Boat Not Bad and other Amsterdam, Netherlands Hotel/Accommodation Reviews

I would recommend this hotel mostly for its location - three mins walk from the Centraal Station, and situated on a picturesque section of canal (just make sure you get a canal-side room, the land-side overlooks a yucky buiding site).

The room was fair, if a little basic. The bed was very comfortable, (but watch out for the sticking-out panel above the headboard which contains the reading lights - its a hazzard and guaranteed to give you a headache when you crash your head on it!) The bathroom was very very tiny, but adequate. You do have to sit on the loo at a funny angle to avoid the basin, but this is something which can be dealt with. Our main problem with the bathroom in our room was that it was shabby and suffering from mildew. In fact the whole room, although clean, was a little shabby around the edges.

The other thing to think about when booking this hotel is "how well do I want to get to know my room's neighbours?". The rooms have walls and floors which are so thin they flex, and you can hear everything that is going on around your room.

And the plumbing...ah yes...! Don't book this hotel if you are a fan of the power shower. No such luxury here. Also, the plumbing is the noisiest I have ever enountered in a hotel. The pipes whistle, thump, bang and make dripping sounds 24 hours a day!

Bar? Open late (but they all are in Amsterdam!) Convinient for a late pint before bed, but utterly charmless in all respects.

Final verdict? Well, ignore the three star rating. This is a phony continental rating. If the hotel was in the UK it would only be a two star hotel. But if you are on a budget, and just need a cheap crash pad within easy distance of the Centraal Station - this is the one to pick. Despite the negative points, I would recommend this.


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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: US$40-80  » Currency Converter
Address: Oosterdokskade 2-4, Amsterdam 1011 AE
Directions: Exit Centraal Station on the side of the station where the "B" platforms are located. Turn left, walk thru tram zone then thru bus station. Gantry to the Amstel Botel is straight ahead over water (about 3 or 4 mins walk).