“SPL11”
Good:
-front desk staff and mgr on duty very friendly and helpful; allowed early check-in
-comfortable room for two (but very cramped with additional roll-away)
-shuttle driver from hotel to airport (and back)VERY friendly; gave helpful info and hints on what-to-do
Not-so-good:
-automatic wake-up call system not working
-called operator and asked for 0630 wake-up call ... and was called at 0735 (thankfully had set phone alarm for 0625)
-different shuttle driver next morning TOTALLY opposite - bad attitude, complained about loading 'heavy' bags, drove recklessly, dropped us off at wrong airline check-in counter ('18' instead of '3'), not helpful with unloading bags AND had the audacity to ask for a tip! ("What?! No tip? That's not right!")
Overall: bit disappointing for a Hilton....
Area recommendations
Downtown Amsterdam safe during tourist season, if you go during the day and when shops are open. (Be alert and watch for pickpockets!) The shopping areas are 'pedestrian only' and busy, but crowds seem to vanish as soon as shops close which make the streets a bit eerie, but give you good opportunities to take pictures. Stay away from the red light district, especially after sundown - not safe.
When to go
Spring or summer is the busiest and most expensive, but also more interesting (see people from all over the world - literally). The weather was fine when we went (June) - mostly sunny and occasional rain showers, temps mid 60's to mid 70's. Wear layered clothing.
Getting around
Almost everything is within walking distance; a map from your hotel or the tourist info ('VVV') can help you plan your walks. Wear comfortable shoes! If you get tired, you can take public transportation (bus or tram) or a 'hop-on, hop-off' bus or canal boat.
Must see
For shopping: the center of town -- Dam, Damrak, Kalverstraat and surrounding area. Other musts: the Ryksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and "Iamsterdam" 'sculpture'(?) (both behind Ryks), Museumplein and Vondelpark; flower market at the Singel.
Dining
Around Leidseplein and Rembrandtsplein and all streets in-between are hundreds of restaurants of all kinds (Chinese, Italian, Argintinian, Turkish, Moroccan, etc.). Prices are rather high for American standards - we spent about 30.00 Euros (about US$ 45.00) on 2 pizzas, 1 spaghetti and 3 soft drinks; there are no refills on soft drinks and some may charge even for a glass of water (no ice).
