Are you a traveler looking for the best hotels in Amsterdam? The city is well known for its vibrant culture, history, and tourist attractions. That means many people come to Amsterdam for various reasons. If you are one of them, you need to find the best hotels in town for your vacation to become complete.
Also, remember that the city is small – unlike the alpha cities and metros like San Diego, London, or Paris. That means you have limited options when finding the best hotels. You must look closely and ensure you have the best for your money.
Here are five tips on how to find the best hotels in Amsterdam.
1. Be Wary of the City Center
It is common in Europe to lodge as close to the CBD as possible. That gives visitors marvelous treats from high-end restaurants, shopping malls, and other attractions. However, Amsterdam is different. The city center hosts government offices and business headquarters, not tourist attractions. That means you will not get much value for your money if you book hotels in the CBD.
Also, muggers, pickpockets, and drug peddlers are common in CBDs. That means you can easily be a victim of a crime if you stay close to the center. To avoid such incidents, look for the best hotels in Amsterdam elsewhere in the city – preferably near tourist attractions like museums or galleries. You would also not like the nearby Red Light District. It is an epicenter of stag parties, crime, and other social vices.
2. Research Extensively
Every ambition begins with understanding what you need and the options available. Therefore, you must research extensively before booking the best hotels in Amsterdam. Read through reviews from current and past guests. Ask friends and customers with first-hand experience on various travel fora and Facebook groups.
Additionally, visit the hotel’s website for more details about amenities and facilities. Also, compare prices from different hotels to ensure you get the best offers. You may also use booking sites like TripAdvisor and Expedia. That allows you to access more reviews and feedback from travelers who have previously stayed in the hotel.
In research, you may want to dig up everything about the hotel. That includes the neighborhood, type of rooms, number of guests allowed per room, location, and other vital details. That gives you a better understanding of the hotel and its facilities.
3. Consider the Available Transportation
Transport in Amsterdam is relatively efficient. You have different options like trains, trams, metro, and buses that move people from one point to another. That makes it easier for you to move from the hotel to attractions in the city. Also, you want to get to the offices within minutes when traveling for business meetings. Look at the available transport links before you book any hotel.
Some hotels may be far away from transport facilities, making it tougher to move around town. Consider the distance of the hotel from bus and train stations, the airport, the harbor, and other areas with public access. For instance, you will pay more for a taxi to catch your flight when you book a hotel far from the airport.
4. Prepare to Climb Stairs
Many hotels in Amsterdam stand on buildings with steep staircases. That means you may have to climb several flights of stairs before or after a tiring day in the city. Therefore, you must find a hotel with minimal stairs. You can request ground-level rooms if climbing stairs is an issue for you – especially if you have mobility challenges.
Alternatively, you can look for hotels with elevators or lifts. However, a few hotels offer such amenities because of the ancient design. That means you must research extensively to know the available options in Amsterdam. It would even force you to look outside the city – in less-crowded towns out of town. Also, prepare to pay more for hotels with elevators.
5. Book Early
After understanding that Amsterdam is small, you will know it can get packed quickly. That means hotels sell quickly, and you should book early. You must be one step ahead to secure the best deals in town. But how can you do that?
Booking sites offer discounts for people who book early. Besides, the prices are relatively higher when booking at the last minute. You may also want to try signing up for hotel loyalty programs. That gives you access to exclusive discounts and promotions. Also, read the cancellation policy before booking a hotel in Amsterdam. That way, you know what to expect moving into the premises.
Summing Up
Amsterdam is one of the top tourist destinations in Europe. However, it is not as big as most European cities and other metropolitan areas. That means it can get packed pretty quickly during peak periods. You must research extensively before booking the best hotels in Amsterdam. Consider the amenities, location, transport links, and other essential details to ensure a comfortable stay. Book early to get the best deals in town, and read the policies to ensure you have the best deals.
