Hitlon Amsterdam is a nice hotel and staff did seem genuinely very friendly. Most staff smiled at us and were happy to help when we wanted to know the direction to town.

We had a room overlooking the canal and could see the city centre afar. The room is clean and comfortable but I wouldn't say it oozed characters. Beds were very comfortable and the bathroom was clean and nice free toileteries refilled everyday(Crabtree & Evelyn available also to buy - at ridiculously high prices). The room is big for European city hotel standard, probably due to the location.

It's true that it's quite far from the heart of things and certainly not a lot around the hotel - especially at night. No problem though, taxi (aplenty in the centre at night) was only about 15 euros so not too bad if you intend to stay out late. Did walk into town one day via the Musemsplein. There is a grill like restaurant (next to a hotel?) by the slopey museum building and they have some of the best club sandwiches ever!

Enjoyed the slow relaxing walk so didn't keep the time. Most of the time we took the bus. The bus stop is a few mins walk. Just turn left coming out of the hotel and turn left again crossing the canal nearby. Turn yet another left on to the main road and continue for few mins and you will see the stop - bus 16 (quite frequent. The route for bus 24 is under construction so only 16 is available. The journey is about 10-15 mins as other said.

I don't think the hotel has a pool but according to the broshures in the room, it has a jucuzzi in the health centre. Didn't use it so can't tell if it's good or not. Prices of the snacks and drinks were outrages, and the room service wasn't cheap either.

Overall it's a nice 'event' hotel. Wouldn't say it's a true 5* - for american standard it's a 4*, for Far East standard it's a 3-4*ish.

For leisure it's great for relaxing (my weekend break was kinda one) as it's in a quiet area but if you do enjoy your late night out then I would find a hotel in the centre - just for the convenience. Also great for museum visting as it's only 10 mins or so away from them.

Had a terrific stay at the Hilton Amsterdam in April for two nights. Booked via priceline and received a wonderful rate --less than half their normal rack rate. So if you ever use priceline be sure to do so in Amsterdam. You won;t be disappointed. The hotel is rather modern in style which is sort of out of place and the location is a bit off the city center but the interior is beautiful and the rooms are wonderful. We were upgraded (at no extra charge) to a junior suite and it was spectacular. Very large with comfortable king bed, separate sitting area, and two walls of floor to ceiling glass windows, a whole wall of built in closets and shelving, a large modern and comfortable bathroom, plus a walk out balcony. It was simply superb! (also complimentary in room coffee and tea)
We walked about two blocks or so to catch the tram for an easy trip to the city center. You can also walk to the Van Gogh museum and the Rijksmuseum
The hotel food prices are outrageous so I recommend eating down the block at some nice places , unless you are on an expense account. A simple sandwich is at least 21 euros.
However their outside terrace area is an outstanding place to gather and sip a drink overlooking the canal and wonderful landscaping.
You can't go wrong here -- and especially if you use priceline to secure your rate. Enjoy. And watch out for the Amsterdam "coffee Houses" ! HA ha)

I booked the hotel through priceline.co.uk and managed to get the hotel for £76 per night.

The check in staff were very friendly and first impressions were good. The room was very clean and had all the facilities we expected.

Although, a little bit out of town, the trams are frequent and close by. The beautiful VondelPark is also only a short walk away.

The only real downside is the prices:
i) mini bar prices are ridiculous... £4 for a Mars Bar!
ii) Drinks on the terraced area...£10 for a G&T

I enjoyed my stay at the Hilton Amseterdam.
As a diamond VIP, they upgraded me to the executive floor, which includes access to the executive lounge, including breakfast.
The rooms are well appointed and reasonably spacious.
Room service food was good and generous portions.
The location is out of the centre but in an upmarket area and near to parks for nice walks/ jogs. I have stayed there a few times and everytime has been very pleasant.
I would recommend it for anyone on business in Amsterdam