Hi,

Can anyone recommend a decent hotel for a long weekend getaway in Amsterdam (central, downtown). I am looking for something below 130 Euros a night. Thanks!

I've had occasion to book rooms at both the Sofitel Amsterdam and the Crowne Plaza City Centre for under 130 Euros/night within the past year. Both are well-situated on Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal within reasonable walking distance of Centraal Station. It's certainly worth checking for specials on those, but they commonly command much higher rates and the high season is all but upon us now. The Mercure Arthur Frommer is in a reasonably decent location a couple of blocks off Leiseplein on Noorderstraat and it's worth checking for availability. (There is a corner room on the first floor with 14 ft. ceilings that is great, if you can get it.) All of these have a decent breakfast and it's worth something to have that thrown in.

Some people have reported good luck using Priceline for booking. It's tempting because Amsterdam tends to be quite pricey for hotels. So long as you eliminate the stuff on the low end, it's probably a good way to make a decent place fit into the travel budget. The central city is very compact.

Marriott Renaissance is 119EU/nt walking distance from Centraal.

Amsterdam is one of those places that is such a popular tourist destination that, half the time, you find that prices are dearer at weekends than during the week.

A good place to start for an idea of prices is http://www.bookings.nl/

I don't find Amsterdam hotels particularly wonderful: they are behind many other countries in terms of amenities (and often d�cor). But, they're usually efficient, cheerful little places. Do bear in mind the Dutch sense of humour can be very scathing, and what many may take as an insult is little more than humour (I've seen several USAians offended in this way...)

There's more than one 'city centre' district: you have the canal belt (centred around de Dam), with clusters of hotels around Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal and de Dam itself. Then, you have Rembrandtplein and Leidseplein: gaudy, neon-strewn bar districts. Further out (but close to several attractions, and still a short tram ride from the canal belt) is the museum quarter.

Finding accommodation at a reasonable price is often a lottery. A good alternative is an apartment - I recommend the de Monnik apartments (http://www.de-monnik.nl/) who do not always enforce a minimum stay.

Otherwise, I'd go for Priceline, as the prices are so variable.

I would not join those who say they'd use Priceline. In Amsterdam, the only zone that includes downtown also includes some places well to the south of of the center area (between the station and Leidseplein).

I recently stayed at the NH Amsterdam Centre in the Leidseplein, and it was an excellent choice. Clean, quiet, friendly staff, and in a great location. I much prefer the Leiseplein area to the station: I find it a way more pleasant area to stroll, to find places to eat, and generally to enjoy the city.

Try www.hrs.com for Amsterdam (and Paris, among others) hotels. Unlike some other sites, it shows availability and prices for the dates you want, and I've had nothing but good results from them.

Ditto on the Priceline warning -- the zone is too big.

I can vouch for the Tulip Inn Dam Square, 12-16 Gravenstraat. Great location in a pedestrian walkway steps off the square. No restaurant but tons of eating and drinking places all around you. Ten minutes' walk to Centraal. I think I paid E95 or so. It was just fine.

We stayed at the Jolly Carlton booked through www.accomline.com Nice roome in a good location.

Not in your price range, but the Ambassade is exceptional.

I could not find it in a Search; but about three years ago there were quite a few FT comments pro and con on the Rho.

Has anyone experienced a stay at the low priced Nadia Hotel? It has positive web reviews.

Good info, Bear. I've walked past that place a hundred times and it really is a neat-looking place from the outside, so I've wondered about what it would be like to stay there. Maybe I'll give it a shot some time.