http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/32660 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/32660 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/30094 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/30094 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23159
Downsides? Some people might find the canalside rooms a little noisy - if so, then ask for a garden room. And the stairs are very steep and narrow, but this is a traditional Amsterdam house and that's the way they work. I can't comment on the breakfast as I was leaving too early in the morning, but if the plate of fruit, bread and local cheese that was left in my room was any guide, I'm guessing it would be better than acceptable.

Getting here from the airport - unless you're laden down with luggage, don't waste money on a taxi. Fast train is 20 minutes and a few euros, the walk from Dam Square to the hotel is interesting and takes between 10 and 15 minutes. Note that although the hotel is on the edge of the red light area, you need never know it, and the Niewmarket square which it sits on is great for a couple of beers and a spot of peoplewatching. Plenty of cafes and restaurants around too.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23159 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23114
Rated 9.1 at www.hotels.com, and excellent also in www.tripadvisor.com and www.holidaycheck.de At last a modern well organized place in Amsterdam.

Excellent east/west style cuisine, nice bar. What else you want? We had free internet, executive floor, Nespresso machine in the room, sprinkler system, the best breakfast, bathrobes, slippers, fruits, covered parking, a canal boat in front, Tram transport next to the hotel - and just 20 minutes from the airport and five minutes from central station.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23114 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19168 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19168 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15963
Knowing that we would be having early nights in our hotel room, we upgraded to a room "with a view", using money saved from not using evening entertainment or so many museum admissions.

Our room overlooked on of the ubiquitous squares and we spent evenings eating a rather nice room service menu people watching.

It may not sound exciting,but we loved it and kept sane at the same timeR with no worries regarding baby sitting services.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15963 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15950 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15950 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14244 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14244 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14221 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14221 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14205
The solution? Hotel Amstelzicht. Picture large, open windows with an uninterrupted view over the Amstel canal and coffee shops, bars, restaurants and attractions at your fingertips.

The only catch is that, being built in 1659, the stairs are very steep. But as one of the guys who works there says, it’s traditional and his grandmother of 89 has done it this way since …well, forever.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14205 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14160 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14160 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14118
Breakfast is served in your room, so make sure you are suitably robed in the morning.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14118 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14104 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14104 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14069
I was there for an exhibition at the Rai Conference Centre and after four days of exhibiting my feet were aching - though not too badly, as I have a pair of 'exhibition' shoes that I have used for years. On my return to England I found I had left my shoes behind and emailed the hotel to see if they had found them.

I got a fantastic reply back with a parcel containing my shoes and a note saying 'Confortable shoes are so hard to find and we are happy to return them to you. Please enjoy many more years use and come back to us if you are ever in Amsterdam again'. With such warmth and courtesy, I surely will.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14069 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14064 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14064 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14045 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14045 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14031
Central Station, the main shopping district, museums and theatres are all within walking distance. Hidden behind an elegant 17th-century facade is a stylish and charming four-star hotel with 71 recently renovated rooms. The excellent facilities include a beautifully decorated lounge, library and bar, all offering a warm and intimate ambience. The elevator reaches all five floors. Hotel Estheréa has been a family owned hotel for more than 60 years.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14031 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13986 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13986 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13964 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13964 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13961
The hotel is near the Van Gogh Musuem - handy if you arrive on a Friday evening, as it is open until 10pm and there are no queues, so you can explore and then enjoy the rest of the weekend.

Buy a strip of tram tickets when you arrive at Central station - you'll save money and hassle, and can hop on and off trams as you wish.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13961