I just came across this thread while doing a search on Amsterdam and was just wondering how you made out with your hotel reservation? Just for kicks I punched the dates into Expedia and all I can say is... WOW! I know at times it's tough to find a decent hotel rate in Amsterdam but this is absolutely ridiculous! Even the 2-star Delta Hotel - which I've never stayed at but have passed by a number of times on the Damrak amidst loads of dodgy hotels between Centraal Station and the Dam, and certainly on the outside doesn't look like any great shakes - has the gall to charge $607 per night for a double room! (Compare to a still-expensive $187 for the first night of the stay.) Yes, they must definitely be milking the trade-show attendees, since nearly everyone shows a $100+ jump in price between Tuesday and Wednesday.

If you haven't reserved anything, the Marriott still has some rooms left for $397 but there's nothing at all at the Renaissance. About the only hotel in the area with reasonable rates is the Hotel Schiphol A4 ($124 single; $138 double). There are still a couple places in the city center where you can book an Expedia prepaid stay for under $300 a night, but the best deal all around seems to be the Hilton Schiphol Airport at $163 - halfway decent rate and an easy commute into town.