The ordinary rooms are small by American standards but OK for a night or two. My wife and I spent an extra 50 Euros per day for an upgrade to a very large suite with a fantastic view because we were there for six nights in March, 2005. Our bumpout windows on the 5th floor overlooked the Flower Market and Canal, the 400-year-old Mint Tower and a Piccadilly Circus-like convergence of several busy streets and tram lines. Buffet breakfast was very good and staff helpful. Within 100 yards of McDonald's, many eat-in/takeout food places and wide range of shops. Less than a mile to nearly all major museums and other attractions. But beware the sauce-free, tasteless, Italian pizzas.

I've just got back from the Dam. This is now the 5th hotel that I have stayed (as I have been nine times before). I was not expecting much, and was left feeling neither disappointed nor impressed. It certainly isn’t the Carlton! Don’t go because it has a 4* rating (or you will be disappointed).

Stay if you can get a cheap rate, if I had paid the rack rate I would have been really annoyed. Room was very clean but a bit too noisy (and I was on a higher floor). There was nothing wrong, as I had left it too the last minute this was the best deal that I could get, and it was a good deal.

Fantastic location, staff really kind and helpful and for a mere 50euro per night we were upgraded to beautiful deluxe room with breathtaking view from the balcony(see photo enclosed), huge marble bathroom with bathrobes the complete works!!!! A memorable weekend due to hotel, will definately come back!!!

The very best thing about the Jolly Carlton is the location - it is central to pretty much everything with excellent restaraunts (we'd recommend the Tujuh Market for lovely Indonesian food and d'Vijff Vlieghen for an atmospheric location with exceptional cooking) very close by and all the major sights an easy walk away.

The hotel is clean, staff friendly (we had no problems to raise and found the staff - particualrly the two doormen- very polite and helpful), and the breakfast buffet was good though the the cafe bar is expensive and there are much nicer bars and cafes within five minutes walk.

The room decor is a bit dated but was in good repair and the room was spacious. Ask for a room higher up and on the canal side for lovely views...