Location, Location, Location and other Amsterdam, Netherlands Hotel/Accommodation Reviews

I picked the Rho Hotel based on an recommendation in WikiTravel. The Hotel seemed reasonably priced with respect to other hotels in its class, but definitely the draw was the central location of the hotel, and the relative distance to the Amsterdam Centraal Train Station. I simply wanted a clean room and decent room rates where I could walk in and out from the Train Station.

However, I didn't know how great the location was until I stayed there. It seemed like all my activities were within a short walking distance from my hotel. Therefore, if I needed to take a bathroom break, or pick up my umbrella, or drop off my jacket, or even take a short nap, my room was always handy and nearby. Moreover, the tour company that I loved in Amsterdam... the New Amsterdam Free Tour... met almost in front of my hotel (i.e. in front of the tall monument in Dam Square, which is pretty much in front of the Rho Hotel). In addition, the surrounding area is full of shopping, restaurants, bars, and coffeeshops. The Red light district is also 5-10 minutes away by feet. The Tram stop is also nearby which you will be using quite often within Amsterdam to get to museums and other locations around the periphery of Amsterdam. And lastly, there's an ATM located right next to the RHO Hotel.

I found the rooms to be clean and comfortable. My room faced an inside courtyard, so there's no view of the city from my room, and I would need to draw my shades to maintain privacy. But I really appreciated the fact the room had a closet, refrigerator, and a safe. For one person, the room was plenty big for me, especially because I didn't come to Amsterdam to spend all my time in my room.

The breakfast was fine, although the same thing was served each morning. Breakfast is served buffet style. Basically choice of toast, scrambled eggs, bacon, rice, and orange juice.

Unique Qualities: The outstanding characteristics of the Rho Hotel is its grand lobby area, and the central location of the hotel.

The Hotel also has one computer terminal in the lobby where guests can access the Internet. I found this to be quite convenient. However, if you have your own computer, the Lobby has WiFi access.

The only downside of the hotel was the price of the hotel keeps the average age of the guests in their 30s and older. Not really a fun place where you meet all sorts of great travellers. I don't think any of the other guest of the hotel even said hello to me. Where at other accomodations, you may find it easy to strike up conversations with other travellers around. Funny, I think the fun "traveling" aspect of an accomodation is sometimes inversely related to its price.

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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$120-180  » Currency Converter
Address: Nes 5-23 1012 KC, , Amsterdam

The Hotel has a great location in Dam Square. Also with back alley exits in the back, its convenient to walk to anywhere from this hotel. However, I had read by some reports that this is a five star hotel. That's hard to believe. Its probably a 4 star (in European standards) and 3 star (according US standards). My stay here was fine and uneventful. However, I was not "wowed" by any extent. My room was in an adjoining tower. The one downside was that the hallway to my tower was accessible directly from the street. Although you needed to use your key card to enter the building and to use the elevator, I did feel that security was probably not as good as other hotels where people had to go through the hotel lobby to get to your room.

The room was decent size, and my bed was really two single beds next to each other. The hotel is good for business travelers. Plenty of room and a desk to work from. They had more amenities than usual (toothbrush/toothpaste). I paid 188 Euros/night, which isn't bad for business standards in Amsterdam (many hotels are over 250 Euros/night), but I wouldn't splurge to go to this hotel if I was traveling personally. For dollar for dollar, I would recommend the Rho Hotel clearly over this one, and they are located next to each other.


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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$180 and up  » Currency Converter
Address: Dam 9, Amsterdam, 1012 JS
Directions: In Dam Square