Visit Amsterdam

In the end of the previous post I put a kind of ‘to be continued’, so it is to be continued here.

- If the hotel advertises its rooms with the sea view, then clarify beforehand the cost of this pleasure, as it may be more expensive. In the case of the same cost of both categories of the apartments, you can send your wish in writing to stay in the room with windows looking on to the sea through the travel operator. They are always of great demand, such rooms. Remember that.
- If the hotel can not give you a room you want when asked beforehand, try to ask about the desired category upon your arrival.
- The situation with the sea view concerns every requirements and details such as two next-door rooms, availability of the balcony, smoking/non-smoking room and etc.

Hotel’s location.
- You should pay special attention to this matter during the discussion of the hotel ort looking through the information about. Internet make wonders, so, it is quite easy to know if the proposed hotel is situated in a mile from the nearest beach, or in the noisy and/or dubious district. And remember, the description of the hotel’s location sometimes does not match the reality in full.
- In addition, get familiar with the map and structure of the hotel’s blocks and lines thoroughly. Maps are posted in Internet for almost every self-respecting hotel and resort.
- One more point: if you are not going to spend time on the beach but want to communicate with and mix with people then determine the nearest hotel to the place of parties and etc.

However the choice is yours and… be careful!

Let’s continue the story where I’ve stopped the last time. I was telling you guys about the nice hotel I came accross during my journey through Amsterdam with a bike.

The next day I checked out at the Park Plaza Hotel Victoria nearby the Central Station of Amsterdam. It was a pleasant stay in the hotel, but not really my thing. I went to the hotel that I’ve mentioned before and booked 3 nights at the hotel Ibis Amsterdam Stopera. The location of the hotel is great, a huge supermarket and Chinatown called ‘Nieuwmarkt’ are within walking distance where you can eat good oriental food for less! The hotel is modern, new and it has a nice restaurant with a bar.

I’ve stayed in a single Ibis room equiped with a bathroom, flatscreen and even a safe, the room was small but clean and tidy. I paid €70 a night at the hotel Ibis Amsterdam Stopera which is excellent value for Hotels in Amsterdam. The room is also equiped with the latest technology using a keycard to get access to your room and elevator. So my conclusion is that I’m very satisfied with this hotel, got to go now….I’m hungry for some Asian food!!

So I rented a bike for one day to explore Amsterdam centre, the weather was quite nice and not too cold. I planned to explore the city in 4 parts, otherwise I’ll miss something due to shortage of time. First to explore is the eastern part of Amsterdam where the Zoo is located, it is called ‘Artis’ in Dutch founded in 1838. The entrance is €17,70 for adults and €14,50 for children between 3-9 years old. Bought a ticket to visit this fantastic historical Zoo of Amsterdam and it didn’t dissapointed me. I was impressed by the various animals and the beautiful historical buildings that this Zoo offers you. Stayed about 3 hours and went my way again to explore the rest of the eastern part of Amsterdam.

Next to visit is the ‘dappermarkt’, it’s a big market where you can buy almost everything. From food to shoes, so ladies this is a really nice spot to visit if you have a tight budget. It caught my attention when I was strolling down the market that there were alot of different cultures are living here together in this part of Amsterdam. Alot of small restaurants and cafes situated around the market where you can sit down and relax with a cup of coffee or tea.

I noticed during this trip that there weren’t many hotels located in this part of Amsterdam, just saw one Amsterdam hotel that’s located on the boarder of this district. Hotel Amsterdam Ibis Stopera is a 3-star hotel with more then 200 hotelrooms. Went inside to take a look at the restaurant and the lobby, I must say it was a very nice looking hotel. Think I’m going to stay 1 night in this hotel tomorrow, because I have booked 2 nights at the Victoria Hotel Amsterdam. It also has a central garden located inside the Hotel Ibis Amsterdam City Stopera.

Hello everybody! The Park Plaza Victoria hotel Amsterdam is really nice located across the Central Station of Amsterdam, just a few minutes away from all the public transport. My room was located on the 3rd floor with a nice view over the canals and the beautiful historical buildings of the city. The room was a bit small but efficiently furnished, clean and tidy. The staff was friendly and helpfull, I had a big list of questions for them The Amsterdam Victoria hotel is equiped with a fittnesroom, spa and a restaurant with a bar.

Today I explored the city by bike, rented at ‘macbike’ for 1 day for just €8,50. Using a bike to transport yourself through the city is a common thing here in the Netherlands. Unbelieveble, I’ve never seen so much bikers before. Packed a map, drinks and some sandwiches that I picked up at the supermarket named ‘Albert Heijn’ and started my adventure.

I’ll report my adverture on the bike later on to you guys!

Let me publish another Amsterdam hotel review sent by Morgan from Italy.

“I made a reservation at Crowne Plaza Amsterdam City Centre, a 4-star hotel in Amsterdam, following the reviews posted on various sites. The hotel’s excellent location was the major point of our choice. Crowne Plaza Amsterdam City Centre was close to the Central Station (a 10 minute walk from the station) and we were in a location that allowed us to sightsee on foot: museums, the Dam square, the Red Light District as well as tons of restaurants, shops and small grocery markets were within walking distance from Crowne Plaza Amsterdam City Centre. We had no problems finding a place to eat or pick up odds and ends.

Possibly due to the reservation, check in at the hotel was very smooth. The staff at the reception desk, as well as throughout the hotel, were very polite and attentive. Moreover they were well-informed about the city sights. The rate was around €178 per night for a double room. Not the cheapest price for a 4-star Amsterdam hotel, I guess, but we still could afford it. Our room was big enough based on EU average. The bed was comfortable, and the minibar well stocked. However, minibar prices are unbelievable: a bottle of Coke cost 7 euros! It was the most expensive coke I’ve ever drank! The bathroom was a bit of a squeeze, but the shower pressure was fine. Overall the room felt a little tired, although it was spotlessly clean.

The first day we were at Crowne Plaza Amsterdam City Centre the hotel was overcrowded because of the conference. Luckily, it ended the following day.

We liked the hotel and probably stay there again.”