Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
West Amsterdam
(which includes the Jordaan) has Old World ambience, with quiet
canals, old gabled buildings, and candle-lit 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 and likely have lots of stairs to climb.
Sleep Code
(€1 = about $1.30, country code: 31, area code: 020)
S
= Single,
D
= Double/Twin,
T
= Triple,
Q
= Quad,
b
= bathroom,
s
= shower only.
Nearly everyone speaks English. Credit cards are accepted, and prices include break-
fast and tax unless otherwise noted.
To help you easily sort through these listings, I've divided the accommodations
into three categories, based on the price for a standard double room with bath:
$$$ Higher Priced
—Most rooms €140 or more.
$$ Moderately Priced
—Most rooms between €80-140.
$ Lower Priced
—Most rooms €80 or less.
Pricescanchangewithoutnoticeandmostdonotincludethecity's6percentroom
tax; verify the hotel's current rates online or by email.
Southwest Amsterdam
has two main areas for accommodations: 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 neigh-
borhood 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 it's a
half-hour walk (or 10-minute tram ride) to Dam Square.
Stayingin
CentralAmsterdam
isidealforpeoplewholikeshopping,touristsights,and
easy access to public transportation (including Central Station). On the downside, the area
has traffic noise, concrete, and urban grittiness, and the hotels can lack character.
Some national holidays merit your making reservations far in advance. Amsterdam is
jammed during tulip season (late March-mid-May), conventions, festivals, and on summer
weekends. During peak season, some hoteliers won't take weekend bookings for those stay-
ing fewer than two or three nights.
