Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SLEEpING
Greeting a new day by descending steep stairs and stepping into a
leafy canalside scene—graceful bridges, historic gables, and bikes
clattering on cobbles—is a fun part of experiencing Amsterdam.
But Amsterdam is a tough city for budget accommodations, and
any room under €140 will have rough edges. Still, you can sleep
well and safely in a great location for €100 per double.
I've grouped my hotel listings into three neighborhoods, each
of which has its own character. Staying in
Central Amsterdam
is
ideal for people who like shopping, tourist sights, and easy access
to public transportation (including Central Station). On the down-
side, the area has traffic noise, concrete, and urban grittiness, and
the hotels can lack character.
West Amsterdam
(which includes the Jordaan) has Old
World ambience, with quiet canals, old gabled buildings, and
candlelit restaurants. It's also just minutes on foot to Dam Square.
Many of my hotels are charming, friendly, gabled mansions. The
downside here is that you'll pay more.
Southwest Amsterdam
has two main areas for accommoda-
tions: near Leidseplein (more central) and near Vondelpark (farther
away). The streets near the bustling Leidseplein have restaurants,
tourist buzz, nightlife, canalside charm, B&B coziness, and walk-
able (or easy tram) access to the center of town. Farther afield is
the quieter semi-suburban neighborhood around Vondelpark and
Museumplein, close to the Rijks and Van Gogh museums. You'll
find good hotel values and ready access to Vondelpark and the art
museums, but you're a half-hour walk (or 10-minute tram ride) to
Dam Square.
Note that some national holidays merit your making res-
ervations far in advance (see “Major Holidays and Weekends”
on page 4). Amsterdam is jammed during tulip season (late
