Amsterdam Hotel Tips by yooperprof

Movenpick Hotel Amsterdam: New upscale hotel on the river Movenpick Hotel Amsterdam Review

Thanks to Priceline we were able to stay for the second half of our Amsterdam week at this new hotel property near the heart of the center of the city. Hotel Movenpick has located their new tower in a developing area, to the east of the Centraal Station. It's a ten to fifteen minute walk to the rail station, but there is also frequent tram service as well, and the hotel runs a convenient van shuttle to the station square as well.

(I've noticed on TripAdvisor that some Americans seem to feel that it's outrageous that the hotel labels itself as being in Central Amsterdam when it fact it is a fifteen minute walk to the train station. If that is indeed an issue for you, you should probably stay elsewhere.)

This upscale property caters to business travellers and those seeking a certain international standard of comfort. I've stayed at Movenpicks in Germany, and have come to associate this chain with excellent service as well. What I liked most about this Movenpick were the excellent views from our room. The helpful front desk clerk gave us a room on the 20th floor! This even though it must have been clear that we booked at the Priceline rate.

Address: Piet Heinkeade 1, Amsterdam, NL

Comparison: more expensive than average

Phone: 31-204-191918

Price: US$80-120

Theme: Hotel

Golden Tulip Amsterdam Art: Good design, not a good location WestCord Art Hotel Amsterdam Review

The first three nights in Amsterdam I stayed (because of an excellent Priceline Deal) at the Gollden Tulip Amsterdam Art. The Golden Tulip side of this property offers nicely styled and comfortable rooms with very modern amenities. I stayed with a friend in a "double room" - with one double bed. We probably should have asked for a room with two twins - I know they have them - because we weren't a couple, and the "double" seemed a little small.

The Golden Tulip is certainly a hotel with many attractive design features, but the main disadvantage of the property is its location, which is located well outside the city centre, and in a neighborhood without many obvious amenities. On the positive side, there is a convenient bus stop right outside the hotel doors.

Note that the lobby here actually serves two separate "establishments": on one side, the Golden Tulip, on the other the "Tulip Inn." They are both part of the same "family of hotels" but cater to different market segments. The Golden Tulip is a moderately priced chain, a midrange "property" in terms of service and amenities. The Tulip Inn is more of a "budget plus" place - less expensive, but still with more of the "bonuses" that you find at more expensive places.

Address: Spaarndammerdijk 304

Comparison: about average

Price: US$80-120

Theme: Hotel

Website: http://www.goldentulip.com/Property/?Language=EN&PropCode=GT;43179