Amsterdam advice

lexilex

I thought i'd seen an Amsterdam topic in here, had a quick search and couldn't see it so sorry if this should be posted elsewhere.

We finally got confirmation through today for our jet2 flights we won, off to Amsterdam 10-12th Oct.

We need a cheap hotel now, i've had a look but all the ones I have seen are quite pricey :eek:

I haven't done much research yet, but I believe (please correct me if I'm wrong) that we can get a train from the airport to Amsterdam? So perhaps a hotel near there would be ideal, though I have no idea how big Amsterdam actually is and we want to be close to shops/restaurants/bars.

So, tbh, I have no idea at all about Amstedam, it just sounded like it would be a nice place for us to go for a weekend, now I'm getting a bit worried because all we wanted was a cheap city break, and everywhere looks so expensive.

Any tips on hotels, what there is to do etc etc would be appreciated.

We're a 19 year old couple btw. :rolleyes:

sockospice

Yes, you can get the train from the airport to the centre, it takes about 10-15 minutes and the trains are frequent. Costs about 3-4euro I think.
http://www.hotels.nl/ is quite good for reasonably priced hotels.

RichTeaBiscuit

Myself and other half stayed here in November,
http://www.hotelbrouwer.nl/hoteleng.html walking distance from the Train station and there's plenty of bars, cafes and eating nearby.

foreign_correspondent

the youth hostel next to vondelpark is good value, and you can get private rooms as well as dorms. Vondelpark is a beautiful big park with ponds, cafes and cycle paths.

The youth hostel is in an old school, the food is good and reasonable and you can meet people from all over the world at the bar!

Its a good way of saving some dosh so you have more sending money whilst you are there! Its also very convenient for the city centre.

We have been a few times and really enjoyed it (we also lived in rotterdam for a year!). heres a link: http://www.stayokay.com/index.php?pageID=3207&hostelID=356022

lexilex

Thanks everyone

Had a look at the hostel, 91 euros a night for a single room, think I might be able to get a hotel for that price, was a good idea though.

Was the hotel brouwer clean?? 95 euros a night sounds great but I'm a bit OCD with cleanliness so couldn't stay anywhere dirty :rotfl:

GlennTheBaker

Amsterdam is very easy to get around on foot and the trams are cheap and reliable if you get a bit tired!

A very beautiful city with plenty to see and do.

RichTeaBiscuit

Brouwer was spot on, my missus is a bleach freak and couldn't fault the cleanliness. If you book ask for the Escher room on the top floor... Two things though - their breakfast is a bit crap and there's no TV in the rooms, a young couple in Amsterdam should have no need for a TV

GlennTheBaker

Both times I've been to Amsterdam, I bid on Priceline through the 'Name Your Own Price' part of their website. The first time I got the 4* Renaissance (near to Centraal Station) and the second time the 4* Marriott (near Vondelpark and the museums). Both times my winning bid was about £55 per night.

For more info, see blindman's guide HERE, Better Bidding, Bidding For Travel or PM me.

lexilex

RichTeaBiscuit wrote: »

Brouwer was spot on, my missus is a bleach freak and couldn't fault the cleanliness. If you book ask for the Escher room on the top floor... Two things though - their breakfast is a bit crap and there's no TV in the rooms, a young couple in Amsterdam should have no need for a TV

No TV won't be a problem

Have just emailed to see if there are any rooms available for those dates. Did you have to pay the full lot straight away? I don't really want to do that because we may have to cut the trip down to just one night depending on next years Uni timetable.

RichTeaBiscuit

Nope the Brouwer's pay on arrival. Have you had a look at the place on Tripadvisor, there's a few travellers photo's
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g188590-d277657-Reviews-Hotel_Brouwer-Amsterdam_Noord_Holland.html

Have fun :beer:

jamescredmond

Begod!!! 91 euro's for a hostel priv. room?
you don't go until oct. so there's loads of time to research.
the hostel rate is way too pricey, espec. as you're going out of season.

you're only 19 but you ask savvy questions.respect.

take glen's advice and look at priceline. or consider somewhere like eindhoven(30 mins away), which is a good base ( and cheaper). you can see amsterdam/club/get mullered and still have time to get the train back.

all the eurozone has got v.expensive 'cos of the £ slide.

I've stayed in amsterdam a few times but in hotels that might be unsuitable for you ( pricey, I mean and a bit middle-aged, like me).

but 91 euro's for a hostel!!??

no.
sorry I can't be of more help.other mse'rs should hook up to this and post.

a pleasant trip.

p.s if you're half interested in art then check out the van gogh museum in the Peoples' park. well worth a dabble. you might be eligible for concessions.