SkiAdcock's AMS Marriott Trip Reports: Updated September 2013
Sep 12, 2007, 6:46 pm
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SkiAdcock's AMS Marriott Trip Reports: Updated September 2013
I stay here every year for a trade show, and have done extensive 'trip reports'. I'm updating post # 1 which includes info from '07, '09, '10, '11, '12. & '13. I've really front-loaded this post # 1 w/ the most current info based on stays & including '13, which has all the most recent renovation info.
Reason for annual trip: IBC Trade Show (50,000 of my closest friends attending LOL)
AMSTERDAM MARRIOTT PHOTOS
Pictures of the hotel lobby, executive lounge, lounge, private lounge/i-net room, some of the hotel rooms, views, etc.
Amsterdam Marriott Photos
Also, some photos are embedded in posts 86-91 of this thread.
GETTING TO MARRIOTT
4 ways to get to Marriott from airport and/or train station.
1) Taxi: Expensive, but if you have more than 1 person & a lot of luggage easiest way. About 38Euro + tip from airport. Not totally sure what taxi would be from train station, but think 12-15Euros.
2) Connexion hotel shuttle: 18.00Euro 1-way; 26Euro RT; children 4-14 8Euro 1-way. Cheaper than taxi & good if you have a lot of luggage. You can book at Schipol & they take credit cards. Have to call 2-hours prior for return shuttle (or night before).
On the return, they tell you up front that the shuttle can be up to 15 minutes late. The bellstaff has the pick-up schedule at the front desk & will call the shuttle service to arrange pick-up when you tell them what time. Book the shuttle prior to the one you actually want to take. They're usually late on the pick-up, so if you take one early you'll still arrive on time if they're late. Drives the Marriott staff crazy, but shuttle is not something they can control. You need to book your return shuttle in advance; they do not run a fixed route.
For the Marriott, pick-ups to the airport from the hotel start at 6:35am & the last one to the airport is at 9:35pm daily. Pick-ups at the hotel are at the :05 & :35 mark & arrival to airport is at the :15 & :45 mark.
A reservation is required (the hotel can call for you & you'll get a pick-up confirmation #) 2 hours before departure (or night before for early morning shuttles to the airport). The schedule says to allow 15 minutes margin before/after requested time.
3) # 197 Bus: Runs 4x/hour & goes to/from Leidseplein/Marriott & Schiphol. 30 minutes total transit time. If you don't have a lot of luggage, this is definitely the cheapest & easiest way to get to/from the airport & hotel. Bus is red, & says 197. Picks up across the street from the Marriott on the bridge & drops off at Stand 8 (I think) directly in front to Schiphol Plaza. Pick-up is Stand 11 (I think) in front of Schiphol. They have electronic signs at the Schiphol stops that will say which bus # & the schedule for the next hour. It is 4 Euros each way. First pick-up from the Leidseplein area is 05:14a.m. & the last is 00:05 (a few minutes after midnight).
Alternative bus route if you have a lot of luggage (info courtesy of Diabo): Bus 197 can get too crowded for pax with bags. At Schiphol, take bus 310 to Amstelveenseweg, then bus 170 to Leidseplein. It only takes 5 minutes longer, but you'll have much more space for your bags.
4) Train: If one is arriving via train at Central Station from somewhere else, then taking the 1,2 or 5 tram will take you to Leidseplein & then just walk to Marriott ('bout 2-3 minutes - you can see it from where you're dropped off) or catch a cab from the train station (12-15Euros). Note: currently the train station is under construction/bit of a mess (2013). Plan accordingly timing wise.
CHECK-IN
Most years I've checked in the room has been ready. If it's not, they offer me the choice of a different room if I don't want to wait or provide the key to the exec lounge where I can wait (e.l. available to Golds/Plats & those who are staying on the exec level rooms).
FYI for others. On the credit hold, in addition to the room charges, they put 75Euros (approx $110)/night additional hold on the credit card. This is just a heads up so others know how much credit will be held. For my 8-day stay it was an extra $800 I needed available. Took a solid 7-days for the hold to drop off the card btw, at least on my card.
At check-in they acknowledged my Plat status & gave me arrival gift form to complete. I asked for the wine/cheese, but asked that it be delivered later than the day since it was so early in the morning when I checked in. They're very good about that.
GROUND FLOOR/LOBBY
The entire ground floor underwent a renovation Jan-March '10. It's all very open, airy, modern. There is the check-in area & concierge, lobby w/ new fireplace, executive lounge, a private meeting room that can be booked, Sorel's Lounge, Private Cigar Club, Midtown Grill, health club, gift shop, and restrooms (restrooms have cloth towels for drying hands, a nice touch). There's also a beauty salon on the lower level. The business center is located behind the main fireplace in the lobby. Across from the front desk, there are jugs of water w/ fresh fruit in them, if someone wants to sip a glass of water while waiting.
BOARDING PASSES
There is a terminal/printer near the elevators (space before you go up the few steps to the public bathrooms - opposite side from the gift shop) where you can print boarding passes. The terminal is only for boarding passes & not surfing the net.
EXECUTIVE LOUNGE
The executive lounge is quite large & lovely. The old lounge had 2 rooms overlooking the Leidesplain, which had fabulous views, but it was small. The new lounge is much larger, is on the ground floor, and there is an outside patio which is open in the late spring/summer/early autumn. Note - as of '13, the outdoor patio is no longer available/open due to a change in gov't regulations, but the Marriott is hoping that will get changed in the future.
A coded room key is required to enter the lounge, and there is a sign outside the lounge that says the lounge is for Marriott Gold & Platinum members, as well as guests staying on the executive level. It also says children under 15 need to be accompanied by an adult.
In the past, they were quite lenient on an elite guest or exec room level guest bringing multiple people into the lounge, but are now cracking down on that a bit. Now they limit free entry to the lounge based on # of room occupants ('12). If you bring in more than what is listed in your booking, there is an additional charge for the extra people. I'm not sure how they track that, though, as I didn't see someone manning the door checking room #/counting people this trip.
Because the lounge is so much larger, the way the food is spread out/presented is much easier/open/organized. For those who had been in the old lounge, due to space everything was so close together & people would crowd each other. Now that's not a problem.
Hours: OPEN 7 DAYS/WEEK
Weekdays: 6am-Midnight
Weekend: 6:30am-Midnight
Breakfast is served in the lounge:
Monday-Friday: 6am-10am
Saturday-Sunday: 6:30am-10:30am
Cocktail hours are:
Daily: 5:30pm-9:30pm
Hors d'oeuvres: 5:30pm-7:30pm
Dessert: 7:30pm-9:30pm
Wine, beer & port free of charge, as are non-alcoholic beverages.
Brekkie in the morning has dif types of cold meat, cheeses, dif types of fresh fruit, lots of juices, multiple types of cereal, hard-boiled eggs, yogurts, toast, pastries, croissants, etc, as well as scrambled eggs & bacon/sausage. It's a really robust brekkie service for an exec lounge!
Cocktail hour munchies are veggie trays with various dips, cheese trays, meat trays different types of salads or small sandwiches or interesting hors d'ouevres and usually 1-2 hot tray items (chicken satay for example). They've really beefed up the evening offerings in '13, and the chef normally comes out & makes the rounds to see if people like the food/are enjoying themselves.
Dessert is various desserts (chocolate ones, pastries, cakes, cookies, etc).
During the day & until midnight, there's free soda, bottled water, tea & coffee.
I LOVE the exec lounge staff here! They're great. Also thumbs up to the guest relations managers!
In the old exec lounge there were 2 i-net terminals. In the new executive lounge, you get free wifi access. Sign in w/ your name & room # I believe.
ROOMS
The rooms underwent renovation a couple of years ago ('08) and are quite nice. The floral pattern of the old bedspreads is gone! Granite sink tops etc. The new beds are fab - 6 pillows: 3 feather; 3 foam.
Rooms ending in xx09 aren't as big as the xx23 & xx45s which are HUGE corner rooms, but they are larger than the average rooms because they're in a triangle shape, & like xx23 & xx45, xx09 rooms have a view of the Leidesplain.
Elites, per Marriott T&Cs, get a next room type upgrade, which is to an exec level room at this property. Some rooms on each floor of the AMS Marriott are designated exec level (since the actual exec level is on the ground floor) with presumably the robes, slippers, etc.
If a) the xx09 or corner rooms (xx23 or xx450) aren't booked (ie, paid booking) & b) occupany allows & c) depending on how many Golds/Plats have checked in before another elite, they'll try to upgrade elites to those rooms gratis/free. (Trivia: they get 15-25 Plats checking in daily).
The corner rooms cost more (35E) than exec level rooms & according to the staffer, people have been booking them - ie, paying for them, so they're not always available for upgrades &/or they might keep a couple of them available for paid bookings even when an elite is checking in.
There aren't that many rooms with balconies. The rooms on the side of the building that have them are standard rooms (size) and there is no upcharge. However, the larger corner rooms (with or without balconies) overlooking the Leidesplein they will charge the 35E upgrade fee if someone wants to confirm getting the room.
If someone does a DYKWIA or pulls out their laptop saying you're still selling xx09, xx23, xx45, odds are the T&Cs will be followed more closely re: upgrade to exec level room only. Fair warning.
Telly gets several channels in multiple languages. CNN is 1 & I think Sky is 5. There's a channel called Veronica (channel 16) that has a lot of American television shows (NCIS, The Shield, Profiler, Seinfeld, some reality shows, etc). BBC is on channel 2 or 3 . They have a tv channel guide next to the remote control that tells you what's on each channel & which language it's in, which is quite handy.
Usual shampoo etc amenities. In '13 room xx23 had L'Occitane toiletries - think it might be for rooms xx23, xx45 & suites. The bathrooms have a make-up mirror on a stand (vs wall). Hairdryer provided (this is a girl thing, but the new hairdryers do a better job than the one I have at home or have found in other hotels). Exec level rooms have bathrobes & slippers. There is also a bathroom scale.
BTW - the new beds have nightlights on the headboard, which are quite nice. Two small halogen-types, so if you wanted to read & there was someone else in bed you wouldn't wake them up w/ main light.
Closet has a lot of hangers, including skirt hangers, and also has a programmable safe that's large enough to hold a laptop & is free to use. Also has ironing board/iron.
Push the laptop, etc, to the back of the safe so as not to block the electronic lock signal (which I did one time & security had to unlock it for me - lesson learned).
There are now coffee/tea makers in all the rooms I think.
The desk has all the outlets built in, and also include 110V US-style outlet too. Sometimes the 110V is hidden behind a silver plate, but it's there. That is the only US style outlet, so if you want to do multiple things at the same time (ie, laptop plugged in but want to charge cell phone simultaneously), you'll need a small Europe style plug/converter as well.
Note to others. Do not plug your personal hairdryer into the 110V; blows the fuse. I didn't do it, but the electrician mentioned it to me in '09 when he repaired the fuse from when the previous occupant did.
There is a minibar in the room with the usual stuff.
Not sure where to put this, but someone noted later in this thread that there are washing machine/dryers on the 2nd floor (room floors - not meeting room floor, which is the 1st floor).
PHONE/INTERNET
There is for-charge internet access in the rooms. Gold/Plats get free internet due to status.
Charge for i-net in room is 19.95E, which includes tax. The sign on the box says noon-noon, but I confirmed w/ guest relations that it's 24-hours from when you log on. There is no warning when your 24 hours are up, so you can find yourself disconnected rather abruptly & have to relog on.
In-room internet is both ethernet & wireless I think, given the multiple devices.
When you access the internet (ibahn), there is a place to check for the free internet for Gold/Plats. When you do (or if you're not elite & you're paying for i-net), you'll be connected right away but before it goes to a browser you'll get a code with a message saying 3 devices are supported. The code is obviously for the devices.
Phone charges: 1st 5minutes/each additional minute
Local Call: .75E/.50E
National: 1.00E/.75E
Mobile: 2.75E/2.25E
USA/Canada: 3.00E/2.50E
Europe: 3.00E/2.50E
Asia: 9.00E/8.50E
Middle East/Gulf: 9.00E/8.50E
South-America: 9.00E/8.50E
Russia & Baltic: 9.00E/8.50E
Africa: 9.00E/8.50E
Special Numbers (0900): 3.50E/3.00E
Internet Numbers*: .75E/.50E
* starting w/ 0676/0677...
Access Fee (0800)*: 2.00E
* fixed charged after 60-seconds
Please note that '1-800' numbers ARE NOT TOLL-FREE outside the U.S. and will be charged as international phone calls (3E per number).
ROOM SERVICE
Open 24 hours. Rates include tax+service, although there's a line for tip. They're pretty prompt. BTW - you can also order from the Steakhouse & have them deliver to your room.
HEALTH CLUB
Health club is open 24/7 w/ room key. Treadmills, weights, spa, etc. Nice. I've used it in the past, but not this trip.
If you're more into outdoor stuff, Vondel Park is literally next to the Marriott & you can go running, walking or biking through there. Great park. Think it's 3.3km around, plus there are some eating places too.
RESTAURANT/LOUNGE/CIGAR CLUB
In the past, Quoy was the main restaurant, and there was a Characters bar as well as a Pizza Hut. CB & PH no longer exist post-renovation.
With the renovation, Quoy has been turned into the Midtown Grill - which has steak offerings. I ate there & the food was fabulous. If you want a really good steak, no need to go outside the property. I believe Midtown Grill is where breakfast is served as well, but don't think it's open at lunchtime. Note, if you order bottled water it's pricey (9E). Also, you can go to the Midtown Grill & order from the menu there, to have it delivered to your room.
Sorel's is the lounge, which also offers food. I had lunch there one day. Left side of the menu offers Indian type stuff; middle offers burgers, salads, sandwiches, soups, etc.
There is now a Private Cigar Club off to the side of Sorel's. This is membership only to the general public, although hotel guests can get a 1-day membership. Only cigars are allowed to be smoked in this room. And to prevent employees from being exposed to the smoke, there is a small section where drinks can be put into this dumbwaiter-type thing that opens from the cigar room side, and where used drink glasses can be deposited so the staff can pick them up. Hope that makes sense/you know what I mean.
CONCIERGE/BELLMAN
They're quite helpful. Like other staff, been here quite a long time. They can sell tickets to some (not all) of the museums. I've heard it's good to do that, as it avoids the lines at the museums. Also good for restaurant recommendations etc.
LOBBY/GIFTSHOP/BUSINESS CENTER/HOTEL DOCTOR
There is a gift shop w/ most of the usual stuff, plus AMS type gift items which I've purchased in the past. The hours of the gift shop are 7am-noon, and 5pm-9pm.
There is a biz center w/ the usual stuff. BTW - first 20 pages of copying or printing are free.
Elevators require a room key to operate. Some don't like that. I'm fine with it.
Newspapers are no longer delivered to rooms. There is a supply of USAToday, Wall Street Journal (int'l version), London Times, and local Dutch paper in the exec lounge. On the weekends, International Herald Tribune & Dutch paper. I think there are some USA Todays in the lobby.
Had a bit of a medical problem during my stay in '08. Nothing urgent, but needed antibiotics which requires a prescription. US doctor can't prescribe over here, so needed to use local doc. Hotel had on-call doc call me in my room, and then I went over to doc's office ('bout 10 minutes away). Because I went there for quick test, rate was 20E cash vs 100E if doc came to hotel room. Got prescription & had it filled at pharmacy around the corner hotel recommended (12.11E for 'script).
STAFF
I can't speak highly enough of the guest relations managers & the executive lounge staff. They're all excellent & truly kept track of things/were so service friendly, I rank them as some of the tops in the Marriott chain.
LOCATION
I like the location of the Marriott. It overlooks the Leidseplain, and is only a 5 minute walk from Museumplein & a lot of other attractions. Doesn't really take long to get to any attractions. Nice central location. Also, there's a canal across the street so people can sign up for canal tours there, etc.
RESTAURANTS OFF-SITE
* Gauchos (Argentine; good steaks) in the Leidseplein across from the Marriott next to the Burger King - not be confused w/ Rancho which is next to it & not that great;
* Morlang - variety of food, more locals go here. 2 tram stops down from the Leidesplein on the 1,2, or 5, on the left side, or you could walk; it's not that far. 'Bout 10-12 minute walk from hotel.
* Bangkok (Thai); take the 1,2 or 5 to the Konigsplein (4-5 stops - the flower market stop) & walk right along Reguliersbreestraat; it's just before you get to Rembrandtplein on the left;
* Fiortino (Italian); on Overtoom (street to the left of the Marriott & about 3 blocks down on the left side)
* Dynasty (Chinese; see directions for Bangkok, but it's on the right side; pricey, but good)
* Wagamamas (hey, noodles never hurt! Cross the canal towards the Leidseplein, immediately make a right walking along the canal & just past the Holland Casino to the left in the restaurant/shop complex it will be there)
* Momo's (French bistro meets Asian cuisine); pricey but excellent; located in Park Hotel 2 minute walk from the Marriott
* For those into sports, there is a sports bar in the Leidseplein on the corner next to the Bulldog/directly across from Gauchos
* For those into smokes, Bulldog in Leidesplein. According to Diabo, "Bulldog is the worst place in Amsterdam to buy your smokes. Go to De Tweede Kamer, The Greenhouse, or De Dampkring instead. (yes, Dampkring is a tourist trap too, but it looks fabulous and they sell quality stuff, and it's where they shot that scene in Ocean's 12)."
* If you want to get some bottled water, etc, there's a small stand across the street from the Marriott in the green area/near the bridge/headed to Leidseplein that sells bottled water, fresh fruit, snacks, postcards, etc.
Some additional restaurant suggestions by another FTer, and also info on non-touristy boat rides.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/17103790-post63.html
Hope this trip report helps!
Cheers.
Reason for annual trip: IBC Trade Show (50,000 of my closest friends attending LOL)
AMSTERDAM MARRIOTT PHOTOS
Pictures of the hotel lobby, executive lounge, lounge, private lounge/i-net room, some of the hotel rooms, views, etc.
Amsterdam Marriott Photos
Also, some photos are embedded in posts 86-91 of this thread.
GETTING TO MARRIOTT
4 ways to get to Marriott from airport and/or train station.
1) Taxi: Expensive, but if you have more than 1 person & a lot of luggage easiest way. About 38Euro + tip from airport. Not totally sure what taxi would be from train station, but think 12-15Euros.
2) Connexion hotel shuttle: 18.00Euro 1-way; 26Euro RT; children 4-14 8Euro 1-way. Cheaper than taxi & good if you have a lot of luggage. You can book at Schipol & they take credit cards. Have to call 2-hours prior for return shuttle (or night before).
On the return, they tell you up front that the shuttle can be up to 15 minutes late. The bellstaff has the pick-up schedule at the front desk & will call the shuttle service to arrange pick-up when you tell them what time. Book the shuttle prior to the one you actually want to take. They're usually late on the pick-up, so if you take one early you'll still arrive on time if they're late. Drives the Marriott staff crazy, but shuttle is not something they can control. You need to book your return shuttle in advance; they do not run a fixed route.
For the Marriott, pick-ups to the airport from the hotel start at 6:35am & the last one to the airport is at 9:35pm daily. Pick-ups at the hotel are at the :05 & :35 mark & arrival to airport is at the :15 & :45 mark.
A reservation is required (the hotel can call for you & you'll get a pick-up confirmation #) 2 hours before departure (or night before for early morning shuttles to the airport). The schedule says to allow 15 minutes margin before/after requested time.
3) # 197 Bus: Runs 4x/hour & goes to/from Leidseplein/Marriott & Schiphol. 30 minutes total transit time. If you don't have a lot of luggage, this is definitely the cheapest & easiest way to get to/from the airport & hotel. Bus is red, & says 197. Picks up across the street from the Marriott on the bridge & drops off at Stand 8 (I think) directly in front to Schiphol Plaza. Pick-up is Stand 11 (I think) in front of Schiphol. They have electronic signs at the Schiphol stops that will say which bus # & the schedule for the next hour. It is 4 Euros each way. First pick-up from the Leidseplein area is 05:14a.m. & the last is 00:05 (a few minutes after midnight).
Alternative bus route if you have a lot of luggage (info courtesy of Diabo): Bus 197 can get too crowded for pax with bags. At Schiphol, take bus 310 to Amstelveenseweg, then bus 170 to Leidseplein. It only takes 5 minutes longer, but you'll have much more space for your bags.
4) Train: If one is arriving via train at Central Station from somewhere else, then taking the 1,2 or 5 tram will take you to Leidseplein & then just walk to Marriott ('bout 2-3 minutes - you can see it from where you're dropped off) or catch a cab from the train station (12-15Euros). Note: currently the train station is under construction/bit of a mess (2013). Plan accordingly timing wise.
CHECK-IN
Most years I've checked in the room has been ready. If it's not, they offer me the choice of a different room if I don't want to wait or provide the key to the exec lounge where I can wait (e.l. available to Golds/Plats & those who are staying on the exec level rooms).
FYI for others. On the credit hold, in addition to the room charges, they put 75Euros (approx $110)/night additional hold on the credit card. This is just a heads up so others know how much credit will be held. For my 8-day stay it was an extra $800 I needed available. Took a solid 7-days for the hold to drop off the card btw, at least on my card.
At check-in they acknowledged my Plat status & gave me arrival gift form to complete. I asked for the wine/cheese, but asked that it be delivered later than the day since it was so early in the morning when I checked in. They're very good about that.
GROUND FLOOR/LOBBY
The entire ground floor underwent a renovation Jan-March '10. It's all very open, airy, modern. There is the check-in area & concierge, lobby w/ new fireplace, executive lounge, a private meeting room that can be booked, Sorel's Lounge, Private Cigar Club, Midtown Grill, health club, gift shop, and restrooms (restrooms have cloth towels for drying hands, a nice touch). There's also a beauty salon on the lower level. The business center is located behind the main fireplace in the lobby. Across from the front desk, there are jugs of water w/ fresh fruit in them, if someone wants to sip a glass of water while waiting.
BOARDING PASSES
There is a terminal/printer near the elevators (space before you go up the few steps to the public bathrooms - opposite side from the gift shop) where you can print boarding passes. The terminal is only for boarding passes & not surfing the net.
EXECUTIVE LOUNGE
The executive lounge is quite large & lovely. The old lounge had 2 rooms overlooking the Leidesplain, which had fabulous views, but it was small. The new lounge is much larger, is on the ground floor, and there is an outside patio which is open in the late spring/summer/early autumn. Note - as of '13, the outdoor patio is no longer available/open due to a change in gov't regulations, but the Marriott is hoping that will get changed in the future.
A coded room key is required to enter the lounge, and there is a sign outside the lounge that says the lounge is for Marriott Gold & Platinum members, as well as guests staying on the executive level. It also says children under 15 need to be accompanied by an adult.
In the past, they were quite lenient on an elite guest or exec room level guest bringing multiple people into the lounge, but are now cracking down on that a bit. Now they limit free entry to the lounge based on # of room occupants ('12). If you bring in more than what is listed in your booking, there is an additional charge for the extra people. I'm not sure how they track that, though, as I didn't see someone manning the door checking room #/counting people this trip.
Because the lounge is so much larger, the way the food is spread out/presented is much easier/open/organized. For those who had been in the old lounge, due to space everything was so close together & people would crowd each other. Now that's not a problem.
Hours: OPEN 7 DAYS/WEEK
Weekdays: 6am-Midnight
Weekend: 6:30am-Midnight
Breakfast is served in the lounge:
Monday-Friday: 6am-10am
Saturday-Sunday: 6:30am-10:30am
Cocktail hours are:
Daily: 5:30pm-9:30pm
Hors d'oeuvres: 5:30pm-7:30pm
Dessert: 7:30pm-9:30pm
Wine, beer & port free of charge, as are non-alcoholic beverages.
Brekkie in the morning has dif types of cold meat, cheeses, dif types of fresh fruit, lots of juices, multiple types of cereal, hard-boiled eggs, yogurts, toast, pastries, croissants, etc, as well as scrambled eggs & bacon/sausage. It's a really robust brekkie service for an exec lounge!
Cocktail hour munchies are veggie trays with various dips, cheese trays, meat trays different types of salads or small sandwiches or interesting hors d'ouevres and usually 1-2 hot tray items (chicken satay for example). They've really beefed up the evening offerings in '13, and the chef normally comes out & makes the rounds to see if people like the food/are enjoying themselves.
Dessert is various desserts (chocolate ones, pastries, cakes, cookies, etc).
During the day & until midnight, there's free soda, bottled water, tea & coffee.
I LOVE the exec lounge staff here! They're great. Also thumbs up to the guest relations managers!
In the old exec lounge there were 2 i-net terminals. In the new executive lounge, you get free wifi access. Sign in w/ your name & room # I believe.
ROOMS
The rooms underwent renovation a couple of years ago ('08) and are quite nice. The floral pattern of the old bedspreads is gone! Granite sink tops etc. The new beds are fab - 6 pillows: 3 feather; 3 foam.
Rooms ending in xx09 aren't as big as the xx23 & xx45s which are HUGE corner rooms, but they are larger than the average rooms because they're in a triangle shape, & like xx23 & xx45, xx09 rooms have a view of the Leidesplain.
Elites, per Marriott T&Cs, get a next room type upgrade, which is to an exec level room at this property. Some rooms on each floor of the AMS Marriott are designated exec level (since the actual exec level is on the ground floor) with presumably the robes, slippers, etc.
If a) the xx09 or corner rooms (xx23 or xx450) aren't booked (ie, paid booking) & b) occupany allows & c) depending on how many Golds/Plats have checked in before another elite, they'll try to upgrade elites to those rooms gratis/free. (Trivia: they get 15-25 Plats checking in daily).
The corner rooms cost more (35E) than exec level rooms & according to the staffer, people have been booking them - ie, paying for them, so they're not always available for upgrades &/or they might keep a couple of them available for paid bookings even when an elite is checking in.
There aren't that many rooms with balconies. The rooms on the side of the building that have them are standard rooms (size) and there is no upcharge. However, the larger corner rooms (with or without balconies) overlooking the Leidesplein they will charge the 35E upgrade fee if someone wants to confirm getting the room.
If someone does a DYKWIA or pulls out their laptop saying you're still selling xx09, xx23, xx45, odds are the T&Cs will be followed more closely re: upgrade to exec level room only. Fair warning.
Telly gets several channels in multiple languages. CNN is 1 & I think Sky is 5. There's a channel called Veronica (channel 16) that has a lot of American television shows (NCIS, The Shield, Profiler, Seinfeld, some reality shows, etc). BBC is on channel 2 or 3 . They have a tv channel guide next to the remote control that tells you what's on each channel & which language it's in, which is quite handy.
Usual shampoo etc amenities. In '13 room xx23 had L'Occitane toiletries - think it might be for rooms xx23, xx45 & suites. The bathrooms have a make-up mirror on a stand (vs wall). Hairdryer provided (this is a girl thing, but the new hairdryers do a better job than the one I have at home or have found in other hotels). Exec level rooms have bathrobes & slippers. There is also a bathroom scale.
BTW - the new beds have nightlights on the headboard, which are quite nice. Two small halogen-types, so if you wanted to read & there was someone else in bed you wouldn't wake them up w/ main light.
Closet has a lot of hangers, including skirt hangers, and also has a programmable safe that's large enough to hold a laptop & is free to use. Also has ironing board/iron.
Push the laptop, etc, to the back of the safe so as not to block the electronic lock signal (which I did one time & security had to unlock it for me - lesson learned).
There are now coffee/tea makers in all the rooms I think.
The desk has all the outlets built in, and also include 110V US-style outlet too. Sometimes the 110V is hidden behind a silver plate, but it's there. That is the only US style outlet, so if you want to do multiple things at the same time (ie, laptop plugged in but want to charge cell phone simultaneously), you'll need a small Europe style plug/converter as well.
Note to others. Do not plug your personal hairdryer into the 110V; blows the fuse. I didn't do it, but the electrician mentioned it to me in '09 when he repaired the fuse from when the previous occupant did.
There is a minibar in the room with the usual stuff.
Not sure where to put this, but someone noted later in this thread that there are washing machine/dryers on the 2nd floor (room floors - not meeting room floor, which is the 1st floor).
PHONE/INTERNET
There is for-charge internet access in the rooms. Gold/Plats get free internet due to status.
Charge for i-net in room is 19.95E, which includes tax. The sign on the box says noon-noon, but I confirmed w/ guest relations that it's 24-hours from when you log on. There is no warning when your 24 hours are up, so you can find yourself disconnected rather abruptly & have to relog on.
In-room internet is both ethernet & wireless I think, given the multiple devices.
When you access the internet (ibahn), there is a place to check for the free internet for Gold/Plats. When you do (or if you're not elite & you're paying for i-net), you'll be connected right away but before it goes to a browser you'll get a code with a message saying 3 devices are supported. The code is obviously for the devices.
Phone charges: 1st 5minutes/each additional minute
Local Call: .75E/.50E
National: 1.00E/.75E
Mobile: 2.75E/2.25E
USA/Canada: 3.00E/2.50E
Europe: 3.00E/2.50E
Asia: 9.00E/8.50E
Middle East/Gulf: 9.00E/8.50E
South-America: 9.00E/8.50E
Russia & Baltic: 9.00E/8.50E
Africa: 9.00E/8.50E
Special Numbers (0900): 3.50E/3.00E
Internet Numbers*: .75E/.50E
* starting w/ 0676/0677...
Access Fee (0800)*: 2.00E
* fixed charged after 60-seconds
Please note that '1-800' numbers ARE NOT TOLL-FREE outside the U.S. and will be charged as international phone calls (3E per number).
ROOM SERVICE
Open 24 hours. Rates include tax+service, although there's a line for tip. They're pretty prompt. BTW - you can also order from the Steakhouse & have them deliver to your room.
HEALTH CLUB
Health club is open 24/7 w/ room key. Treadmills, weights, spa, etc. Nice. I've used it in the past, but not this trip.
If you're more into outdoor stuff, Vondel Park is literally next to the Marriott & you can go running, walking or biking through there. Great park. Think it's 3.3km around, plus there are some eating places too.
RESTAURANT/LOUNGE/CIGAR CLUB
In the past, Quoy was the main restaurant, and there was a Characters bar as well as a Pizza Hut. CB & PH no longer exist post-renovation.
With the renovation, Quoy has been turned into the Midtown Grill - which has steak offerings. I ate there & the food was fabulous. If you want a really good steak, no need to go outside the property. I believe Midtown Grill is where breakfast is served as well, but don't think it's open at lunchtime. Note, if you order bottled water it's pricey (9E). Also, you can go to the Midtown Grill & order from the menu there, to have it delivered to your room.
Sorel's is the lounge, which also offers food. I had lunch there one day. Left side of the menu offers Indian type stuff; middle offers burgers, salads, sandwiches, soups, etc.
There is now a Private Cigar Club off to the side of Sorel's. This is membership only to the general public, although hotel guests can get a 1-day membership. Only cigars are allowed to be smoked in this room. And to prevent employees from being exposed to the smoke, there is a small section where drinks can be put into this dumbwaiter-type thing that opens from the cigar room side, and where used drink glasses can be deposited so the staff can pick them up. Hope that makes sense/you know what I mean.
CONCIERGE/BELLMAN
They're quite helpful. Like other staff, been here quite a long time. They can sell tickets to some (not all) of the museums. I've heard it's good to do that, as it avoids the lines at the museums. Also good for restaurant recommendations etc.
LOBBY/GIFTSHOP/BUSINESS CENTER/HOTEL DOCTOR
There is a gift shop w/ most of the usual stuff, plus AMS type gift items which I've purchased in the past. The hours of the gift shop are 7am-noon, and 5pm-9pm.
There is a biz center w/ the usual stuff. BTW - first 20 pages of copying or printing are free.
Elevators require a room key to operate. Some don't like that. I'm fine with it.
Newspapers are no longer delivered to rooms. There is a supply of USAToday, Wall Street Journal (int'l version), London Times, and local Dutch paper in the exec lounge. On the weekends, International Herald Tribune & Dutch paper. I think there are some USA Todays in the lobby.
Had a bit of a medical problem during my stay in '08. Nothing urgent, but needed antibiotics which requires a prescription. US doctor can't prescribe over here, so needed to use local doc. Hotel had on-call doc call me in my room, and then I went over to doc's office ('bout 10 minutes away). Because I went there for quick test, rate was 20E cash vs 100E if doc came to hotel room. Got prescription & had it filled at pharmacy around the corner hotel recommended (12.11E for 'script).
STAFF
I can't speak highly enough of the guest relations managers & the executive lounge staff. They're all excellent & truly kept track of things/were so service friendly, I rank them as some of the tops in the Marriott chain.
LOCATION
I like the location of the Marriott. It overlooks the Leidseplain, and is only a 5 minute walk from Museumplein & a lot of other attractions. Doesn't really take long to get to any attractions. Nice central location. Also, there's a canal across the street so people can sign up for canal tours there, etc.
RESTAURANTS OFF-SITE
* Gauchos (Argentine; good steaks) in the Leidseplein across from the Marriott next to the Burger King - not be confused w/ Rancho which is next to it & not that great;
* Morlang - variety of food, more locals go here. 2 tram stops down from the Leidesplein on the 1,2, or 5, on the left side, or you could walk; it's not that far. 'Bout 10-12 minute walk from hotel.
* Bangkok (Thai); take the 1,2 or 5 to the Konigsplein (4-5 stops - the flower market stop) & walk right along Reguliersbreestraat; it's just before you get to Rembrandtplein on the left;
* Fiortino (Italian); on Overtoom (street to the left of the Marriott & about 3 blocks down on the left side)
* Dynasty (Chinese; see directions for Bangkok, but it's on the right side; pricey, but good)
* Wagamamas (hey, noodles never hurt! Cross the canal towards the Leidseplein, immediately make a right walking along the canal & just past the Holland Casino to the left in the restaurant/shop complex it will be there)
* Momo's (French bistro meets Asian cuisine); pricey but excellent; located in Park Hotel 2 minute walk from the Marriott
* For those into sports, there is a sports bar in the Leidseplein on the corner next to the Bulldog/directly across from Gauchos
* For those into smokes, Bulldog in Leidesplein. According to Diabo, "Bulldog is the worst place in Amsterdam to buy your smokes. Go to De Tweede Kamer, The Greenhouse, or De Dampkring instead. (yes, Dampkring is a tourist trap too, but it looks fabulous and they sell quality stuff, and it's where they shot that scene in Ocean's 12)."
* If you want to get some bottled water, etc, there's a small stand across the street from the Marriott in the green area/near the bridge/headed to Leidseplein that sells bottled water, fresh fruit, snacks, postcards, etc.
Some additional restaurant suggestions by another FTer, and also info on non-touristy boat rides.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/17103790-post63.html
Hope this trip report helps!
Cheers.
Last edited by SkiAdcock; Apr 5, 2014 at 6:50 am Reason: updated w/ current info...
Sep 13, 2007, 12:27 am
#3
Moderator, Marriott Bonvoy & FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: McKinney, TX, USA
Programs: United Silver; AA Plat/2MM; Marriott LT Titanium; Hilton Gold
Posts: 11,727
I can't believe she did that. We're talking a cardinal sin here. Off with her head. No punishment can be too harsh here. 
On a more serious note, thanks Sharon for the nice review. ^
On a more serious note, thanks Sharon for the nice review. ^
Sep 13, 2007, 6:08 am
#4
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: USA
Programs: AA MARRIOTT Lifetime Plat Premier ; Marriott Vacation Club
Posts: 1,650
Sharon,
Thanks for posting your concise report. You hit upon all of thosee useful details that a regular traveller can make good use of. As you know, it's the little things which can add up one by one to make a trip easy or difficult.
My wife and I have yet to hit AMS in our own travels, but one day we'll quit talking about it and simply do it. We actually just get back from BCN and had a great time, but we also wish that Marriott had a presence in Spain ( we hate missing out on opportunities to earn MR points ).
Barry
Thanks for posting your concise report. You hit upon all of thosee useful details that a regular traveller can make good use of. As you know, it's the little things which can add up one by one to make a trip easy or difficult.
My wife and I have yet to hit AMS in our own travels, but one day we'll quit talking about it and simply do it. We actually just get back from BCN and had a great time, but we also wish that Marriott had a presence in Spain ( we hate missing out on opportunities to earn MR points ).
Barry
Sep 13, 2007, 6:27 am
#5
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 915
Many thanks Sharon; you're a great resource.
I'm very appreciative of reports and G2 that go beyond the puff & fluff and provide substance and practical information well beyond what's typically served up as representative of what's to be expected at a lproperty.
I'm very appreciative of reports and G2 that go beyond the puff & fluff and provide substance and practical information well beyond what's typically served up as representative of what's to be expected at a lproperty.
Sep 13, 2007, 5:57 pm
#6
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: ORD, MKE, MDW
Programs: Marriott Lifetime Platinum, AAdvantage Gold, Air Canada Elite, Avis Pref Select, Hertz Gold,
Posts: 1,844
Great Post, Sharon. Thanks. Hope you're having a safe, successful, and enjoyable trip. Do you get to stop off in LHR at some point for a stay at GH?
Sep 13, 2007, 8:51 pm
#7
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Pasadena,Ca.,US.
Programs: AA, Delta, United, SPG plat, Hyatt dia
Posts: 7,140
Sharon thanks for the trip report-helpful as always.
My sister had to find a last-minute room for a guy displeased with his room at the Marriott during this years IBC!Hope he enjoyed his room at the airport and comuting in each day!
My sister had to find a last-minute room for a guy displeased with his room at the Marriott during this years IBC!Hope he enjoyed his room at the airport and comuting in each day!
Sep 14, 2007, 9:06 am
#8
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2002
Programs: UALifetimePremierGold, Marriott LifetimeTitanium
Posts: 71,103
Hi all. I was going to upload the images this morning of both rooms 409 & 423, and also augment my report but I came down w/ the flu or something on the flight back yest (which was diverted to Shannon due to a medical emergency - some lady had a heart attack or something - so it took me close to 20 hours to get home from AMS being sick). The fever is less than yest, but it still sucks & everything hurts. I'm going to take epsons salt cool bath & some more meds in hopes of bringing it down, and try to take a nap. Of course if that doesn't work, then I'll post sooner. If one is miserable, one might as well help the FT community whilst being miserable.
Bigguy, the guy should be glad he got something at the airport! One of my client's waited 'til last minute & ended up in Haarlem commuting each day.
Cheers.
Bigguy, the guy should be glad he got something at the airport! One of my client's waited 'til last minute & ended up in Haarlem commuting each day.
Cheers.
Sep 18, 2007, 6:43 pm
#9
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2002
Programs: UALifetimePremierGold, Marriott LifetimeTitanium
Posts: 71,103
Ok I updated the first post with more information re: the hotel, and I posted a link to the photos of rooms 409 & 423 so you can see what the new renovated rooms were like. Didn't occur to me to this second to take pictures of the executive lounge so you could see that too. Sorry. But anyway, hope the 'trip report' and the photos are helpful.
Cheers.
Cheers.
Dec 21, 2007, 12:14 pm
#10
Join Date: Mar 2001
Posts: 429
Is WiFi in the lobby free? I don't know if I can stomach paying almost $30 to look up a restaurant online! I'm using points for my stay and didn't add the 50 euro/night for executive lounge access (seems awfully steep) so I won't have access to the 2 terminals you mentioned.
Dec 22, 2007, 7:17 am
#11
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 25
wifi at ams marriott
Can anyone comment on the availability of wifi at this marriott? Can I buy a subscription to a monthly service like Boingo and access internet in my room or the lobby without paying the outrageous charges by the hotel?
Dec 22, 2007, 10:17 am
#12
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: LAX, SFO
Programs: Delta GM, Lifetime Marriott Platinum, Avis Preferred
Posts: 1,634
Not to get off topic but there is a relatively new Renaissance in Barcelona which I believe is by the airport.
Dec 22, 2007, 10:32 am
#13
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: LAX, SFO
Programs: Delta GM, Lifetime Marriott Platinum, Avis Preferred
Posts: 1,634
[QUOTE=drbugs;8939870]Can anyone comment on the availability of wifi at this marriott? Can I buy a subscription to a monthly service like Boingo and access internet in my room or the lobby without paying the outrageous charges by the hotel?[/QUOTE
www.boingo.com locations Amsterdam
There is in fact a wireless location listed as being in the Amsterdam Marriott. As I have posted before, Boingo is always an excellent choice which I use to get good service and save a bunch of $$. The current price for international service is $39/monthly with no per minute or roaming charges for high-speed broadband. (Or you can go for $9.95 international daily service, with daily being defined as a 24 hr. period starting from initial login.)
www.boingo.com locations Amsterdam
There is in fact a wireless location listed as being in the Amsterdam Marriott. As I have posted before, Boingo is always an excellent choice which I use to get good service and save a bunch of $$. The current price for international service is $39/monthly with no per minute or roaming charges for high-speed broadband. (Or you can go for $9.95 international daily service, with daily being defined as a 24 hr. period starting from initial login.)
Last edited by waltinsocal; Dec 22, 2007 at 4:00 pm
Dec 22, 2007, 10:38 am
#14
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Belper, Derbyshire, United Kingdom
Programs: Marriott Rewards Silver, Starwood Preferred Guest Plus, Hilton HHonors Gold
Posts: 967
Is WiFi in the lobby free? I don't know if I can stomach paying almost $30 to look up a restaurant online! I'm using points for my stay and didn't add the 50 euro/night for executive lounge access (seems awfully steep) so I won't have access to the 2 terminals you mentioned.
Dec 22, 2007, 11:21 am
#15
Join Date: Mar 2001
Posts: 429
From Boingo's site:
SPECIAL OFFER! $21.95 monthly membership fee for unlimited usage. 2nd month is FREE. No contract required. Additional charges may apply at some premium international locations.