Visit Amsterdam

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.

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.”

Today’s post is devoted to NH Doelen, a 4-star cheap Amsterdam hotel. This hotel review has been sent by Pablo from Switzerland.
“I visited Amsterdam this summer and spent a week at NH Doelen. This cheap Amsterdam hotel is located close to the Central Station and Amsterdam’s most popular places of interest are within easy reach from the hotel. In case you are not keen of walking, there are plenty of tram connections nearby, so there won’t be any problems with reaching the city sights.

I guess they had spent a lot of money on their reception area and the lobby because they looked very lovely and elegant.
The decor of my room on the third floor was a little tired looking and could use an update; the furniture was a bit old-fashioned, but as long as I got a good price, the location of the hotel was central, I had a nice view of the Amstel out of my window and all I was doing at the hotel was sleeping so why I should complain! There was everything I needed: television, minibar, telephone, hairdryer, alarm clock and coffee and tea making facilities. I heard that some guests experienced noise, but I could hear just usual outside noise from the canal, which could hardly be controlled by the hotel staff.

I didn’t try the food served for breakfast , so I can’t comment on that.

Overall, NH Doelen was good inexpensive Amsterdam hotel, I didn’t have any problem and I liked the price, so I will probably stay there again.”

Here is a hotel review from Jeremy, which I received a couple of days ago.“Actually, I originally planned to stay in another cheap Amsterdam hotel arriving on a Saturday morning, but I was terribly upset about the hotel where I intended to stay even though I had read good reviews for it on different websites. Anyway, Amsterdam Hotel RobertRamon was one of the few cheap Amsterdam hotels to have rooms available at an affordable rate in a good area. Hotel RobertRamon was located in a lovely area at the south of the city centre right in the heart of the Museum district. The Leidseplein and Vondel Park were within walking distance from the hotel.

My room on the fourth floor was clean and comfortable for the price I paid, and it was quiet at night. It had everything I needed for a short stay in Amsterdam: a private bathroom, a deposit box, a telephone, a desk, a flat TV and free wireless internet. In the entire hotel there was a wireless Internet connection available to owners of a laptop.

Unfortunately, breakfast was not included and costs EUR 15.00 per person. Breakfast was OK and fresh, although it was the same everyday: cereal, fruit salad, bread, cheese, hams, boiled eggs, fruit juice, tea and coffee. Of course, if you prefer something different, i.e. pancakes, waffles, etc., it’s better to go out for breakfast.

Probably, I will stay at Hotel RobertRamon next time when I am in Amsterdam. I liked the friendly hotel staff and unobtrusive service.”