We are coming off a cruise in Athens and specifically booked DL 139 ATH-ATL leaving at 12:30pm which allowed us time to get off the boat and get to the airport. The 11:35am JFK was cutting it too close to choose (and who wants to go through JFK anyways!).

DL has changed us to a 6:35am via AMS which will not work at all as we will still be on the boat. There is a flight on AF via CDG but there are no seats available.

In looking at alternatives, there is a later departure (4:30pm) via AMS but it means overnighting at AMS. Is there an onsite hotel? Are there any recommendations on going this route. The morning flight would be via DTW which is just fine with us.

Thanks

There are on-site hotels at AMS Schiphol, the Hilton is my favorite -- just a short walk through the hamster tube at the ticketing area. Sings are excellent and info desks will direct you. I think there's a Sheraton too.

Other (cheaper) hotels are just offsite with frequent van service. If you like, consider a later connection the next day and enjoy a trip into the city. Local trains leave from a station just below the ticketing area and it's a 20 min ride to Amsterdam Centraal Station.

The Schiphol Hilton, like so many AMS hotels, is a bit expensive, and the breakfast will cost you your life savings but the hotel it is definitely convenient. With moving walkways you can walk from gate to hotel (depending on which gate, of course) in 10-15 minutes.

Warm complimentary breakfast is served in the KLM lounges if you're BE or Plat Plus, or have an old Northwest Worldclub card.

I also enjoy the Hilton at AMS, but it is quite expensive. If you are looking to stay cheaper, there is a hotel called Citizen M on the airport property (about a block or two walk from the terminal). I stayed there for under $100 US late last year (includes free Internet).

Citizen M is an uber-modern hotel. The style may not be for everyone, so you might want to check it out online before you go. The rooms are small by design, but are well-designed, clean, and comfortable. It is a quirky place and very high tech hotel -- I've never stayed in anything like it. I spent a couple of hours playing with all of the gadgets and controls in the room. Its a fun place to stay -- especially for one night!

The CP is a nice hotel and not that expensive.
Is this really the only available routing?

Try www.booking.com or www.priceline.com for a low priced hotel.
Most hotels in the Schipol airport vicinity are decent, not fancy.

Thanks for the suggestions.

Now the real battle is with DL who refuses to book us on a later flight that day. We are on J award tickets and unless it is DL metal, they won't put us on a partner.

Any ideas?

FYI.. one call had attempted to put us on a AF flight but AF had no seat. 2nd call refused outright to look at alternatives. When asked who was going to pay for the extra hotel night, got a rude "there is nothing I can do for you".

Hilton is a great choice. It is only 40,000 points to get a room. Got plenty of Hilton points to burn. ^

bump

I always overnight in AMS at the Airport Hilton. They have a very efficient van service to and from the facility.

I used the van once then I realized its about an 8 min 98% indoor walk.

MisterNice

No, DL isn't going to force open partner award inventory. Pick any DL-operated flight you want and ask for it. If partner inventory happens to be open, it will be at Low award levels.

Ahhh....

Spend the night in Athens and have DL put you on flights the next day.

No hurry.... no scurry.... you can even take the earlier flight the next day if you want.

Yes, or if you manage to route with an overnight in AMS, go into the city and get a hotel in the center. Have a drink at a sidewalk cafe and a nice dinner; enjoy walking aound the canals.

I stayed at the Sheraton at AMS in 2008. Great property and attached to the airport. Very easy.

Why wouldn't DL put me on a partner flight? DL made the decision to cancel the flight which I booked a year ago.