DISCUSSION for Hilton Honors Hotels in Amsterdam, Netherlands {NLD}
Oct 19, 2017, 10:01 pm
#181
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Amsterdam, Asia, UK
Programs: IHG RA (Spire), HH Diamond, MR Platinum, SQ Gold, KLM Gold, BAEC Gold
Posts: 5,072
If Wizla is needing 3 stays for 2017 HHD, then staying at HH hotels 3x for required missing 3stays when Wizla would not stay at HH it is mattress running to me.
I usually do such a run by mid year to lock in my hotel status needing most nights at cheaper summer holiday rates, rather than wait until December.
Though I'd also accept argument that a Matress Run is possibly only when you stay Hotel nights when you would not have in fact stayed in hotels to reach elite status, but then again Wizla planned his whole birthday trip as a Mattress Run.
Oct 20, 2017, 12:22 am
#182
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: norwich, uk
Programs: hhonors diamond
Posts: 5,397
@wizla
I have been living in amsterdam since 2006 (currenty out in Asia though), know it well, plus stayed in most IHG/HH/MR hotels, or guested others
(ps enjoy your reports, hope to one of these days will coincide with one of your stays, plus my Birthday is Oct 21st.... different star sign though Libra v Scopio)
nb Hampton airport hotel 15minute train ride (there is a shuttle minibus) and totally isolated, next to eg others eg HIE and CP of IHG.
For first night consider Hampton Bjilmer (direct train from Schiphol) instead of airport Hampton, at least shops etc nearby if you need to get out, and sets you up for next days much easier hotel swap. Hampton East amsterdam also exists but have never stayed there.
DT Central Station (ex Mint) is great location wise for trawling Amsterdam Center, including redlight districts. Plus 10min walk you have metro/trams at CS to everywhere.
DT CS itself doesn't have great rooms, or a good lounge, though restaurant b/f is good, DT upgrades unless to the full suites ( which are rare even for HHD) means a shower only room (no bath). DT CS charges for early checkins so don't bother turning up more than 1hour before checkin time
Hilton Amsterdam is nice. Policy is to try and upgrade HHD's to J/Suite, hopefuly end of corridor canal view. Lounge food is so so, but plentiful, and restaurant b/f is very good, order from a la carte b/f choices via waiters.
Assuming the nearby road to/from ConcertHall/MuseumPlein is no longer dug up, walk 1000m over bridge for trams to MuseumPlein, Ams C. S. etc. Even a fast bus from that location direct to airport in 20minutes.
For getting around get a travel pass for metro+buses, 1day/2day/3day/4day/7day. Can buy at machines in any metro station. Also Tourist Office/GVB outside Ams C.S. that had all the guides/pamplets/sells-tram-tickets
Official City Guide URL
o https://www.iamsterdam.com/en/ (official Ams City Portal)
o https://www.iamsterdam.com/en/i-am/i...rdam-city-card
(The I amsterdam City Card consists of a smart card, a public transport pass and detailed city map and provides over 50 free and 60 discounted offer)
Restaurants
o Recommended Restaurant = Dynasty (next street up from flower market, Reguliersdwarsstraat 30, 1017 BM Amsterdam)
(med Price, excellent food+choices+value, my favourite, signature dish = Secret of Ox)
https://www.viamichelin.com/web/Rest...y-115359-41102
Things/Places to see in Amsterdam
o Walk in Vondel Park
o Floating Flower Market
o Amsterdam Zoo
o MuseumPlein, multiple museums (trams 2, 5, from Ams Station)
o Anne Franke House
o Heineken brewery tour
o Canal Cruises, 2hour and longer (most leave from Ams CS water or at start of Damrak street)
o Canal Hopper Day Pass (can get off canal boats at various stops, eg Ams CS, Leidseplein)
o Redlight district tour (includes drinks)
o Leidseplein square and it's bars
o PC Hooftstraat is THE shopping street in Amsterdam
.. Shops (ALL Famous Brands, Gucci etc) all in one street just off MuseumPlein
I have been living in amsterdam since 2006 (currenty out in Asia though), know it well, plus stayed in most IHG/HH/MR hotels, or guested others
(ps enjoy your reports, hope to one of these days will coincide with one of your stays, plus my Birthday is Oct 21st.... different star sign though Libra v Scopio)
nb Hampton airport hotel 15minute train ride (there is a shuttle minibus) and totally isolated, next to eg others eg HIE and CP of IHG.
For first night consider Hampton Bjilmer (direct train from Schiphol) instead of airport Hampton, at least shops etc nearby if you need to get out, and sets you up for next days much easier hotel swap. Hampton East amsterdam also exists but have never stayed there.
DT Central Station (ex Mint) is great location wise for trawling Amsterdam Center, including redlight districts. Plus 10min walk you have metro/trams at CS to everywhere.
DT CS itself doesn't have great rooms, or a good lounge, though restaurant b/f is good, DT upgrades unless to the full suites ( which are rare even for HHD) means a shower only room (no bath). DT CS charges for early checkins so don't bother turning up more than 1hour before checkin time
Hilton Amsterdam is nice. Policy is to try and upgrade HHD's to J/Suite, hopefuly end of corridor canal view. Lounge food is so so, but plentiful, and restaurant b/f is very good, order from a la carte b/f choices via waiters.
Assuming the nearby road to/from ConcertHall/MuseumPlein is no longer dug up, walk 1000m over bridge for trams to MuseumPlein, Ams C. S. etc. Even a fast bus from that location direct to airport in 20minutes.
For getting around get a travel pass for metro+buses, 1day/2day/3day/4day/7day. Can buy at machines in any metro station. Also Tourist Office/GVB outside Ams C.S. that had all the guides/pamplets/sells-tram-tickets
Official City Guide URL
o https://www.iamsterdam.com/en/ (official Ams City Portal)
o https://www.iamsterdam.com/en/i-am/i...rdam-city-card
(The I amsterdam City Card consists of a smart card, a public transport pass and detailed city map and provides over 50 free and 60 discounted offer)
Restaurants
o Recommended Restaurant = Dynasty (next street up from flower market, Reguliersdwarsstraat 30, 1017 BM Amsterdam)
(med Price, excellent food+choices+value, my favourite, signature dish = Secret of Ox)
https://www.viamichelin.com/web/Rest...y-115359-41102
Things/Places to see in Amsterdam
o Walk in Vondel Park
o Floating Flower Market
o Amsterdam Zoo
o MuseumPlein, multiple museums (trams 2, 5, from Ams Station)
o Anne Franke House
o Heineken brewery tour
o Canal Cruises, 2hour and longer (most leave from Ams CS water or at start of Damrak street)
o Canal Hopper Day Pass (can get off canal boats at various stops, eg Ams CS, Leidseplein)
o Redlight district tour (includes drinks)
o Leidseplein square and it's bars
o PC Hooftstraat is THE shopping street in Amsterdam
.. Shops (ALL Famous Brands, Gucci etc) all in one street just off MuseumPlein
Oct 20, 2017, 7:13 am
#184
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Barcelona, London, on a plane
Programs: BA Silver, TK E+, AA PP, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott LT Plat, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 13,051
A mattress run is usually defined as not spending the night in the hotel.
If I check into the hotel down the road from my home, I'm doing a mattress run.
If I go away for the weekend because I need a stay credit or two, I'm going away for the weekend, not doing a mattress run. FWIW, going away for the weekend isn't a mileage run either.
In both cases you might be conscious of elite status needs, but you aren't doing it ONLY for the miles/stay credits, which is where I believe most people draw the line on calling it a "run".
If I check into the hotel down the road from my home, I'm doing a mattress run.
If I go away for the weekend because I need a stay credit or two, I'm going away for the weekend, not doing a mattress run. FWIW, going away for the weekend isn't a mileage run either.
In both cases you might be conscious of elite status needs, but you aren't doing it ONLY for the miles/stay credits, which is where I believe most people draw the line on calling it a "run".
Oct 31, 2017, 12:54 pm
#187
Moderator: American AAdvantage, Travel Safety/Security & Texas, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: AUS / GRK
Programs: AA, HHonors, Hertz
Posts: 13,492
I'm looking at a stay in late summer 2018. I know that Hilton usually has a sale, but I'd like to book a flexible rate to lock in something, just in case.
Both Hampton Inn properties are a similar rate--
* Centre East
* Arena Boulevard
Initially I booked the Centre East property, thinking that it is closer to town and would be easier to get in/out of.
However, after browsing through some threads here, it sounds like Arena is much easier to get to/from the airport, and is about as easy to get to and from Centraal Station.
I've been to Amsterdam before (I did a study abroad program in college in Haarlem and have visited since), so I know town a bit. Will either be by myself or perhaps a friend who has never been.
I've stayed at the Hilton before (I think it was the only Hilton property in town then). While it is a nice property, the prices are a little high for me. But if there's a sale, I may be swayed.
Doubletree NDSM has decent prices, but I'm concerned it would be difficult getting to/from.
The Doubletree Centraal would be a great location, but the prices are out of my reach here.
Any thoughts on which Hampton Inn property would be better?
Both Hampton Inn properties are a similar rate--
* Centre East
* Arena Boulevard
Initially I booked the Centre East property, thinking that it is closer to town and would be easier to get in/out of.
However, after browsing through some threads here, it sounds like Arena is much easier to get to/from the airport, and is about as easy to get to and from Centraal Station.
I've been to Amsterdam before (I did a study abroad program in college in Haarlem and have visited since), so I know town a bit. Will either be by myself or perhaps a friend who has never been.
I've stayed at the Hilton before (I think it was the only Hilton property in town then). While it is a nice property, the prices are a little high for me. But if there's a sale, I may be swayed.
Doubletree NDSM has decent prices, but I'm concerned it would be difficult getting to/from.
The Doubletree Centraal would be a great location, but the prices are out of my reach here.
Any thoughts on which Hampton Inn property would be better?
Oct 31, 2017, 3:38 pm
#188
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: norwich, uk
Programs: hhonors diamond
Posts: 5,397
I'm looking at a stay in late summer 2018. I know that Hilton usually has a sale, but I'd like to book a flexible rate to lock in something, just in case.
Both Hampton Inn properties are a similar rate--
* Centre East
* Arena Boulevard
Initially I booked the Centre East property, thinking that it is closer to town and would be easier to get in/out of.
However, after browsing through some threads here, it sounds like Arena is much easier to get to/from the airport, and is about as easy to get to and from Centraal Station.
I've been to Amsterdam before (I did a study abroad program in college in Haarlem and have visited since), so I know town a bit. Will either be by myself or perhaps a friend who has never been.
I've stayed at the Hilton before (I think it was the only Hilton property in town then). While it is a nice property, the prices are a little high for me. But if there's a sale, I may be swayed.
Doubletree NDSM has decent prices, but I'm concerned it would be difficult getting to/from.
The Doubletree Centraal would be a great location, but the prices are out of my reach here.
Any thoughts on which Hampton Inn property would be better?
Both Hampton Inn properties are a similar rate--
* Centre East
* Arena Boulevard
Initially I booked the Centre East property, thinking that it is closer to town and would be easier to get in/out of.
However, after browsing through some threads here, it sounds like Arena is much easier to get to/from the airport, and is about as easy to get to and from Centraal Station.
I've been to Amsterdam before (I did a study abroad program in college in Haarlem and have visited since), so I know town a bit. Will either be by myself or perhaps a friend who has never been.
I've stayed at the Hilton before (I think it was the only Hilton property in town then). While it is a nice property, the prices are a little high for me. But if there's a sale, I may be swayed.
Doubletree NDSM has decent prices, but I'm concerned it would be difficult getting to/from.
The Doubletree Centraal would be a great location, but the prices are out of my reach here.
Any thoughts on which Hampton Inn property would be better?
Nov 13, 2017, 7:59 am
#189
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 37
I'm also debating between the Hampton Centre East and Hampton Arena Boulevard for a stay in December. It'll be my first time in Amsterdam and I'm mostly interested in touristy things, but used to public transportation so having to take a train or tram somewhere isn't an issue (as long as it's reliable!).
The one on Arena is slightly less expensive and looks to have good transit links, so leaning towards that but would love to hear others' opinions.
The one on Arena is slightly less expensive and looks to have good transit links, so leaning towards that but would love to hear others' opinions.
Nov 13, 2017, 7:31 pm
#190
Join Date: Jul 2013
Programs: Hilton Honors Lifetime Diamond, United Global Services
Posts: 159
I have stayed at the Hampton Arena location. It was brand new at the time (2013), and I really liked the hotel. It was the nicest Hampton I have ever stayed in. The train made for easy access to the airport and the tourist locations.
Nov 14, 2017, 6:22 pm
#191
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: SDF
Programs: UA, HH
Posts: 692
We stayed at Hampton Arena - the stay was great, but it is truly out of the way. Hampton Centre East is much more centrally located and, I believe, would work better for sightseeing. It will be much easier to swing by your room and take a break, compared to Arena.
Mar 1, 2018, 8:43 am
#192
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Global
Programs: United 1K, Qatar Gold, Etihad Gold, Hilton Diamond, InterCon RA, PC Plat, SPG Plat, Marriott Plat
Posts: 1,454
Any recent stays or thoughts? I am trying to decide between the DoubleTree Central and the Hilton. First time in Amsterdam. Diamond. Would prefer convenience, if the hotel itself and the rooms are good - including Diamond upgrades.
Thoughts?
Thoughts?
Mar 1, 2018, 9:02 am
#193
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Toledo, OH
Programs: Delta DM & MM, Hilton DM, Marriott gold, Hyatt Globalist, Alaska 75K, Wyndham Diamond,
Posts: 15,399
I received one of the best upgrades as a Hilton ever there. I arrived around 11 a.m. and they gave me a huge two room sky suite with a great view. Back then I was staying with Hilton a lot and the front desk clerk made a comment about all my Hilton stays and sounded like they gave upgrade preference to people who had a lot of stays over people who had status via a credit card or status match so not sure if I would still get the same treatment now.
Only complaint was the crowded lounge. They used to give all golds access and it's my understanding now that golds don't have access unless they are on the exec floor and diamonds are now getting a hot buffet.
Mar 1, 2018, 9:13 am
#194
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Depends on the day!
Programs: Marriott/Lifetime Titanium Hyatt/Explorist, Hilton/Silver, IHG Spire,UA Gold
Posts: 17,832
The lounge up top is nice and has great views of the city. When we were there an "adult website" convention had taken over the hotel...all the bars were closed for private parties...that was annoying! The people watching was really good OTOH! :-)
Mar 1, 2018, 8:11 pm
#195
Join Date: Apr 2009
Programs: HH Diamond, Marriott Gold, Sky Miles Gold
Posts: 57
Agree on the cruise ship feel of the hallways but found the rest of the hotel exceptional. The rooms were were good size and the Sky Lounge upstairs has great views. We stayed in late October as Gold and had access to the lounge for breakfast. It was busy as it was a small room but not crowded and the food was very good for a breakfast lounge.