Visit Amsterdam

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.”

My friend Marbee was so kind to provide me with Hotel Bilderberg Garden review. One of her friends stayed there during his visit to Amsterdam.“I stayed at the budget Amsterdam hotel -  Bilderberg Garden Hotel with my uncle for 4 nights. Some people prefer to stay right in the center of the city, but they have to cope with the loud and rowdy atmosphere. As for me, I prefer to stay out of the tourist centre, and that was the reason why I booked Bilderberg Garden Hotel which is situated in a quiet, pleasant neighbourhood. This afforfable Amsterdam hotel is about a 30 min walk into the busy, noisy part of Amsterdam. If you don’t want to walk, trams are also very convenient to get to the city center. Nevertheless, there are some popular places around the hotel – the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum are within a 10 minute walk from Bilderberg Garden Hotel.

Overall, Bilderberg Garden Hotel was very clean and comfortable. We were offered an executive room on the top floor.  It was spacious enough with modern decor and functional furniture which seemed pretty new. The beds were amazing, large and very comfortable. All necessary amenities were there: air conditioning, Wi-Fi internet access, coffee and tea facilities, bath robes, slippers, a mini bar, pay-tv, and a de-luxe bathroom with Jacuzzi.

Breakfast was not included and I found it to be outrageously overpriced – 21 Euros per person. But breakfast was great with so much choice given.

The hotel personnel were nice, friendly and spoke good English. They were also ready to help with useful information about the local area and directions.

Overall, we were satisfied with the service level and the hotel’s location. We would probably stay at Bilderberg Garden Hotel in Amsterdam again.”

Here is a letter from a traveler who stayed in budget Amsterdam Hotel – Mercure Hotel Amsterdam aan de Amstel.“We have just returned from a 3-night stay in Mercure Hotel Amsterdam aan de Amstel. It was overall a very positive experience.

To be honest, the hotel is quite a distance outside of the city. But there is a tram that hotel guests can take into the center of Amsterdam. It’s very handy that guests can buy tram tickets at the reception desk, or they can buy tickets on the tram (tram stop is in a 5-minute walk from Mercure Hotel Amsterdam aan de Amstel). It takes approximately 10-15 minutes to get to the main square in Amsterdam. As for us, we live in London and prefer walking so therefore did not think of the hotel’s location away from the centre to be of much concern.

The hotel was very nice and clean. Our room was very nicely decorated and furnished. Our beds were a little narrow (actually, we were hoping for larger beds) but very comfy to sleep in. The air conditioning worked just fine.

There aren’t many places to eat around the hotel and the local area lacks activities. So, it’s advisable to have breakfasts in the hotel. Breakfast was more than enough to start the day off: cereal, eggs, meat, toast, fruits, yogurt, tae, coffee, juice, etc.

So, if you don’t mind this Amsterdam hotel’s location, then Mercure Hotel Amsterdam aan de Amstel is a good choice – clean, affordable, and quiet.”

Today I publish a letter from a traveler to Amsterdam, who describes her impressions about Amsterdam American Hotel, a 4-star Amsterdam hotel.“My husband and I stayed at the American Hotel Amsterdam for his 45th birthday in February, 2008. Some of our close friends had stayed here last year and recommended this Amsterdam hotel. They were right and we were not disappointed – we spent a really fabulous time there.

We e-mailed the hotel the night before we arrived and asked (if possible) for a view of canal. We were offered a room on the 6-th floor; it was spacious and comfortable with the windows overlooking the canal. The room was just perfect for us! There was the biggest and the most comfortable bed I have ever seen in hotel rooms. Our room was and the bed linen was spotlessly clean and it was nice to have tea and coffee making facilities in our hotel room. We did not hear any noise at night and slept very well.

We enjoyed several delicious cocktails and snacks at the Cafe Americain and Bar Americain and the service wasperfect. We only once had breakfast in the restaurant and the hot and cold buffet was perfectly acceptable.

Amsterdam American Hotel was a very good base for exploring Amsterdam, because most of the city sights were not far from the hotel. Moreover, the tram which is the best and the cheapest way to get around the city, was running near the hotel and we were able to see a lot of local places of interest and do some shopping.

I would definitely recommend this inexpensive but not so cheap Amsterdam Hotel and I am looking forward to celebrate my coming birthday there too.”