Amsterdam

[Martyn B]

I'm currently looking for a hotel in Amsterdam, but I'd like some advice on where abouts to book the hotel. I never been to Amsterdam, so I dont know a thing about it. It would be good to be near the main shopping area, The Dungeons, general sight seeing stuff. But obviously I haven't a clue where any of it is, so to be pointed in the right direction would be FAB.

Cheers!

 

[Ian]

Most budget hotels are ex hostels, so don't expect luxury or even your own bathroom!

There are nicer budget hotels nearer to the museum district, although it's a good 15min walk to the centre. The tram network is brilliant so it won't matter if you're too far out of the main centre. The Dungeon is on Rokin, just off Dam Square.

Here are three hotels I've stayed at.

Trianon Hotel
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/place?cid ... n=0,0&z=18
Not too shabby, in the museum district, supermarket over the road, good tram links, 20-25min walk to Dam Square/RLD/central station.

Keizersgracht
I can't recall the name of the hotel but it was on Keizersgracht - I think it may have gone - but the location was spot on. 5-10min walk to centre/Square/RLD/train station, 5mins from tram network. It was also relatvely quiet. If you can, stay along this road imo.

Travel Hotel
http://www.hotels.nl/amsterdam/travel/
Very central - the RLD, Dam Square and central station are within 5mins walk. Very noisy at night (the church bells! Arrggghhhh!), but good value for money.

As I've done Amsterdam's main touristy things, if I were to head back, I'd probably stay near the Trianon Hotel (or at the hotel itself) again.

I really love Amsterdam and would happily answer any further questions.

 

[Martyn B]

Cheers Ian, thanks a lot for your help!

How were them hotels with regards to car parking?

 

[Ian]

I wouldn't consider driving in the centre of Amsterdam. Loads of narrow streets, lined with canals (on average two cars a week end up in canals!), parking is very limited and is usually on-street pay & display. There are more side streets nearer the museum quarter, but these may be permits only. Most cheap hotels do not include parking.

If you're driving, I suggest parking your car at Schiphol airport and using public transport to travel to the centre. I'm unsure of the parking costs but I imagine it would be quite expensive. It would be less stressful and possibly cheaper to leave it at the airport.

Having said that, I've always used public transport (which is excellent) on my visits to the Dam so I can't give a definitive answer. It's more convenient and means I can get messy.

 

[LiveForTheLaunch]

Hotel Torenzicht and Hotel Schroeder are the two I picked. I have already stayed in Torenzicht and have booked hotel Schroeder for the summer so can't comment much on that one.

Torenzicht is in the red light district, very central and probably only a ten minute walk from the train station, if that. Loads of coffee shops around and everything, and the rooms aren't too bad, basic but serve their purpose! Schroeder is about a five to ten minute walk from the red light district, but still very central and cheap (100 euros for two nights which isn't too terrible).

Oh also, don't drive haha, it would be nonsensical. You'll either hit a biker, or not be able to get around well.