mauld: I was in Amsterdam a couple of weeks ago and was lucky enough to get taken to a place called De Tropen. It's in the Jordaan, about a 15 inute walk from Centraal Station. It's a smaller place, maybe 15 tables if that. Owned and operated by a charming husband and wife team. All the dishes on the menu have a Caribbean or tropican feel. I had a halibut with a ginger cream that was one of the finest pieces of fish I have ever eaten. I understand they can get quite busy; make your reservations early (i.e., a week ahead if you want to go on a Saturday night).

Has anyone stayed at the Amerstdam Hilton?

I also will be taking advantage of the NW special, flying DTW-AMS 11/26 (after Thanksgiving dinner and Lions game w/ the fam!) returning 11/29.

I am staying at the Renaissance Amsterdam (probably not as nice as the Marriott, but I like to hoard my Rewards points)

I second the motion to have a mini-FT get-together. Someone who is familiar with the city please suggest a place and time!

Haven't stayed at the Hilton Amsterdam aflyer, but I've had colleagues that have and they liked it fine. I've also been to the property and it seems quite nice (lobby etc). It's just that it is quite SW of the city center, south of Van Gough Museum and the Museum of Modern Art. It's on the south side of the Amstel Canal and near the airport.

Not only should be arrange a flyertalk meet in amsterdam. We'll probably have flyertalkers on the same flights as well.

I'd like to suggest that EVERYONE post their impression of WBC service on their return. This is a great opportunity to evaluate the service with so many experienced FTers going to Europe. Perhaps if they know they are being evaluated, they will load special food on board. http://talk.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

[This message has been edited by Vulcan (edited 10-08-1999).]

Vulcan:

We'd have a better chance if this was posted in the NW forum http://talk.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

We have stayed at the American Hotel, also located at the Leidersplein, a great part of town with lots to do and lots of restaurants, not too far from the Marriott. A great hotel overlooking a canal (don't they all), good bar and outstanding (and well known) restaurant. Since they are a Forum Hotel, associated with Intercontinental which is now owned by Bass you can get Holiday Inn Priority Club points (wow). Also, I would check TravelWeb "Click-it" weekends before you go. They offer special weekend deals and the Marriott, American, Victoria, SAS and others are sometimes listed. (This weekend the Le Meridien Apollo is listed at 195NGL (about US$100). Enjoy Amsterdam and don't drink too much coffee!

Try www.travelweb.com

BTW-I too ate at the American and watched the World Cup there ten years ago (Eng vs Ger in finals? Eng loses in shootout? Can't recall for sure, my brain is like a sieve!!)

I travel to Amsterdam about once or twice a year. I've stayed at the Marriott twice and enjoyed both stays. My favorite though is the Victoria, right across from Central Station.

There's a new wing and the old wing, I prefer the old as it has a bit more ambiance.

Robert Johnson
danville 1K

i will be on the jfk flight at 11:15 on the 25th and returning on the 7:15 flight on the 29th. at least two other friends are coming as well.

it's good that the flights are operated by klm. the service is better than nw and you also get the cute little delft houses as your gift. even better, they're loaded(literally)!!

have another friend coming out of bos on the 26th and returning on the 30th.

the party grows! (by the way, is there a party yet?)

[This message has been edited by lonman (edited 10-14-1999).]

I will be flying out of Newark on the 25th, returning on the 28th. I've made reservations at both the Marriott and the Sheraton Pulitzer (obviously I will cancel one or the other) Anyone have any thoughts on the Sheraton?---The rates are about equal, but with the Sheraton I get a guaranteed canal view and the possibility of an upgrade.

Tough call it seems. Hotel Pulizer is way up North by the Anne Frank House. I've been in there, but never actually stayed there so I don't know it intimately. Marriott might be a tad better but you've got the upgrade situation etc so it's largely a matter of location.

Mauld:
I agree that the location is important. If I remember correctly, the Marriott is further form the Muntplein. I try to get as close to this as possible. The Pulitser is supposed to be very nice, but off to the right a bit from the main street leading form the train station. I suggest looking closely at a map and selecting based closeness to the train station. A location on or near this main street will also allow for many more light rail vehicle choices.