We stayed at the Jolly Carlton Hotel which was just near the floating flower market. The hotel was 4* but would probably rate it 3* in England but clean, comfortable and tidy with friendly staff. The city is very clean and pleasant to walk around. The transport system is the best trams, bikes and canal buses being very popular to travel on. We walked most places though but did by a canal bus ticket which was fairly expensive but worth it as we spent nearly a full day just going up and down the different canals as they offer a different perspective on the city and you can take it on at your own pace rather than getting caught up in the pace of other tourists.

The city has become extremely commercialised. The squares are much like Spain, in respect of the bars, like Irish bars etc. Not at all like Paris where they have not embraced the tourist but expected the tourist to embrace their city, which I personally preferred.

The Red Light District is not at all what you would expect. Unless you go down the smaller side streets then perhaps this is where it all happens but as I was with my partner we did not do this we just stuck to the main streets where tourists were walking even with younger children in some groups so that shows how tame it actually is for some.

There is a lot of pick pocketing signs so be careful with your money. Even though we were not a victim of this crime I can imagine it is quite common as at the busy markets there are a lot of people just pushing past you.

Money - The exchange rate is ok for the UK and exchanging your £ to Euros in the UK is great too and free, but in Amsterdam the commission was around 8% which is 1% too much for me so we just drew money from the cash points I would suggest you do the same if your bank offers you this service for free like ours as it is rare for shops, bars etc to credit cards be it Visa or MasterCard etc, they like their cash only system it would seem.

Also beware of early flights as check in times for hotels are 2pm like most but flights to Amsterdam tend to be early morning arrivals for connections.

I would definitely recommend you visit Amsterdam as it is a nice place.

Stayed at this hotel in Jan 2005. After waiting in reception for over an hour for our room to be ready - the only disappointing thing about this experience - we were ushered to the most georgeous room, with massive bathroom, study desk and huge king bed. And because of the wait they offered us free breakfast the following morning!! The hotel is lovely, clean and airy, and so were the rooms. There was no view, but that doesn't really bother us. Would stay here again in a second if given the chance. The breakfast was delightful, hot bacon, eggs, croissants, toasts, cereals etc etc etc.

Finding a hotel for a group of six friends was a bit stresslful as none of us had been to Amsterdam before.

Jolly Hotel Carlton was a very centrally located. Right near the flower market we were able to walk to the Leidslpien, Dam Square, Red Light District and any other sights we vistited. Trams are right out in front of the hotel but our group of New Yorkers are used to walking and had no problems getting where we needed to go by foot.

The hotel was pricey at $190 a night for a double room but recommended if this price fits your budget- the rooms were nice, bathrooms were a bit small but fine and the concierge was helpful with all of our questions. It wasn't the most luxiurious hotel in Amsterdam but for the price I felt it was worth it.

We only opted to pay for the 12 Euro breakfast on our last day - you can get a better meal at any cafe around with a better atmosphere.

My wife and I stayed three nights in this hotel in March. We were very satisfied:
- Great Location: just next to the flower market, 5 minute walk to Dam Square. A tram station is about a block away.
- Great room: good size and decoration.
- Service: Very friendly staff.
- Good value: We payed close to 100 Euro and we feel it was worth it.