Hotels in Amsterdam

elpgal

Sorry to be bugging you all again, but it looks like Spain is a no go so we are considering a week in Amsterdam and Brussels. A few questions:

- We planned on booking acommodations through AirBnB because it is more convenient with kids but some travel sites seem to suggest that the they are not reliable/legit in Amsterdam? Is this true? Are we better off in a hotel?

- What is the best time to catch the tulips in the next month or two?

- We have the option of flying out of Brussels. Should we plan a day or two here or just stick with Amsterdam and a trip to Antwerp. Our trip is 7-8 days tops.

7 years ago

Off Topic

11 replies

Latest reply was from approprio

RobinF

Veteran

We are going there for a week in September. I booked a house through VRBO, have had some conversation with the owner and it all seems legit (I hope so anyway - there are 5 of us and it would be really hard to have to get a hotel last minute). I did notice some properties on AirBNB that looked questionable but I think they are supposed to be good at verifying them. I would think if they have some reviews and history you should be OK. I will be watching for advice from the pros here!

7 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

In my experience, AirBnB is very reliable in Amsterdam. Tulips are out this month. Go to "Kuikenhof". Need to make that a day trip.

I MUCH prefer Amsterdam and Antwerp to Brussels.

May I suggest NOT staying in the heart of the party area in Amsterdam. Move further out. Don't eat at the touristy places either.

7 years ago

elpgal

Veteran

Thank you both. I was concerned because some reviews on Tripadvisor mentioned that the govt. is cracking down on down AirBnB rentals.

I hear you on avoiding the party areas; quaint residential areas are more our scene. A lot of us are vegetarians so I was glad to read that there is a thriving vegetarian restaurant scene. Ticket prices seem to be slightly lower if we fly out of Brussels, so we'll probably head there by way of Antwerp.

7 years ago

Runcarla

Veteran

You must post a debrief of your trip when you are back! I'm in Rotterdam September 11-17 and DH and I plan to make Amsterdam our base the 18-22.

I want to fly KLM. They have a direct flight Toronto to Amsterdam with good rates.

I'm with a sports team and the team hotel in Rotterdam is the SS Rotterdam! It is a former Holland America Line Ship and now a floating hotel done in 1950's style!

We aren't sorted for Amsterdam yet.

7 years ago

elpgal

Veteran

Definitely, Carla. We'll head there for just a few days in the next two months (miles expiring!).

7 years ago

bella

(website)

Veteran

I agree with Angie that Amsterdam and Antwerp are preferable to Brussels. However, if you need to fly out of Brussels, a day or two in Brussels is not a complete loss either.
How old are your kids? Mini Europe and Atomium are fun trips for kids, especially if the Atomium has an on-going exhibit on comic books, or the like.
http://www.minieurope.com/en/

Also, one can easily spend a day around the Grand Place, visiting the historical sites and eating mussels - yum!

7 years ago

elpgal

Veteran

Bella, thanks for the suggestions. We'll be traveling with family and kids range from 5-10.

7 years ago

Inge

(website)

Moderator

I selfishly vote Antwerp too:-) But like Bella said, Brussels definitely wouldn't be a waste of time either.

Do let me know if you'd like suggestions for what to do in Antwerp and/or would like to meet up, even if it's just for a quick coffee or so.

7 years ago

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

Maybe you should go to Morocco. Warmer weather and avoiding any issues with Christian holidays closing/ crowds.

7 years ago

bella

(website)

Veteran

Oh, yes in that case Mini Europe should definitely be fun!

7 years ago

approprio

(website)

Veteran

Amsterdam's problem with AirBnB is exactly the same as many other popular tourist destinations. The city centre is under enormous pressure and the municipality is trying to limit the number of properties being bought/developed specifically for tourism rather than residences, hence questions of legality. If reliability from the traveller's perspective is not an issue, it's definitely impacting the quality of life in the neighbourhood.

Ranting aside, you'll most likely get a perfectly acceptable rental from AirBnB, but I agree with Angie about location. Avoid Leidesplein or the Red Light district and look for something in the Jordaan or Oud Zuid.

Here's a nice map:
http://www.iamsterdam.com/en/v.....urhood-map

7 years ago

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