The Toren Amsterdam

The Toren was recommended by others on another site and the comments are spot on. It is a boutique hotel that is really like an intimate private hotel. The decor on our floor was deep red and black.

We arrived a bit tired from 3+ hours on the Thalys from Paris and had a little bit of a hard time locating the hotel after getting off the tram. As it turned out the hotel was just a block and a half from the tram stop! When we arrived inside the hotel the reception was so welcoming that we were felt even happier that we left behind our Paris hotel (the awful Grand Hotel de l'Univers) for the night.

Our standard double room (#116) was small, however, there was ample room to move around the bed. There is also a sofa on the side by the windows. The bed was very comfortable and the bathroom, while it was extra small (tub/shower combination took up half the bathroom) and there was no shelf space except for the glasses to hold toothbrushes it was very comfortable. However, one has to be careful as the granite floor gets slippery and dangerous when wet.

I highly recommend this hotel.

Unique Quality: The staff: Extremely welcoming and helpful

Breakfast and dining room: Buffet breakfast is ample with lots of breads, pastries, fresh fruit, cereal, egg, ham, sausage, herring, etc. Dining room is old-style cosy being that the hotel was formerly a private dwelling. There is a very nice antique mirror and fireplace that makes the dining room cosier.

Location: Hotel is located on posh Keizergracht Canal which is in a quiet part of Amsterdam so one is assured of tranquility yet it's just 15 minutes walk to the busier part of the city. The Anne Frank House is a block away as is the Westerkirk.

Postcards: There is a rack of postcards displayed at the reception desk. They are free. Just ask for one.

Rate: If you're lucky like we were you can get a really low discounted rate (more than 50% less). Our standard room normally goes for 350 euro.

Directions: After getting off the tram at the 3rd stop (Westerkirk) from Centraal Station turn and walk one block back then turn left on Keizergracht.

This hotel was a bit of a splurge for me, but I sure did like it! Our room overlooked the Kaizersgracht Canal and was very nicely furnished, and decent size. Very comfy indeed, with bathrobes and slippers, bath salts, and a mini-bar, to mention a few items. There's a great dark-wood bar across from the lobby, too.

The Toren's in an excellent location, very central yet quiet, on the canal. The people working here seemed eager to please, too.

In the mornings there's a buffet breakfast, but it's extra, not included in the price of the room.

Directions: near the corner of Kaizersgracht and Lelie Gracht, in the Western canal ring area near the Jordaan

We stayed at Hotel Toren off of Keizergratct (sp). Around the corner from the Anne Frank house. Great place, friendly &helpful staff, pleasant bar downstairs. A little pricey for 3 bachelors running around, but it was worth it...

Unique Quality: Right along the canal, very nice part of town. The architecture is beautiful ...