I am planning a two week holiday during the end of April 08 in Amsterdam (AMS) and Berlin (BER): Here are my questions:
I am considering staying at the Hotel Crown (at 450 Euros total for a four night stay) in AMS: for the money is worth the stay? Your suggestions on a hotel are welcome? My max hotel budget is $105 per night: both in AMS and BER. My hotel prerequisites are (1) reasonably quite – no excessively thin walls, no loud hotel bar/lounge/disco; and (2) located in the older parts of the city – not next to airports or train stations.
Travel from AMS to BER: While I understand that flying might be cheaper, I would rather travel this route via train. Any suggestions regarding train travel from AMS and BER and return (e.g., what train to take, various routes, possible side excursions, rail pass)?
Berlin: same hotel budget, prerequisites, and city locale, as stated above. Hotel recommendations…?
What I would like to do while in AMS is chill, eat local cuisine, cycle, and hang-out with ESL locals: related recommendations? I would also like to take in an AJAX match. Any recommendations on pre-securing AJAX tickets while in the US (e.g., via English.ajax.nl)? While I am in AMS, AJAX will be playing Heracles in the last match prior to the KNVB Cup – if that matters.
What I would like to do while in BER is the same as AMS, minus cycling and plus visiting historical sites. Regarding taking in a German league football match, it appears there are no matches during my stay from 22/4 thru 25/4. If anyone suspects different (including matches in other German cities), please point me to the appropriate URL.
I have since changed my travel plans, due in part to the exact nature of your question. I’m now going to base my stay in Holland in Haarlem, which is a 15-minute train ride from Amsterdam. Accommodations in Haarlem seem better priced – and of greater value – than in the AMS. I’ve booked a room at the Amadeus Hotel (80e/pn) overlooking the Grote Markt in Haarlem. The overall reviews of the Amadeus are excellent, mostly because of its’ fantastic location. And the owner, Inez, is very kind and informative in her communications with me.
If you definitely want to hotel within Amsterdam, many folks on this forum can possibly help provide a good place to stay. You might, however, want to clarify your budget/night for accommodations. On this particular forum, Marianne was very helpful to me. If you start a new thread, you will likely get a response from her.
Some addresses that may be useful when planning your Amsterdam trip:
Amsterdam is not a really cheap place to stay. You can try Stayokay Hostels. there are three in Amsterdam one night in a dorm is €29. http://www.stayokay.com/
An affordable hotel is Etap. It is not in Amsterdam itself but at the Schiphol Airport. There is a free shuttle bus to Amsterdam centre. room price €60 per night.
Hotel Lataerne, Leidsegracht 11, single €50 and doubles at €65
Premium account Joined: Dec 07 Points: 284 Posts: 27
Posted: 2008-01-12 13:28:00
Hi, not much on offer in the way of hotels around the airport, but the area around Central Station is the main tourist area really and there are no end of hotel options. The most important issue with regards hotels in Amsterdam is to have a booking before you get there. Amsterdam fills up (Literally) at the weekends. I know one budget hotel that lets some of the many stranded backpackers sleep in the lobby for 15euro!
Hope you will find all the necessary info about hotels in Berlin here http://www.travelgermanynow.com/ Read more about the most convenient routes and places to visit.
