Maes is an excellent choice for travelers interested in an authentic "Dutch" vacation. The proprietors (Ken and Vlad) have really invested a great deal of themselves into the B&B with outstanding results. Guests are warmly welcomed and given personalized attention to assure that their vacation/holiday meets their individualized needs and desires.

Geographically Maes is located in/near the Jordaan area and is about a ten minute walk south-west of Amsterdam’s Central Train Station. There are numerous boutique type shops and restaurants lining the same street. The Tram (a major source of transportation after the bicycle) is conveniently located about one city block down the road. The Anne Franke House and the Outdoor Market are all within a quick five minute stroll down the road. This section of Amsterdam is quite stunning and has a sort of “European Greenwich Village” type feeling. It is an ideal location for establishing a “home-base” before you go out wandering to discover the city.

The B&B’s physical structure is a very-well maintained series of older Dutch houses that have been renovated to meet the needs of guests. The ground floor apartment was beautifully decorated with a mix of functional furniture pieces (i.e. sleeper couch) and attractive antiques. Tucked away in the drawers were numerous “aids” such as power converters, travel guides/maps and a host of small items that help make travel a tad bit easier. Hanging on the wall in the kitchen was a large map of the city of Amsterdam which greatly facilitates navigation around the area. The beds were quite comfortable with extra pillows and comforters available in the armoire. A fresh supply of towels and linens were available at all times, with a change of linen every couple of days. The floors (mentioned in an earlier review) of the main rooms were apparently the original wooden floorings (1600’s?) to the house and truly add character and authenticity to the historic age of the structure. They were nicely polished and in amazing condition considering the age. The bathroom is conveniently separated to offer a lavatory (toilet and sink) in one room and a shower room (with sink) in a different location. As a traditional historic European building (where taxation was based upon the width of a home) the buildings tend to run narrow in width but much longer in length.

Upon arrival guests are greeted and provided with a private set of keys to the building. The Hosts (Vlad or Ken) readily avail themselves for any questions and offer key advice and guidance about where to eat, shop, tour, etc. Breakfast is served between 9:00 am and 11:00 am which allows ample time for a late morning awakening. The spiral staircase leading up to the kitchen is quite narrow and albeit is customary for older European homes, it might be challenging for those that have physical limitations. The meal is traditionally European with pressed coffee, croissants, breads, cold-cuts, jams, fresh fruit and a tempting bakery assortment. It is usually during this period that either Ken or Vlad will meet with the guests and offer truly expert suggestions/ideas/guidance on planning your daily activities that only a knowledgeable native could offer. Like speaking to an old friend, they will gently suggest certain activities and offer concrete information about “how to” travel in the city. Of course, this level of personalized attention helps the guest to gain a genuine feeling and insight into the city.

If you are fortunate, during the course of your stay you will also really “get to know” the Hosts and their amazing backgrounds. Ken is an American Chef who came to Amsterdam via San Francisco and Vlad is a professional dancer who was born and raised in Russia. Together they have built a very warm and comforting environment for visitors. Clearly, this is a project of passion and they both seem genuinely interested in their guests. By the end of your stay you will feel as though you have not only experienced a truly “Dutch” lifestyle but you will have made some friends in Amsterdam as well.