Hotel Pulitzer, Amsterdam 1999 - 2007 [Master Thread]
May 1, 2001, 6:56 am
#46
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: West Coast USA
Programs: UA GS/4 MM, AA Exec Plat, Lifetime Hilton D, Hyatt G, Marriott Titanium earned Ambassador
Posts: 7,553
Thank goodness. I was just about to book
either the Pulitzer or Sheraton AMS. Guess
I am back to the Amstel. Once again, life is
not just about Starwood points.
either the Pulitzer or Sheraton AMS. Guess
I am back to the Amstel. Once again, life is
not just about Starwood points.
May 1, 2001, 7:10 am
#47
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: London, UK
Programs: KLM Platinum, BA Gold, ex-HHonors Diamond, Starwood SPG Gold (ex-Platinum), StarChoice
Posts: 419
Originally posted by ScottC:
These Pulitzer experiences are the same reason I stopped using the AMS Schiphol Sheraton, after almost making plat there the service stayed lousy... There are certainly better hotels in AMS.
These Pulitzer experiences are the same reason I stopped using the AMS Schiphol Sheraton, after almost making plat there the service stayed lousy... There are certainly better hotels in AMS.
Hilton Amsterdam is certainly one of the nicer big-chain hotels in Amsterdam. Having "lived there" (more or less weekly) for more than half a year, I still have only positive things to say about it: it was completely refurnished a few years ago and the reception/lobby area is spacious and luxurious. Furthermore the generous HH Diamond VIP privileges top what I've gotten on other Hiltons: (including a bottle of Champagne on arrival and consistent suite upgrades).
Radisson SAS Schiphol: location is terrible - avoid at all cost unless you're doing business in the neighbourhood (includes Microsoft and a ton of airfreight companies).
Radisson SAS Amsterdam (Centre): Excellent, central location, nice atrium lobby and good rooms with luxurious bathrooms. Breakfast certainly not worth the money.
Le Meridien Amsterdam: this hotel is old. Impressive service at check-in and the resturant is one of the best in Amsterdam, but rooms and furniture are up for upgrades.
Concert inn hotel: A 3* hotel close to Museumsplein / Rijksmuseum, i. e. between the Hilton and the centre. Not impressive but a budget option with reasonable location.
[This message has been edited by andersja (edited 05-01-2001).]
May 1, 2001, 7:46 am
#48
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Edinburgh, Scotland
Posts: 1,213
I have always fancied staying in the American Hotel in the Leidesplein. Is it any good?
Stephen
(off topic post I know)
Stephen
(off topic post I know)
May 1, 2001, 10:23 am
#49
Company Representative - Starwood
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Austin, Texas
Programs: Marriott Employee Level
Posts: 31,593
SLC2002, and anyone else who may have had a problem at this hotel (or any other):
Corporate Services is standing by; waiting to document your customer service issues so they may be sent to hotel management for their review and resolution. For those living in the United States and Canada, you may call them toll-free at 1-800-328-6242. For those outside the U.S. and Canada, you may call the toll-free number for Starwood Preferred Guest and ask to be transferred to Corporate Services. This is really the best way to bring any deficiencies in service or guest satisfaction to the attention of those persons who are managing our hotels, as well as their superiors.
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Specialist, E-Communications Department
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]
Corporate Services is standing by; waiting to document your customer service issues so they may be sent to hotel management for their review and resolution. For those living in the United States and Canada, you may call them toll-free at 1-800-328-6242. For those outside the U.S. and Canada, you may call the toll-free number for Starwood Preferred Guest and ask to be transferred to Corporate Services. This is really the best way to bring any deficiencies in service or guest satisfaction to the attention of those persons who are managing our hotels, as well as their superiors.
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Specialist, E-Communications Department
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]
May 1, 2001, 10:23 pm
#50
Join Date: May 1999
Location: New York City
Programs: UA MM-1P, Hilton Life Diamond, Marriot Life Gold, ICH Spire
Posts: 4,080
joergi said: "Americans only want to stay in chains"
As an American, aside from actors in gladiator movies, who might have a preference for chains, I have no idea what Americans want in general. Why do so many people on this board feel free to make general statements about what Americans want, like, do, etc.? We are no more predictable than any other nationality, and, for that matter, much less homogeneous.
These kind of statements are about as useful (and accurate) as if I said "Germans prefer Burger King to McDonalds" (which I just made up). The fact is that frequent flyers like to stay in chain hotels because of the points/miles. That's why we're discussing this in the first place in the Starwood Preferred Guest forum. You can find plenty of Americans any day of the week in independent hotels in Amsterdam & anywhere else... they're just people who don't care about the miles or points.
As an American, aside from actors in gladiator movies, who might have a preference for chains, I have no idea what Americans want in general. Why do so many people on this board feel free to make general statements about what Americans want, like, do, etc.? We are no more predictable than any other nationality, and, for that matter, much less homogeneous.
These kind of statements are about as useful (and accurate) as if I said "Germans prefer Burger King to McDonalds" (which I just made up). The fact is that frequent flyers like to stay in chain hotels because of the points/miles. That's why we're discussing this in the first place in the Starwood Preferred Guest forum. You can find plenty of Americans any day of the week in independent hotels in Amsterdam & anywhere else... they're just people who don't care about the miles or points.
May 2, 2001, 1:02 am
#51
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: Meerbusch, Germany, Amex Centurion, SPG Plat, LH FTL,, Hyatt Diamond, Hilton Gold
Posts: 257
RichG: You are (of course) right that it isnt OK to speak in general for all people of a country. 
But, let me say, that it is my experience that most chains are crowded by americans, all over the world, especially Hilton, Sheraton, Holiday Inn... This, I think, is a fact. Many americans are loyal to a chain. My experience is, that most Europeans don´t look which chains are in a city, but what the propertys have to offer (and, of course, what tha rates are). I seldom meet americans in small Hotels (like SLH). Anyway, I didnt want to bother anyone.
But, let me say, that it is my experience that most chains are crowded by americans, all over the world, especially Hilton, Sheraton, Holiday Inn... This, I think, is a fact. Many americans are loyal to a chain. My experience is, that most Europeans don´t look which chains are in a city, but what the propertys have to offer (and, of course, what tha rates are). I seldom meet americans in small Hotels (like SLH). Anyway, I didnt want to bother anyone.
May 2, 2001, 9:49 am
#52
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Spring Lake,NJ
Posts: 1,219
Dup post
[This message has been edited by IM4Travel (edited 05-02-2001).]
[This message has been edited by IM4Travel (edited 05-02-2001).]
May 2, 2001, 9:49 am
#53
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Spring Lake,NJ
Posts: 1,219
That's funny.,..because I see that the chain hotels here in the US are usually LOADED with Europeans!! And none in the non-chain hotels....is it safe to say that Europeans are apprehensive about staying in the local hotels outside of Europe? Like RichG said..our frequent travelers stay for points and miles so we can vacation for free. Also sometimes we often DON'T KNOW ENOUGH about the local hotels in different European cities...so we decide to stay with what we know. Please don't make blanket statements like this...no good comes out of it.
[This message has been edited by IM4Travel (edited 05-02-2001).]
[This message has been edited by IM4Travel (edited 05-02-2001).]
[This message has been edited by IM4Travel (edited 05-02-2001).]
[This message has been edited by IM4Travel (edited 05-02-2001).]
May 2, 2001, 10:09 am
#54
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Seat 1A, Juice pretty much everywhere, Mucci des Coins Exotiques
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I'm surprised folks are complaining about the Sheraton at Schipohl. It's a wonderful hotel and perhaps the most modern in the country. I've been staying there since it opened and always enjoy it. I even stay there when visiting the city since it's a short train ride away and very quiet.
As for chain hotels, I thought we stayed there since we have elite status which gives us free upgrades and other perks. I have stayed at Hempel's hotels and while they are nice to look at, I get treated far better at chain hotels due to my status.
As for chain hotels, I thought we stayed there since we have elite status which gives us free upgrades and other perks. I have stayed at Hempel's hotels and while they are nice to look at, I get treated far better at chain hotels due to my status.
May 2, 2001, 1:07 pm
#55
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: May 1999
Posts: 46,817
I'd always thought that the Pulizer actually was a nice little hotel on a canal! 
May 2, 2001, 3:21 pm
#56
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Palm Beach/ New England
Programs: AA EXP 3MM, DL GM, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 4,382
I once had some weird shenanigans with credit card approvals at a Sheraton in suburban Washington DC. This is a good reason to always travel with two credit cards.
Basically, the staff ran many approvals on the card, one after another, until they got one that was "declined." (Many, many thousands of dollars, I found out later). They then locked my room with my things inside. The whole situation was unbelievable. I gave my alternate card, watched as it was approved, got my room opened, and checked out.
Maybe I rubbed someone the wrong way on check-in: seems unlikely. Maybe someone didn't know how to work the machine.
The worst part is that the first credit card was essentially disabled for five days because of these false approvals. Had that happened abroad, I would have become worried.
Of course, I wrote a letter, and got some token gesture in return. I believe the letter said "the staff locked me out for my own security" or some such nonsense. Moved to Marriotts and never looked back.
Basically, the staff ran many approvals on the card, one after another, until they got one that was "declined." (Many, many thousands of dollars, I found out later). They then locked my room with my things inside. The whole situation was unbelievable. I gave my alternate card, watched as it was approved, got my room opened, and checked out.
Maybe I rubbed someone the wrong way on check-in: seems unlikely. Maybe someone didn't know how to work the machine.
The worst part is that the first credit card was essentially disabled for five days because of these false approvals. Had that happened abroad, I would have become worried.
Of course, I wrote a letter, and got some token gesture in return. I believe the letter said "the staff locked me out for my own security" or some such nonsense. Moved to Marriotts and never looked back.
May 2, 2001, 4:13 pm
#57
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Spring Lake,NJ
Posts: 1,219
Stimpy...we stay there for those reasons as well. I just that that was too obvious. 
May 2, 2001, 6:13 pm
#58
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Santa Barbara, CA
Posts: 7,149
I think people by and large turn to chains in unfamiliar parts of the world because a brand gives them some security in terms of what they think they can expect, in terms of a baseline level of comfort and quality.
This goes to human nature, not one's nationality.
Finally, not to start an international incident, but...
Due to much of the world's stereotypes about Germans as xenophobes, Germans should be careful not to state preconcieved notions about other large groups of people, lest they further the streotype of Germans as xenophobes.
Of course, nobody should draw conclusions about large groups of people.
This goes to human nature, not one's nationality.
Finally, not to start an international incident, but...
Due to much of the world's stereotypes about Germans as xenophobes, Germans should be careful not to state preconcieved notions about other large groups of people, lest they further the streotype of Germans as xenophobes.
Of course, nobody should draw conclusions about large groups of people.
May 3, 2001, 7:47 am
#59
Join Date: May 1999
Location: Central New Jersey
Programs: UA-Platimum 2 MM, HH-Gold, MR-Lifetime Gold, Hyatt-Discoverist
Posts: 6,238
While I was still only a Gold I stayed at this property and was given a nice (abit bland) room--the best thing about it was its location. It was on the top floor facing the canal and had beautiful views of the city. Given the makeup of the property, I do understand the lack of uniformity within rooms. But I was treated very well there, and in fact had a great mini-FT meeting with Boomer in their dining room.
May 3, 2001, 9:50 am
#60
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: May 1999
Posts: 46,817
The Thanksgiving WBC special, as I recall!