Originally Posted by
Pausanias
My own take on Amsterdam is this - the city is attractive, obviously, with some important architecture and museums. However, it's not a place to stay overnight, especially if you have a car which is always my preferred mode of transport in Western Europe. I intend next trip to base myself in Voorburg, at the hotel Savelberg which is Relais & Chateaux with a *Michelin restaurant and proper parking. From there you can easily visit Delft, one of Europe's great examples of town planning, and take the train to Amsterdam.
Transportation indeed is easy... but staying outside of the city makes having (late) evening plans in Amsterdam itself a bit more difficult and tremendously less enjoyable. And sorry, but Amsterdam is manageable with a car, but I avoid it whenever possible. Park at one of the P+R's and take public transportation. And again, decent hotels are there if you take the time to look beyond the Hiltons and Sheratons.... Heck, I even like the Carlson Art'otel close to the central station if I know I will be drinking with friends in the city center. I don't expect any of the additional services or a fancy restaurant, but they do offer a laid back atmosphere and very decent rooms. Sometimes even on the F&F rate :-).