Ambassade Hotel

My son and grandmother shared a room at the Ambassade, where we were greeted by a very friendly and professional staff, and whisked through winding halls to our canal view room. It was exquisitely decorated in my favorite, blue toile, with windows from floor to ceiling along the length of the room overlooking the canal. It was large and comfortable, and the bathroom was impeccably clean. On a late and cold evening in December, after having spent an entire day walking and tramming the streets of Amsterdam, seeing museums, stores, we enjoyed hot pots of tea, tea biscuits, and putting our feet up in our room...it was quiet, other than the ducks, geese and swans on the canal - which we found rather amusing.... Though you can order breakfast to your room, we decided to just enjoy the breakfast room - and breakfast tided us over until evenings... everyone is all smiles and good cheer, making for a great start to mornings in Amsterdam. The computer room is a plus, as I did not feel like schlepping my laptop.... So, I definitely will stay here again - and recommend it for anyone who wants to be off the noisy center and enjoy a more "local" atmosphere and elegant "boutique" hotel.....

During my past two trips to Amsterdam, I stayed at the same place--the Ambassade Hotel on Herengracht. Sure it's a bit pricey (particulary for U.S. visitors, with the strength of the Euro against the USD...) But, if I go back, I will definitely stay at the Ambassade again.

Its location is perfect, along one of the prettiest canals in the city. It's only a short two block walk to the main street of Leidestraat, and not too far from the Jordaan neighborhood, Anne Frank's House, etc.

The rooms are smallish, but comfortable and one feels as if you are in your own apartment. The staff is extremely friendly. There is a computer room where guests can access the Internet for free. The breakfast room (breakfast costs about $14 EUR) is quite grand and food good.

Check out their website for specials (some include breakfast, museum tickets, dinners at a local restaurant, etc.) Best bargains are during the winter season.

Unique Quality: The Ambassade is housed within about 10 canal homes (built in the 17th century) side by side, giving each room its own unique character. Two doors down (turn right after stepping out onto Herengracht) is Koan Float, where you can book a massage and/or "float" and have it charged to your room at the Ambassade. There is also a great cafe that makes delicious soups and sandwiches next to Koan Float, which I would highly recommend for a fresh lunch.

Directions: Herengracht - close to Jordaan, the Center, and Leidesplein. Two blocks from Leidestraat where you can catch several tram lines. Also close by (on Leidestraat) is a grocery store.

I had a single room in the center house. A complex but enjoyable traverse was involved in getting there. Cross past the first three houses. Climb up, walk across, now climb down again, etc. The final access to the door was up a semi-circular stairway so steep and narrow that it was easier to hoist myself up, than climb.

Unique Quality: Exquisite Heirloom Room, from the XV Century, I think.

Apple Pie a la mode at nine PM on a night in January when the sun sets at four. Priceless.

Directions: On Herrengracht, the 'Gentlemans Canal.'

This Hotel is made up of about 10 canal houses and has 50+ rooms. Very classy place with outstanding service. They have an elevator as well as a free internet kiosk for guests. Throughout the hotel it is furnished with classy well kept aniques for furniture that adds that extra class and Amsterdam experience. It is located right on the Herengracht Canal

Unique Quality: Elevator, 24 hour room service, breakfast for Eu14, internet kiosk for guests, laundry service, located in the middle of Amsterdam so it is very easy to walk to everything. Stay in room 70 and you will have a street access room on the ground floor facing the canal... extremely nice. They aslo have a full service spa and day trip coordination