Yeah, if you've been going to that Marriott for 5 years but only for that one trade show, the employees probably won't even remember you. (I've always found the front desk staff at that hotel to be very cold and impersonal anyway.) Good idea about requesting the specific room number though.

I do love the location on the Leidseplein... The first time I came to Amsterdam I was apprehensive about the Marriott being so far from Centraal Station, but I quickly learned that wasn't even worth considering. This place is one of very few hotels I've ever stayed at where I've literally thought nothing of popping out for a midnight snack. Usually I at least think how unpleasant it's going to be walking along the deserted streets looking for something that's open.

I didn't realize your clients were also coming from out of town to attend the show. I understand then why you would seek to keep your expenses in line with their expectations. Just unfortunate the rate is so high, I guess.

The business traveler who's in town on non-trade-show business is a sorry soul indeed, but I really feel sorry for the leisure travelers who book mid-September trips to Amsterdam thinking they'll do good by waiting for the end of the summer high season. Little do they know...