Hampshire Inn--Prinsengracht
The Hampshire Inn--Prinsengracht is a smaller three-star hotel offering friendly service and a picturesque location along the Prinsengracht canal in the heart of Amsterdam. Many of the city's attractions, such as the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Rembrandtplein, and Flower Market are within walking distance. All 33 rooms have either a canal view or a view of the tranquil manicured garden. Indeed, the garden is a perfect place to enjoy breakfast in the morning sun or a drink after a day of sightseeing.
If you're traveling alone, the small but clean and efficient single room is a fine value with its single bed, stuffed chair, armoire and work area.
The double room with a queen bed and the twin room are larger, but if you're looking for even more space, reserve the deluxe room with a king bed and couch/seating area. For families, a separate garden house is available that features two bedrooms and one bathroom.
The hotel offers packages such as a midweek special, a romance special that includes a bottle of champagne and an in-room champagne breakfast, and an Amsterdam special that includes breakfast and a tour along the canals.
Hampshire Inn--Prinsengracht
Prinsengracht 1015
1017 KN Amsterdam, The Netherlands
011 (+31) 0 20 6237779
Hotel-Brasserie-Bodega Die Port van Cleve
The four-star Hotel-Brasserie-Bodega Die Port van Cleve is next to the Royal Palace and the Dam Square. This traditional Dutch historic building houses 121 rooms, each tastefully decorated, and features such standard amenities as Internet connection, telephone, TV with in-house movies and 24-hour room service.
Larger executive rooms and suites are available if you're looking for more space or need to accommodate guests. For the honeymooners, the hotel has two bridal suites with Jacuzzis. For pure luxury, reserve the beautiful and spacious Presidential suite.
Two on-site restaurants are there to serve you when hunger strikes. Bar-Bodega De Blauwe Parade, decorated with an original Delft Blue Tile fresco, serves up the usual drinks plus jenever, a Dutch gin, and has liquor tasting and light meals.
The Brasserie De Poort menu offers traditional Dutch cuisine as well as international dishes. Since the hotel's opening on Sept. 5, 1870, each steak served has been counted. Order a steak, and receive an official numbered certificate.
The hotel has smoking and non-smoking rooms, meeting rooms for business or receptions, and packages and group rates.
Hotel-Brasserie-Bodega Die Port van Cleve
Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 176 -- 180
NL 1012 SJ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
011 (+31) 0 20 7189013
http://www.dieportvancleve.com/
Grand Amsterdam Sofitel Demeure Hotel
The Grand Amsterdam Sofitel Demeure Hotel satisfies wishes for a luxurious stay in Amsterdam. The large, historic building is bordered by two canals and is a few minutes from Dam Square, the center of Amsterdam. The site might be filled with history dating back to 1578, but the amenities are contemporary, offering such comforts as a spa with heated swimming pool, sauna, Turkish bath, high-speed Internet, air-conditioning, and modern bathrooms with walk-in rain showers.
Each room has either a canal or garden view. The inner garden provides a perfect spot for lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, or a relaxing drink. Besides the comfortable and spacious classic, superior and luxury rooms, the hotel also offers a choice of suites. The Junior suite includes a 484-square-foot room with lounge area. The Prestige suite, almost 600 square feet, has a separate bedroom and living room. And the Opera suite's 807 square feet include a bedroom, living room, and kitchen.
Bridges, the on-site restaurant, serves French dishes with a focus on fresh Dutch organic produce. The Bridges Raw Bar features fresh seafood such as oysters, seafood platters, and caviar. At the Bridges cocktail bar, you can enjoy a drink or a wine flight specially paired with the bar's oysters, lobster sandwiches, and other small plates.
A major renovation of the spa, swimming pool, and fitness area is scheduled for completion in spring 2010.
The Grand Amsterdam Sofitel Demeure Hotel
Oudezijdsvoorburgwal 197
1012 EX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
(800) 763-4835
sofitel.com/gb/hotel-2783-sofitel-amsterdam-the-grand/index.shtml
