Looking for a hotel for 2 nights before we fly to Venice for a cruise. One hotel was recommended, Radisson Blu. Anyone have any other suggestions? Any help is greatly appreciated.

We stayed at the Renaissance Amsterdam Hotel for 3 nights after a river cruise. The location is great because you can walk to most areas of interest. For those areas that are too far to walk, it is an easy taxi ride away.

The address and phone number: Kattengat 1 � Amsterdam, 1012 SZ Netherlands
Phone: Toll-free:31-800-0220122 for reservations

We didn't think we'd like Amsterdam, but ended up loving it.

Sue

I would concur with swg. Over the last 4 years I have been in an out of Amsterdam a lot. You just cannot beat the location. Within walking distance to everything. And best of all a short walk to Centraal Train Station even wheeling bags. About a 1/4 mile. If you are flying into AMS catch the train to Centraal. Save your money for Food!


You are on the fringe of the Red Light district, but it is very quiet neighborhood - Close to the Jordaan. Really hard to beat for location, quality, and using as a base.

I was even lucky enough to get stuck there for an extra 5 days a few years back with the Icelandic Volcano.

Below are a couple of my favorite restaurants - both are very good, good wine selection, and a short walk from the hotel. WALKING AT NIGHT IS SAFE - WATCH OUT FOR BIKES! They have the right away.

Make sure your are not walking in the bike lane if there is one. The marking is kind of subtle, but if you see lots of bikes and no one walking in a certain area of the side walk don't walk there. Red light district has no impact on the where you will be staying. You can walk through it safely to get to other areas including some historical areas.

One of the things you should do is take a glass top boat tour because you see Amsterdam from the canals. You are within an easy walk to the docks to do that. We had a private tour on the first day of our river cruise. We did it on our own when we got back. Not as good, but not awful either. As I remember the tour is taped in French, German, Italian and English.

We would agree that Amsterdam is very safe for walking at night.

Also, language in Amsterdam is a none issue since the Dutch require children to start English in kindergarten and take it through their school years.

We would have loved "getting stuck" in Amsterdam for a few extra days!

Sue

Unreg

Not sure when you are going, but in actuality temperature does not matter� only the choice of beverage.
Find this neighborhood bar, grab an outside table, order a Heineken and a block of cheese, and sit for an hour or two and watch the city (coffee in the winter).



That is how to enjoy and experience Amsterdam! If you are lucky enough to be there in late spring or summer there may be a symphony playing on a barge on the canal in front of you.

Amsterdam is a magical place if you can escape falling into the tourist traps. Yes, there are plenty of coffee houses with smells of herbs rolling out the door. Yes, there are partially dressed females in windows looking for employment, and yes there is a city that is full of history, culture, and that has a small town feel.

It will be your choice what you want to experience.
My favorite thing about the Netherlands are the people � and that is what makes it such a special place. Start a conversation and make a friend.

Enjoy your trip

Tom,

I concur that the people are wonderful, not only in Amsterdam, but every place we went in the Netherlands.

Sue

Yep my work took me to a town about 2 hours west of AMS right on the German border. I met friends that I will have for life. Not at work, but at local restaurants, bars, or just chatting. I have gone to their house for dinner and still exchange emails. I am not sure what it is about the Netherlands, but something just works. I hope the recent politcal drama will not impact the future.

Is the Renaissance Amsterdam Hotel close to the cruise ship docks. we will be docking in Amsterdam after a cruise and need a hotel for 2 nights.

Yes, it is within walking distance but about 4-6 blocks away depending on where your cruise line is docked. If you are on Viking, it is about 4 blocks.

If you don't want to drag luggage, the cruise line will arrange a taxi for you. That's probably best arranged at least the day before you dock at the end of the cruise.

We stayed there after our river cruise.

We love river cruises and are headed for #3 this fall.

Sue

Thanks Sue

Barbara,
I don't see a post after this last one of yours at 2:10 PM.
Where are those other 3 you saw?
irina