gezza48

Hi, we have 3 nights in Amsterdam early August and would like recommendations about hotels as we havn't been to this place before. Would like to shop and see the historic places.
Cheers & thanks

irishguy28

And this belongs in the British Airways forum why?

gezza48

well we are flying with BA and I couldn't work out where else to ask thats all

vla

Rightly, this will be redirected from the BA forum, but what I could add before it goes is that the Hotel de l'Europe just re-opened after a €60m renovation, and if you're prepared to spend the cash, you will now be richly rewarded. The hotel itself is a bit of an anomaly in that it is formal and distant in a city that is mostly come as you are.

But if you want to splash out (your other options, really, are the Hotel Amstel and The Grand), at this point in time the de l'Europe is deffo the way to go. Couldn't be more central, right on the Amstel and the Singel.

irishguy28

I couldn't pass up the opportunity to mention http://www.amrathamsterdam.com/

gezza48

Thank you very much, thats all I need really, ciao!

dhstyle

I have always used the Pulitzer - Not top top end but 5 star and a very interesting property.

vla

A very good reincarnation of that building, which was sorely needed, and a relatively new hotel itself, but yet not a truly inspired 5* hotel. A good mention, though, I agree.

The Pulitzer, in some of its best rooms, can be very interesting, mostly from a Dutch architectural perspective, given its location, which is a very good thing to behold.

FlyingDentist

We stayed at the Amrath for 4 nights at the end of May. The hotel is pretty well placed for sightseeing & museums - but the Van Gogh museum is quite far so you will need a taxi.

As vla mentions, a nice re-working of the building. Rooms were clean and beautifully modernised, but service somewhat lacking (the same chipped cup kept reappearing on the coffee machine!). The restaurant is above average with well matched prices.

I'd place it in the 'luxury 4 star' bracket.

Overall not bad, but if you want 5 star decadence look elsewhere.

Smirnoff

As vla says, if you want the best 5 star hotel, it is without doubt the de l'Europe. It is very grand, opulent, very formal restaurant, nice setting on the canal. However I find the staff and the whole atmosphere very snooty.

Land-of-Miles

Many of the rooms at the Pulitzer I would not find acceptable in a 4* property. Even the suites can be a little poor (well the ones I have stayed in) with poor AC, a small floor area and poor bathrooms. I have had problems with staff attitude at the front desk and concierge desk too. The location is very good though but breakfast is an absolute zoo.

The Dylan is worth a look.

Full of hot air

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry9700/5.0.0.593 Profile/MIDP-2.1 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/603)

Whilst not a 5* hotel, there is a luxury B&B in my area which gets rave reviews from guests. The Flying Pancake (www.theflyingpancake.com) is centrally located, whilst still distant from the horrid red light district and coffee shops. Its not far from the Zoo and the Hermitage-which I highly recommend. Also walking distance to the Utrechtsestraat with all its restaurants.

UncleDude

To avoid paying over the odds in Amsterdam, learn how www.Priceline.com works, also for rate guidance for Priceline go to www.Betterbidding.com.

Savings on 5* hotels are usually in excess of 50% YMMV

cln

+1 for Amstel

Raffles

You may get a good deal at the Amstel using the PC Friends & Family rates (www.tinyurl.com/ihgjenni) or via the 2-4-1 or 3-4-2 links which you'll find on the Priority Club board. Very traditional, older property - key benefits are the location (away from most of the bustle, near the Van Gogh museum) and the restaurant. Historically it has been seen as the best in town.

Pulitzer is absolutely shocking in places - some of the rooms are no bigger than the average hotel bathroom. Would avoid.

L'Europe is worth a look as well, just to see if the renovation money was well spent. Rates may also be soft following the reopening.

In general, though, AMS lack 'real' luxury hotels in the Four Seasons mould. You may therefore decide to lower your sights a bit, rather than pay a premium for a 5-star which simply won't deliver the Four Seasons-style of 5-star service.