Paid 290 dollars (including taxes) for a club level room expected something more than a dumpy Howard Johnsons. The location is within 5 minutes walk from the Centraal rail station, which is its best feature. The rooms are really worn; we changed rooms 3 times and finally realized that there are no "club" rooms. The only added value, that you pay for, is internet access (available cheaply down the street at a cyber cafe),''unlimited' mini bar (2 beers, 2 sodas, 2 waters, etc - refilled once a day) and breakfast.

I have just traveled and stayed in Salzburg, Vienna, & Prague at the Sheraton, Intercontenental, Radisson SAS & Marriott respectively: the Crowne Plaza in Amsterdam was the most expensive AND the worst hotel by far. I don't mind a small room, but the bedding, mattress and towels & amenities at the other hotels were of the highest quality. In addition the Crowne Plaza had only one functioning elevator. We were upgraded, but sadly the room while larger, was just the same mediocre quality as all the other rooms. The staff tried their best, but given the physical state of the hotel, there's not much they can do. When I return to Amsterdam, I will definitely NOT return to the Crowne Plaza.

First of all let me explain the rating of Terrible: This is soly caused by the fact that they make sweet white wine by adding sirup to dry white wine, and yes I saw them do it. In my opinion this is unacceptable in any level of hotel therefore the rating.

Now for the rest of my review.
I stayed for 4 nights in the Crowne Plaze because of a conference in the same hotel. I therefore got an acceptable rate of 185 euros per night. The prices in the room state 400 euro's which would be unacceptable. As stated by other reviewers the hotel has an 80's look and feel and desperately needs some refurbishment. The bed was worn and had a hole in the middle but housekeeping itself was good. As a priority club member I got some free perks as late checkout and daily newspaper which was nice. The breakfast buffet was good although the breakfast room was hardly sufficient for the amount of guests. Staff at the front desk was nice and helpfull, bartenders and waiters were, as ussual in the Netherlands, not very friendly nor capable (see wine above). Being in a conference and having my company pay, me and other guests required seperate bills which was always a problem since the bartender didn't want to do that. Watching soccer was his priority. All and all it was ok while being in the conference but I would never stay there privately, much better and cheaper hotels in the direct neighbourhood (I'm Dutch, I know)

My wife and I spent (1) night at the Crowne Plaza City Centre while on a 2 week European trip.

The biggest positive of this hotel is the proximity to Centraal Station and Amsterdam's main attractions (i.e. Dam Square, shopping, Red Light District, Anne Frank House). Everything is within walking distance. From the train station, exit to the southwest (right hand side of the station if you're facing the city), and walk up N.Z. Voorburgwal. Roughly 2 blocks - very easy.

Unfortunately, when you get to the Hotel, you will soon discover what so many other reviewers have already: this place is worth about half of what it charges. My wife and I paid 249 euros (plus another 5% tax not included in this rate) for a room that was about the equivalent of an older Best Western or Holiday Inn in the US. Although well maintained by housekeeping, the decor was clearly from the 1980s and is in bad need of an upgrade. For 249 euros, I expect a certain wow factor and this place just doesn't deliver.

In summary, if this place went for 159-179 euros per night, I'd highly recommend it. The hotel is fine in many respects: helpful front desk, in room iron/ironing board, wash clothes, & nice indoor pool. Nice touches that are important to me as a traveler. However - just not worth 249 euros per night.

A couple of final thoughts on Amsterdam... tickets for the trolley/tram system can be purchased at the Hotel front desk. They aren't available at any of the stops other than those at Centraal Station. This thing isn't nearly as user friendly as the public transport in Paris/London/Munich/etc. and having these strips will make your life much easier. Secondly, the hotel offers self-service laundry in the basement. Cost is 5 euros per machine and includes soap for the washer. There's also a laundromat just up the street from the hotel (towards Dam Square) if you are looking for something a little more economical and don't mind walking a bit.

Stayed June 10-13th in a club room which was well worth the extra cost - breakfast included, free minibar, free beer, wine, soft drinks and nibbles in the air conditioned 'club lounge' on the rooftop which also has a pleasant terace with reasonable views. Location is excellently central, staff were helpful, hotel was clean and tidy. Our room was inward facing on the fifth floor and was very quiet. Very happy with our stay there.