The Amistad guys were awfully nice at the check-in, and amicably asked for the whole payment in advance and in cash.

For the next three days we begged them to fix the TV which wasn't working and to do something about the hot water in the shower. For three days we were answered with polite excuses such as "let's talk about it in the morning", "the guy who fixes things is out of the neighborhood" and "there are supposed to be hot water".

Imagine our surprise when they refused to discuss refunds at the checkout, and gave us ever-polite and awfully nice hints that they are starting to lose their patience.

Amsterdam is great, by the way.

The Amistad Hotel staff was extremely friendly and courteous. The hotel itself is in a great location right off of Leidsestraat and was clean, nicely decorated, and had all of the amenities - even an internet cafe. Great value for the money.

Would definitely patronize the Amistad again.

Room was clean and adequate, though small. In-room fridge is a real plus. Bathrooms down hall are separated into WC and shower, to minimize delays. Not too many rooms share, so waiting is not a problem. The owners and other desk staff are first-rate, friendly, very helpful. One carried my heavy bag up the flights of tricky stairs. And the night guy even accompanied me with bags all the way to the tram stop when I left early in the morning (and refused a tip). . . The big problem with this hotel is also its biggest plus--its location. In the midst of gay bars and saunas, and half-a-block from a major thoroughfare with clanging trams, it is the NOISIEST place I have stayed anywhere. With the help of my iPod's music or plain earplugs, I slept OK, but with windows open all night there can be quite a din, and at any and all hours. . . Also, they run an internet cafe out of the DR from 1 p.m. to midnight, which makes it impossible to use the only community space as a relaxed place to hang out with fellow guests. At a gay guesthouse in Barcelona, the DR table was a major gathering place at any hour of the day or night, whenever there were two or three guys who happened to be around, and it was a great opportunity to meet people from all over. . . I would shut it down and tell the guests that this is their space, to use and to share. So many people travel now with their own computers, it would be a great place to set up and pass the time not being spent touring, toking, and tubbing.

We stayed - one couple and 2 singles, with Amistad for the weekend 10th - 13th May. The weather was terrible and it rained soon after we arrived. The great thing was that we hardly noticed. the warmth of the reception at the hotel and the friendliness of the staff made our arrival most memorable. When we went down one block to 62 where we had 3 apartment rooms, again we were pleased. OK, so the loft room is small - but well designed, clean and great fun. The main room with the ensuite was superb for the two of us and above, the other double had access to a roof terrace which was great in the patches of sun we got from time to time.

The staff checked how we were during our stay 9we didnt make it to breakfast) and recommended a few bars - geenerally we were made to feel welcome and that nothing was too much trouble. The pricing is reasonable, and for what we got I thought was excellent value overall. Well done Amistad