I stayed in Zandbergen Hotel in the mid of February 2007.

Booking: I searched the internet for a reasonable deal. Some hotels I used to stay became too expensive like Golden Tulip or the experience was terrible like Eden Best Western. I found good reviews about Zandbergen Hotel and I called them by phone. I realized later that if for me was a comfortable time to call in Amsterdam was 7AM. Nevertheless, a feminine voice answered promptly. I explained what I wanted, a single room, quiet, higher floor, no smoking, no pets. And, that I would rather not put my credit card on their Internet site. To my surprise, the front desk kindly agreed. The next day, I called again and sent all the information by fax. They promptly confirmed my reservation by e-mail. So far, so good.

The airport arrival: I went directly to the Tourist Information Center in Amsterdam Airport. I asked for a shuttle bus return ticket for Zandbergen Hotel. The lady at the desk had no clue where the hotel was. I told her to call (I had the phone no.) and she answered that a local call is too expensive. (Stunning answer !). Finally, she looked on the Internet and found the exact address. Travel by minibus OK.

Hotel arrival: on the right hand side of the door is an interphone. You have to call the front desk in order to open the door. (for this reason, is good to inform them in advance your estimated arrival time). In the lobby, surveillance cameras. Very good security.
At the entrance hall and near the front desk plenty of leaflets with Amsterdam attractions. (I stayed in Hilton Amsterdam a few days ago and they did not have such a collection).

Front desk: at the front desk a fair hair lady was working: the Owner. Very polite she confirmed the reservation and checked the credit card. My room was on the third floor and in no time to my embarrassment she took my hand luggage and carried it to the room. My "hand luggage", I think, was weighing more than 12 kilos !
In the reception room is a computer with Internet access. The keyboard is clean. But no antivirus or anti-spyware programs present. A bit unsafe. I told the owner about that, the answer was not convincing.

The steps to my room: were steep and rather narrow especially with my 25 kg. suitcase. Some reviewers complained about that and I can confirm. If you are in a wheelchair or pregnant in the last month is not for you. But, if you ask help probably they woud provide.

The room: I had a room facing backyard that is an immense garden between the buildings. The room was very quiet. Size: On the smaller side. Some paint peeling, but very discrete. A very large bed (double - at reception I was told that I was upgraded). Very good ! Closet rather old. The carpet very clean, I could walk bare foot. What a relief…The window very large looked directly into the bathroom's door. Beware young couples ! In the closet a blanket that did not smell of dump (very nice surprise) and I used during the chilly night. The lighting above the desk strange and ugly. The TV set (rather old) somewhere at over 2 meters on the wall ! Above the bed and practically under your pillow, the light switches and an electric socket (200 V). Dangerous and bizarre position. Do not go in bed with wet hair, metal clips or allow kids with metallic toys. Some electric short may happen earlier than in 1000000 years. The room has a dial-up connection that is obsolete and it seems that has a wireless also. I did not check the wireless though.

The bathroom: rather large given the room's size. With a huge mirror. In the bathtub a rubber carpet to protect against losing your footing. Very good for elderly. No mold even on the shower curtain. Very clean everywhere. The bathroom's amenities kit correct and very nice arranged.

I got an electronic key for the door and that should be also be used for the street door. I had the laptop with me with a lot of data but I left it in my room. I felt I was in a very safe environment. ( keep the key with you at all times).

Dinner: the owner explained a bit about the area and I went out. At the right at the first street corner I found a Brasserie that served a nice chicken salad and a good beer for a good price and friendly service. The Italian restaurant that I found in the neighborhood was empty and did not appeal to me. Searching for a dinner place I could see the area bit. It seems that is not mixed, only a single minority is living there (I won't mention which, in order not to offend anyone). The area has a lot of character even is rather far from the center), with lots of small shops. I have to say that I felt safe even after sun set. Returning, I passed the hotel and stopped at the other corner (left of the hotel). There is a lively bar there with a lot of conversations going on. On the front street, a tram that takes you directly to the Central Station.

Breakfast: correct and good. The breakfast room is practically connected with the reception room. On the wall real pictures and drawings by local artists. One drawing inappropriate by my taste, shows a chair thrown through the kitchen's window. Criticism is rather difficult in this hotel: do not forget that the owners live also in this house !
On the tables, real flowers. I was touched. What wasn't functional: the coffee machine. Something huge, like an industrial one with lots of push buttons. You had to call the receptionist to operate it ! Cut all the appetite. A small hot plate with easy operation could have more charm and use. Also no decaffeinated available.

I met the Owner (the male). I explained my opinion concerning the switches and the socket under the pillow. His is not very patient in listening clients' opinions as one reviewer pointed out and also his explanation was poor, about expensive investment etc. That talk was a kind of disappointing for me.

Telephones: I had to make some international calls using the hotel's phone. The program that is charging the calls is rather slow and I was about to leave the hotel without paying some of my calls. Very embarrassing. Make your calls at least a few hours before leaving.

The hotel has 2 penthouse apartments that can be a choice for longer stays and also a kind of 2 bedroom family apartments on the first floor. What is special about the latter is their access to the back garden from which the kids can not venture into the street. Interesting option, but I could not see any of them because they were taken.

To summarize: is a very good family hotel, very secure and quiet. Room and bathroom very clean, breakfast good, service very good. At least strange, and also with potential danger the socket and the switch into the room. For this reason is a 4 star- (4*-) hotel.