Grand Hotel Amrath Amsterdam

Nice, but not the best choice

Very nice, but too expensive for what you get. The king size bed was comfortable, and the room was clean. The shower door was annoying because it would not stay in the right place, the tub was very hard to get into, it is meant for very tall people. The hotel staff were very friendly, the morning buffet breakfast was a huge waste of money. The location was okay, right near the red light district, but it was a good walk to get to all of the museums and attractions. The hotel is very close to central station so if you plan to take the train it is a great location. Even though it is close to the red light district, it is in a very quiet neighborhood. The free wireless internet did not always work, and when it did work it was VERY slow. Overall, it was a good experience, but for the cost, I would have rather stayed at a cheaper hotel.

November was a great time to travel, you trade the warm weather for no lines! It rained on and off, but not too much to keep us from going somewhere. Great time of year in Amsterdam!

Good Hotel - Slightly oversold

Cons: This is a very good hotel that’s billing itself as a 5-Star hotel. 4-Star would be far closer to the mark. The room we had was comfortable, though it had a terrible view and people walking the back hallway could see in, if the drapes were open. In other respects the room was comfortable. Breakfast at the hotel is steep: 25 Euro each. The Web access is extremely slow and spotty. If I were there on business, I don’t think my corporate access software would work. Pros: The staff was very friendly and helpful. The concierge desk was in particular extremely knowledgeable and helped us rent a car (decent rate) and identified various areas to visit, in the Holland Countryside. The hotel is extremely convenient to all of Amsterdam, Centraal Station (2 blocks), and all of Amsterdam is within walking distance. I would go back, but insist on a different room, if you book there you may want to investigate this at the outset.

The establishments in Amsterdam (Holland and Europe in general) pay their employees so they don’t derive most of their income from tips, you can tip 10% for exceptional service. The dollar doesn’t stack up very well against the Euro, I would suggest trying to buy food in the markets and get place settings from the hotel. Don’t pay for the trams when getting on, get a 24, 48 hour or greater tram pass, there’s an info building in front of Centraal Station, tram service ends at midnight, but buses run all night. Getting from the airport to the hotel (and back) you can consider the Connexxion van/bus service. However on the return leg (to airport) you MUST make a reservation (don’t listen to anyone that tells you different). They may not stop at your hotel, but they will pass by close enough and get there early. Also watch your wallets and possessions, always keep a hand on them, and stay alert - like in any major city in the US. Don’t take taxis, far too expensive.

Great Location to Everything

Great location to alot of activities in Amsterdam. The rooms were small, hotel is old, but comfortable. Food from room service was very good. Breakfast buffet average.