Hi All,
I have a week to spend in Amsterdam in Feb 2012.

In researching my accommodation options, I am finding the many options available quite confusing.

The following are my requirements, and I was wondering if there are recommendations as to whether I should be going for an apartment, B and B or hotel.

- I am a 50 year old solo traveller

- My budget is up to 120 euros per night

- I have stuffed knees so stairs are a problem

- I prefer close to Centrum

- Security is important to me

- Double bed is a must

- Toilet and bathroom in the room is a must

Any other advice is appreciated.

Thanks.

TKM

I stayed at easyhotel to try. This hotel is in centrum. Room is small though. Also stayed at intercontinental berlin which is close to the shopping street.

So you want a nice close in hotel in a very expensive hotel city that has a lift and is not all that expensive? Maybe a 4 star.

Easy

Priceline NYOP bidding. For Amsterdam its a no-brainer.

The number of NYOP hotels within the 4* level is quite small. Easy to check them out before you bid.

And for many dates you can score a 4 star for $100 or less. My last win was for $69 a night in a great hotel----but wins that low are ancient history.

I do not like to push other sites but Tripadvisor Amsterdam forum follows this issue all the time. They have many threads on this topic that might be of some help.

The hotels that show up the most often at the 4 star level?

NH Amsterdam Centre

Movenpick

EDITED: NH Carlton

NH Carnasa

Rennissance

Now and then (very rarely) another will show but these are the more likely----in order of likelyhood based on reported wins

You will get a larger than normal size room (compared to 2 and 3* hotels) You will have 24/7 front desk coverage and security (many AMS hotels do not have this) of course en-suite and you will get a queen or two double beds. (call the hotel if you have a preference)

Feb is a great time to bid. BTDT.

The Easyhotel is an interesting concept. And while I have not stayed there I have had friends stop inside and get a tour from management.

The rooms are small. It is located farther out than the NYOP 4 stars. But in a nice area. With easy to use trams near by to get into the more centre. And you will pay for extras like the simple use of the regular TV. So figure that in when considering price.

But the early reports on this property are promising.

Nice to see a new reasonable cost option in Amsterdam.

3recondoc - Thank you for your very considered reply. Much appreciated.

By chance do you know of any B and B's that may meet my criteria? Preferably a B and B that involves limited contact with the owners. I have looked at all of the well known B and B sites and can't find any that meet my "fussy" tastes.

Any ideas?

Thanks heaps.

TKM.

If you use Priceline, just be prepared for hotel that is lower than what you've probably come to expect in USA. A 3 star hotel in Europe is probably a 2 star in US.

This is not a Priceline issue. This is an Amsterdam issue. Very expensive hotels that offer much less than you come to expect as opposed to a USA hotel.

But as far as hotels through Priceline at the 4 and 5 star levels I have 0 complaints.

The 5* Marriott and the Hilton were fine hotels.

The 4 stars I have won such as the NH Schiller was a real treat at least in the off season when I was there. Like staying in an art museum with tons of history. It shows up now not at all as a win.

The 4* NH Amsterdam Centre where I spent my last 14 nights in town was very nice. Good size rooms and it was quiet both inside and out. Great beds.

And we get very good reviews as far as the Rennissance where I spent a few nights and the Movenpick, and the NH Carlton (the hotel that was missing from my potential winners I believe) and the NH Carnasa.

The problem with Amsterdam 4 and 5 star hotels is not the hotel itself. Nor Priceline. Its the very large price you pay for those rooms when booking direct without bidding.

IMO those rooms are not worth $200-$300+ a night.

But at less than $100 to maybe $130 they are the mother of all good deals----IMO.

"By chance do you know of any B and B's that may meet my criteria? "

I assume by B&B you are also including those small very small traditional canal house hotels?

The only one I have stayed in that jumps to mind is the 2 star Hotel Brouwer. It does have a lift. Small and slow and only until 11 pm (7am-11pm) And if the lift is not operational those stairs will do you in.

If you could get a room there----you would need to get a double for single use----because the actual single room is quite small but all rooms are en suite ---you would be lucky to score the Brouwer.

Very hard to get into since they have only a small number of rooms and they are very popular year around.

I love the Brouwer. But I now refuse to pay more for a 2 star no matter how nice than I can pay for a much nicer 4 star through bidding.

There are also 3 star hotels. Quite expensive for what you get. But they do have lifts. Because of the price I avoid these. But they are an option.

I doubt you will find a real B&B or any other 1 or 2 star that has a lift. And those Amsterdam stairs can be tough for an in shape person with no knee problems.

Unless you just have to stay in a more traditional canal house my best advice is to bid.

You will stay in a much nicer hotel. And you will save a ton of money.