Just completing a stay here now. I also came here on an award stay--seems like that's the favorite form of payment for this property. Everything was super-expensive in Amsterdam over these dates, (over $200/night) and shortly after I booked, there were no more awards available. I've been generally pleased. Arrived about noon and my room wasn't ready. The friendly front desk woman directed me to a nearby area for lunch. This is largely a residential area, although this property is in a line of 4 hotels. There is little activity at night--all the restaurants close early. Five minute brisk walk south is Waterlooplein. There are two grocery stores there, and on the other side of the church is the Metro entrance. That's where I started every day. One stop south to Weesperplein, and connect to any of the trams will get you to all the main art museums. Two stops north is Centraal Station. I walked in from there to the hotel the first day, but I thought it was a real schlepp. To return to Schipohl, I'm taking the Metro 51 to Amsterdam Zuid, where there are trains to Schipohl about every 5 minutes. About 20-25 minutes, and less schlepping.

They were very excited to tell me I had an upgraded room as a Platinum member. American hotels never even mention my status, so that was nice. The rooms at the back have canal views, and I'm in one of those on the top floor. Very nice. The usual small European room, but an unusually large bathroom with a walkin shower. Very little storage, though. Everything still seems very clean and new. Breakfast is typical European style: breads and pastries, some whole fruit, yogurt, sliced cheese and cold cuts. Two self serve coffee machines. They ask you to pick a timeslot for breakfast, but I always went earlier and never had a problem. They don't even ask your room number. The overall quality of the food was better than in the U.S.--I don't miss the sausage and eggs.

All in all, I didn't even feel like I was in a H.I. Express, but just a new, modern, well-run European hotel. Recommended.