we were there, and it did look nice too, but a little further away...

We stayed at the Canal House, in a 2nd floor (it's called the 1st floor in Europe, the ground floor being 0) with a canal view. It was terrific. The room was large, with nice big windows. The bath doesn't stand out in my mind, so I assume it was adequate but nothing special.

The public spaces in the hotel are lovely, especially the breakfast room. We liked the location a lot. It's in the Jordaan district, just around the corner from the Ann Frank house.

Here is a link to my album on DotPhoto.com, showing some views of the hotel and interior. (Copy and paste it into the address bar.) The photos don't do it justice, however.

http://www.dotphoto.com/GuestViewIma...p;IID=32556873

I also really liked the Agora. It certainly is located in a lively, beautiful, bright area. Whenever we wanted to go somewhere, the employees would tell us exactly which bus to take. It really is a delightful place but not fancy at all.

Tracy and Teacherlady -

I've read comments about the outside noise sometimes being a problem at the Agora. Any thoughts?

Mary Fran

The photo site asked for a log-in name and password. I'd love to see your pics.

BaltoTraveler,

Sorry about that. I did try the link on my own computer, but obviously it doesn't work the same way on someone else's computer.

If you'll send your e-mail address to [email protected], I can send you a link that will work.

I just thought of something else about the Canal House I really liked: They have a house cat whose name is Imelda. The desk clerk explained the reason for the name was that the kitty had four different colored "shoes" (feet).

Great place to eat just around the corner: Two Greek Guys.

Regarding noise outside the Agora...I am not bugged by noise, so I never noticed it..However, there is a night club next door and I have also read that people think it can get noisy, so I guess it depends how picky you are..It is still generally quiet in the area..Good luck.