Amsterdam (Rough Guide) - Martin Dunford [102]
Fita Jan Luykenstraat 37 020/679 0976, www.fita.nl. Tram #2 or #5 to Van Baerlestraat. Mid-sized, friendly, family-run hotel in a quiet spot between the Vondelpark and the museums. Comfortable en-suite doubles, all non-smoking, cost €135–165. Free phone calls within Europe and to America, and free use of the hotel’s wi-fi (and laptop if you need it).
Karen McCusker Zeilstraat 020/679 2753 (mornings), www.bedandbreakfastamsterdam.net. Tram #2 to Amstelveenseweg. This small B&B, run by an Englishwoman who moved to Amsterdam in 1979, comprises two cosy and clean, Laura Ashley-style (non-smoking) double rooms in her home, close to the Vondelpark. There’s also a suite available, with bathroom, kitchen and private balcony, suitable for longer stays. Ring first, because the owner isn’t always around and you’ll also need to reserve well in advance. Double with shared bathroom costs around €80, €105 with en-suite bathroom – and there’s a minimum stay of two nights during the week and three nights at weekends.
NL Hotel Nassaukade 368 020/689 0030, www.nl-hotel.com. Tram #1, #2 or #5 from CS to Leidseplein and then a 5min walk. Pick of the lot in the area, with thirteen design rooms decorated with funky wallpaper and plenty of Buddhas and tulips. Some rooms have access to a small private patio. The hospitable owners are a good source of advice for the trendy spots in the area. Rates from €125, breakfast an extra €10.
Owl Hotel Roemer Visscherstraat 1 020/618 9484, www.owl-hotel.nl. Tram #1, #2 or #5 from CS to Leidseplein. The reasonably priced doubles are relatively bland, but the location is nice and quiet, with a downstairs lounge opening onto a lovely garden, and – run by the same family for nearly forty years – the staff are a welcoming bunch. Doubles from €130.
Parkzicht Roemer Visscherstraat 33 020/618 1954, www.parkzicht.nl. Tram #1 from CS to Leidseplein. This quiet, unassuming hotel, on a pretty backstreet near the Vondelpark and museums, has been going since the 1930s and has an appealing lived-in look. It’s clean and full of character, if a bit old-fashioned; some rooms have fireplaces and each is furnished with old Dutch wood furniture. Singles, doubles and triples available, with a mixture of shared and en-suite facilities; prices are €84–96 for a double, €130 for a triple.
Patou PC Hooftstraat 63 020/676 0232, www.hotelpatou.nl. Tram #2 or #5 from CS to Van Baerlestraat. Small but stylish boutique hotel named after the well-known French couturier, located on the expensive PC Hooftstraat above the brasserie sharing the same name. Minimalist design – with an eye for detail and comfort – make this a pleasant place to stay. Rates start at €195, excluding breakfast.
Piet Hein Vossiusstraat 53 020/662 7205, www.hotelpiethein.nl. Tram #1, #2 or #5 from CS to Leidseplein. Five minutes’ walk from Leidseplein, this sleek three-star has large rooms with views over the entrance to the Vondelpark and slightly more expensive rooms in the modern annex overlooking its peaceful back garden. There’s also a comfy bar (with internet access) that’s normally open until 1am. Rates start at €165. Lift access.
Prinsen Vondelstraat 36–38 020/616 2323, www.prinsenhotel.nl. Tram #1 from CS to Leidseplein. Family-run hotel built in the nineteenth century by Dutch architect P.J.H. Cuypers (of Centraal Station fame) on the edge of the Vondelpark. It’s not especially pretty, but it is quiet and has a large, secluded back garden. En-suite doubles with all mod cons go for around €125–135, triples and quads for €150–200.
Toro Koningslaan 64 020/673 7223, www.hoteltoro.nl. Tram #2 from CS to Valeriusplein. Housed in a grand old villa overlooking the Vondelpark’s westerly reaches, this hotel is like a small country house, with a welcoming downstairs sitting room and tastefully furnished rooms from €150, some of which overlook the park. There’s also a private garden and terrace