Thinking about being in Amsterdam this fall for a long weekend. I noticed that there hasn't been a DO or gathering there in quite a while. Just thought I'd throw it out there and see if there's any interest in a get together. I'm open to dates from Sept - Dec. Anyone game?

UPDATE - Ok, I'm booked for the weekend of October 17-19, 2008. While I'm not a DO organizer and won't pretend to be, I will be willing to buy a couple of rounds for anyone willing to tip a few. Also available for dinner Fri/Sat nights if anyone else is.

I'll be at the Pulitzer although last year I stayed at the CP and it was nice - especially if you're a PC Plat = free lounge access.

If anyone (local or otherwise) is game, let me know.

Yes. Most game.

But you also know that I'd go most anywhere for a beer. I still have that marvellous picture of us in the Mariott lounge in ZRH with the 57 bottles of beer, and a poisoned Englishman.

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry8703e/4.2.1 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/106)

You've already got me wondering if the Renaissance Hotel has an executive lounge and more importantly, does the executive lounge have an open bar.

I enjoyed meeting you both in ZRH.

I enjoyed meeting you as well, see you in EZE in August!

As of late 2001, the answers were yes and yes.

Quote:

Originally Posted by fireworksboy

You've already got me wondering if the Renaissance Hotel has an executive lounge and more importantly, does the executive lounge have an open bar.

A decision that they may come to regret. I did a quick search and it appears that both the Marriott and Ren have exec lounges and both have free drinks. I've stayed at the Crowne Plaza, their lounge was located on the top floor, was small but well stocked on Grolsch beer. It also had an outdoor patio on the roof off of the lounge that overlooked the city. Just beautiful view. Thanks monitor.

I like the Marriott better because the location on the Leidseplein pleases us very much being near the museums, the Cocertgebouw, PC Hoofstraaat, and of course the Leidseplein itself. Imo, the Ren is mostly good if you are going out or coming in at the Cantral Station.

I stay at the Marriott every year for a trade show. Agree w/ monitor re: location of Marriott vs. Ren. The concierge & exec lounge staff at Marriott are great.

WARNING: Do NOT pick the weekend of Sept 12th-14th for your AMS Do! The IBC trade show runs from the 11th-16th, and ALL the hotels jack up their rates accordingly. For example, both Ren & Marriott are 345-395Euro during the show. IBC has 40,000 attendees, so all the hotels book up & raise their fees.

Cheers.

Don't I know it. In 2001, the attack on 911 came a day before that show and we were trapped in AMS for days without an advance hotel reservation. Even though lots of Americans needed to cancel, the Ren had no mercy on us and the five days before we could get out cost us a bloody fortune.

Interested as well, esp. since AMS is a short ride by train from DUS.
Depending on the date and my schedule for this time, I will come to AMS.

Now that sucks! Another reason to nix the Ren. Their new policy for that show, btw (it's a Ren policy, not show), is when you book you have to cancel w/in 24hours of booking or the entire stay becomes non-refundable! Even if you book several months out.

Not to sidetrack the thread, but I was at the airport checking in for my flight for AMS when 9/11 occurred. Went home but got out a couple of days later so actually was there for most of the show. I kept calling the Marriott & saying don't cancel my res, just change the arrival date.

BTW - I've always felt sorry for the poor tourist or biz person who is in AMS during the show. Doesn't matter if they're there for tourism or non-IBC bizness, they have to pay IBC prices. It's considered a 'city-wide special event', which allows all the hotels in town to raise their rates.

Back on topic: the Marriott exec lounge is comprised of 2 rooms so space & overlooks the Leidesplain/canal (lovely views), and has 2 free i-net terminals in addition to the free booze. The e.l. staff are some of the best I've ever encountered.

So have a fun fall AMS Do. Just don't make it the weekend of Sept 12th.

Cheers.

Thanks for the heads up SkiAdcock. I've actually got a couple of bad weekends (family weddings) - specifically 11/1 and 10/11 are both out for me. So I think we'll get it narrowed down over the next few weeks and maybe we'll get some more FTers interested.

As you know, I've been there and done that (last year, in fact). There are a handful of small hotels at which you can get reservations.... but I ended up staying the last night before departing at the CY/airport. I was unimpressed, but it was half the price of hotels in-town.

I fully second your recommendation on both the timing and choice of the Marriott.

I would be game if it were during a USC football bye week--or away game week.

November 22nd I was thinking of going anyways...but could consider October 18 or 25 as well.