Simply dandy
I booked this little boutique hotel based on rates (accommodations are expensive in Amsterdam) and good reviews on Trip Advisor: couldn't have been happier. It's located right on the Amstel River in a quiet neighborhood within easy walking distance of restaurants, transportation, pubs and many attractions. Because of that killer location beside the river and a small canal, I anted up for one of the larger rooms with a balcony that gave us a great view of the famous Skinny Bridge and Amstel barge and boat traffic.
It's not fancy: no minibars, in-rooms safes, tea/coffee equipment, flat screen TVs (although all rooms have TV) or even carpeting, and metal lockers serve as closets but it was spotless, spacious, quiet and altogether comfortable for the price.
Upsides:
• A very decent breakfast buffet is included in the rate. Items included cold meats, cereal (GREAT granola!), pastries, 3 types of bread to toast, yogurt, hard-boiled eggs, cheese, coffee, juice, etc. I had fun trying out vlokken: chocolate flakes pressed into buttered bread.
• Guest safety is insured by entry doors that are always locked: you press a buzzer to be let in, and leave your room key with the desk when you go out. Reception is staffed 24/7 so early birds and night owls can come and go as they please. Free use of a safe deposit box is also available at the desk, and you can check out hairdryers for the length of your stay.
• Wide variety of rooms from twins to triples to a couple of apartments, and they'll provide baby cots for free.
• Casual but pleasant lounge off the reception with newspapers and bar supplies for a drink: good for group gatherings
• Bike rental
• Friendly and accommodating staff. Have a question? Just ask.
• A fun little local pub just 1/2 block away, and just a few more blocks to a market and self-serve laundry.
• Free Wifi
Downsides (although none for us):
• Not a good choice for persons with mobile disabilities. There is no lift (common for small hotels of this type) and if you're staying on a upper floor, you'll be hauling bags up some flights of stairs. There are also steps at the entrance. Do ask if you need assistance with luggage.
• Depending on your preferences, rooms should be chosen carefully as they have a number on a basement floor with skylights but no windows, and a couple which open directly onto the reception area.
• Furnishings are serviceable but a bit battered and worn
• No parking
• One funny quirk: the Dutch are some of the tallest people in the world and the bathroom mirror was hung so high that 5'2" me could only see the top half of my head even on tiptoe. :)
All-in-all, great choice and highly recommended unless you MUST have a posh hotel with all the goodies. DO spring for a canal-view room with balcony if you can swing it. Rates can swing depending on season and big events in the city so best to check the website for pricing during your particular dates.
