I check out of the Hotel Pulitzer and into the Amstel. And now I could breathe! A beautiful and clean hotel. The location is average. It is a taxi ride, a metro ride, or a 20 minute walk to anything nearby. But the rooms are spacious and large. The service from the staff was well above average. The concierge was helpful and knowledgeable and the front desk staff was one of the best I have every encountered.

The only negative was the first night I ordered room service it took over 1 hour to arrive. However, the people were apologetic and explained they had a big party they were servicing that night. The breakfast is a bit weak also.

Overall, this must be one of the best in Amsterdam. For the same price as the Hotel Pulitzer, the values do not compare!

Simply the best! Whenever I have to spend time in Amsterdam, I stay at this fabulous hotel. Granted, it is not cheap but you get your money's worth, be it for the friendliness of the staff, the beauty of the dining rooms right next to the river or the sumptuous bedrooms. The only small complaint concerns the choice of programs on the TV - I find it very poor, especially for businessmen (neither CNBC nor Bloomberg). But this is a minor matter compared to all that is right at this hotel - one of my favourites in the whole world.

Visitors often have an advantage over the local residents, for they get to try some of the best hotels in any given area; locals tend not to stay in local hotels for obvious reasons; we live here.

But last weekend my partner and I decided to stay at Amsterdam’s Grande Dame Hotel – the Amstel Hotel – in which we have eaten and drunk many times over the years, for it is close to our Amsterdam apartment.
Staying as a guest was just amazing; very sumptuous, great service – almost regal but never stuffy! Luggage was whisked straight from our car to the room – and we had a beautiful view of the River Amstel below – while we supped champagne cocktails in the bar.

Check in was very civilized and the receptionist accompanied us to our room, and explained the usual workings.

The room was excellent; good strong Wi-Fi, the most sumptuous towels ever seen; wonderful rain shower we did not want to get out of; impressive lighting and a wonderful view. Also very quiet.

We ate in the hotel’s 1 Michelin star Restaurant La Rive, and it was delightful; the sommelier is excellent in our view and not only knows his wines, but he enthuses over them. His recommendations were spot on! The food was delicious, and it was good to see that the fish course came in small and large portions, so you could easily have a fish course (which we did!); only the soufflé disappointed a little as it was more mousse than soufflé we thought.
Breakfast is choice of a buffet or full English – though after dinner the previous night, we were hard pushed to eat very much. Complimentary newspapers were also available.

Check-out was a very civilized 12.00 noon; plenty time to chill and pack to leave.

The Amstel Hotel is well situated; trams are close by and the taxis arrive promptly, and the hotel just oozes ambiance and luxury. This was unlikely to be our last visit to our local favourite hotel!!

Having just spend a 4 day break at this hotel I can thoroughly recommend it. As an Intercontinental Ambassador I was upgraded to a beautifull corner suite overlooking the river. The rooms was spacious and luxurious and the bathroom a delight to my wife. As mentioned previously the 'rain' showers in the rooms are great. I had no problems with any of the staff and found them all to be helpful and courteous. I will definately be returning to this hotel at the earliest oppertunity.