We chose the Lancaster because it was not central; we picked up a car near Schiphol and it was an easy drive to the hotel. It is a pleasant sturdy old building located in a residential neighborhood across from the Artis Zoo and near some lesser sites of the city. A tram goes by out front and several a block away and around the corner. You can get anywhere and back easily. It is a 20 minute walk to Rembrandt's home. The hotel does not have a garage leaving you with the dilemma of parking on the street with the hassle of the meter or using a parking garage a little over a block away. Either approach will cost upwards of 18 euro/day. The staff spoke fine English and were very helpful. An expensive (11 euro) buffet breakfast was not included. The rooms were clean, of good size and had a well-equipped bathroom. There were nearby restaurants and food shops but breakfast would be better found at a distance - elsewhere. Request a room that is not at the front (I think there are only two).
With small rooms and a tiny bathropom, this is a passable 3 star hotel. If you're after a luxurious stay then you probably won't want to be here, but if you're looking for a decent value place to rest your weary bones after a day's museum and canal hopping then this will suit you.
We got a good deal from expedia where this hotel is billed as a romantic hotel, which I can't say I really agree with. There are tea and coffee making facilities in the room as well as a flat screen television with the standard channels.
Must say that the bed was really really comfortable, though they are twins rather than doubles. Staff were polite and helpful enough. Breakfast is really rather expensive and you have to pay an extra 14 euro for it. Much better to take a brunch at the cafe across the road.
Take Tram 9 from Centraal Station for about 15 minutes.
Directly opposite the Artis Zoo, situated a 20 minute walk from De Dam or a 15 minute walk from the main museum district. You'll find Rembrandtplein and Waterlooplein, the Hollandsche Schouwburg (Dutch Theatre), the Dutch Resistance Museum, Portuguese Synagogue and the excellent Jewish Historical Museum all within 5 to 10 minutes walking distance.
