Visit Amsterdam

In my previous posts I tried to review briefly some of the most important points that you should check before booking your Amsterdam hotel or any other accommodation in Amsterdam. I hope these simple advices will save you from lots of troubles. Of course, these advices are useful for most cities in Europe and worldwide.Oh, yes, there is one more important thing about hotels and accommodations in Amsterdam. That is advanced reservation. Early bookings are strongly recommended. For most weekends, festivals, cultural events and high seasons it is a must. You will be amazed of how fast Amsterdam is getting packed. There are a multitude of online reservation sites that provide good selection of Amsterdam hotels, booking immediately and some feedback on the target Amsterdam hotel. Those heading to Amsterdam are more likely to find the best prices for Amsterdam hotels and accommodations on these Internet sites. You can also book rooms directly with the hotel in case you have some information about it. If you are still not sure about the selected Amsterdam hotel, you can book only one night first and see later, but there is a risk that there won’t be any rooms available. Anyway, advanced booking guarantees that you will have a place to sleep while some others will settle for the Vondel Park )

That’s all about choosing your Amsterdam hotel. If you have any advices on how to find the right Amsterdam hotel, please, share with us!

The next important point you should find out about the hotel in Amsterdam where you are going cancellation policy g to stay is security. That is really something to think of in advance. If you want to be sure that your suitcases and personal belongings are properly protected, it is recommended to follow some simple advices:
- have a look at doors and windows of your hotel room;
- find out how receptionists check guests asking for their room keys;
- find out if your Amsterdam hotel has 24 hours recording security cameras which are very effective;
- it is better to have a safe in your hotel room where you can keep your important documents and valuables. In case there is no safe in your room, keep them in a key deposit box provided by most Amsterdam hotels – it is always “better safe than sorry” even if it costs a Euro or two.
The next thing you should check prior to booking your Amsterdam hotel is cancellation policy. Most hotels in Amsterdam have 24 hours cancellation policy with one to two nights penalty. Cancellation and amendments charges may occasionally vary due to some hotels having more strict cancellations policies during peak holiday or conference periods. Inform hotel staff as soon as you anticipate any change in your itinerary. In any case travel insurance is highly recommended.

To be continued later on…

P.S.: I am waiting for your Amsterdam hotel reviews. Please, do not hesitate to share your Amsterdam hotel experience with us. I am going to publish some reviews soon, but I am looking forward to receiving some new ones.

Hello, friends!

Here I am back with another hotel review. Today it is about Hotel Luxer, a 3-star cheap Amsterdam hotel. One of my relatives booked a room there for one night, when he was in Amsterdam on business. The main reason for choosing this budget Amsterdam hotel was its fantastic location – very close from the Central Station, it took him approximately 5 minutes to get to Hotel Luxer Amsterdam on foot. The Red Light District and Dam Square, as well as several popular museums, were within walking distance from the hotel. Non-stop train to/from the airport was nearby.

Hotel Luxer Amsterdam was very secure with 24-hour video surveillance (that is very important for solo travelers), there was a 24 hour reception and a bar. Hotel Luxer Amsterdam had 47 rooms, smoking or non-smoking rooms were available on request. Hotel Luxer Amsterdam was not a pet-friendly one, so pet lovers should avoid booking rooms in this Amsterdam hotel.

My relative’s single room was perfectly adequate and, it was clean, bed linen was spotless. The room was equipped with a shower, toilet, telephone, television, safe, alarm clock and air conditioning. The room was generally OK, nothing luxury – just a good place to get your head down for a couple of nights.

Breakfast was not included in the room price and cost EUR 10.00 per person. My relative decided to eat out of the hotel, he liked “Drink and Sink” bar across the street.

Hotel Luxer Amsterdam is a cheap Amsterdam hotel in the center, it is a good place for exploring the city.

Bye!

Cleanliness is probably the most important thing about hotels, actually untidy rooms or spotty bed linen can spoil the whole Amsterdam experience. So, cleanliness is a major point in rooms, beds, washrooms and public areas, such as lobbies, restaurants, gyms, pools and so on. Of course, it is not always possible to find out whether the hotel is clean or not, the only way to clear up the fact is inquiring friends and acquaintances or reading other travelers’ reviews.I have never heard about curfew in Amsterdam hotels or hostels, but if you are so unfortunate to find one, ask for front door keys (in case there is no night receptionist in the hotel or hostel) or just find another Amsterdam hotel.

Smiling, helpful and friendly staff, who are quick to respond you requests and wishes, is always a big plus of any hotel. Some of the hotel guests pay special attention to the friendliness of the hotel personnel, the others can live without it, that mostly depends of the guest’s character. Amsterdam hotel staff delivers typical European customer service level, so just don’t expect American service level here and you won’t be disappointed. I have heard that some Amsterdam hostels hair former travelers, that’s probably the best decision, because they really know your needs and wishes, moreover they know several languages.

In my previous post I tried to give some advices concerning location of Amsterdam hotels. Today I go on with my thoughts about the hotel price, which is usually number one criteria people think of when choosing a place to stayOne heading to Amsterdam should realize that Amsterdam is a very popular year-round tourist destination, so the demand in Amsterdam hotels, Amsterdam hostels and other type of Amsterdam accommodations is very high, so the accommodation prices are accordingly relatively high, especially for those who live outside Europe: the currency exchange rates may make hotel rates higher compared with other destinations. A single room in an average budget Amsterdam hotel costs around 50 Euros in winter season, for a twin or double room guests have to pay about 70 Euros. These prices rise at weekends by 10 to 20 Euros, prices during high seasons are even higher.

The next point worth considering when choosing your Amsterdam accommodation is facilities provided by the hotel. The advertisement is not always matching the current situation of hotel facilities. It is wise to find out when was the last time they did renovation in the hotel. Pay special attention to steep and narrow staircases in old hotel buildings if you travel with kids or the elderly.

I will continue later on …