Just a week before our trip to the Netherlands, we discovered that we had one more night in our vacation than we had thought and suddenly needed to find a room in Amsterdam for the weekend just before the Queen's Birthday holiday (April 30). It was very difficult to find one but I did so at the Sofitel. It was much more expensive than I would have otherwise chosen but the Sofitel turned out to be a very pleasant hotel. Our room was small but clean and nicely decorated. It looked out onto a tiny alley and so had no view but was very quiet. The only negative comment I have (besides the high price) is that the bathroom fixtures looked old to me. They should be modernized. You can see in one of the photos posted that the sink is cracked and stained.
The breakfast was expensive (€ 22) but was delicious with lots of wonderful options. Before eating breakfast, we went out onto the street to try to find a less expensive restaurant but didn't find anything since it isn't a very touristy location. However, for dinner we did find a delicious Moraccan restaurant (Marrikech) just down the street at Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 134 that I can recommend.
The hotel is in a very convenient location, in walking distance to the train station and right on a tram line leading to the museums. But, though convenient, it isn't in a particularly nice location.
Given a choice, I probably wouldn't stay here again because of the expense.

Stayed at the Sofitel Amsterdam for two nights in March 08.
The hotel is very well located about five minutes walk from the train station and close to Dam Square.

There are some good cafes and restaurants close by and some very good "Coffee shops".

Trams stop outside the hotel and go direct to the Van gough museum and other sights.

The hotel is very clean and has friendly staff and a cosy bar that’s not too pricey. can't comment on breakfast other than its 22 Euros each, but there is a good place opposite the hotel that will get you a nice breakfast for half the cost of the hotel.

The rooms are fine, nothing special, but the beds are so comfortable, one of the most comfy beds I’ve ever slept in!!!!

All in all, a great hotel, and I would definitely stay here again when back in Amsterdam.

Enjoy!!!

I recently returned from my first trip to Europe and I stayed 3 nights at the Sofitel Amsterdam to begin my trip.

Room: was very clean, modern and well-appointed. Bed was unbelievable comfortable. Yes, my single room was small by American Standards but more than good for a single traveler. My only complaint is the shower got warm, but not hot. Stayed on the 3rd floor and had no problems with street noise.

Staff: front desk staff were very friendly, attentive and spoke English very well. Housekeeping came early AM, but respected the Do Not Disturb sign.

Location: Sofitel is walking distance from Centraal Station, Dam Square, the Red Light District, and many shops and restaurants. It is a short Tram, Bus, or Canal Boat ride to the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House, and much more. I had an excellent meal at the Cafe Habsburg just a few blocks west.

Breakfast: was sooo good! Great selection: eggs, meat, cereal, pastry, fruit, waffles, pancakes, all very fresh and the service was excellent. Disclaimer: breakkfast was included in my room rate.

Overall I highly recommend this hotel without hesitation and would definitely stay here again.

I have just left the Sofitel Amsterdam and, although being an experienced traveler, I can assure that it was one of my worst hotel experiences ever.
I booked my stay for 4 nights through RAI, a Dutch travel agency that was organizing the congress I was attending.
The Sofitel simply didn't honor the rate that was in my voucher, charging me more. When I showed them my voucher, they simply said that I would have to complain with the travel agency that gave me the wrong rate. Absurd!!
The room was extremely small, noisy and dirty. Besides that, a horrible decor (just tak a look at the candid photos) and crampy service. All that for 200 euros + tax a night w/o breakfast.
What else can I say? They charge only 22 euros per day for internet connection.
Take my advice: if you are going to Amsterdam, skip the Sofitel.