My best friend and I celebrated our 50th birthdays with a vacation in Amsterdam. We spent 5 nights at The Collector, and couldn't have been happier. I had done a lot of research on available B&B's (and hotels), and decided to try The Collector due to all the positive reviews; they were spot on! We had the smaller of the 3 rooms because we needed twin beds, but we had no complaints - our room was large, clean and well-appointed, with very comfortable beds and a nice balcony; the bathroom was good sized with a nice shower. Karel was extremely attentive and yet unobtrusive, willing to help in any way he could. The do-it-yourself breakfast arrangement is the best idea ever. No waiting around for a specific time to eat, which can be difficult if you are trying to adjust from a different time zone. Karel's kitchen is completely equipped, and you can also put anything extra you want in the refrigerator with your name on it. Karel will also buy whatever you like for breakfast. My friend and I even ate in a couple of times just because we were so very tired in the evenings after walking so much every day. Having a kitchen made that possible, and it was a great place for me to hang out and read in the evenings as I tend to stay up later and my friend likes to go to sleep early. Yes, the floors do squeek a little and the one flight of stairs is a bit steep, but this IS a restored house in Amsterdam, and that just made it more charming. Nothing woke us up at night - not even Karel coming up the stairs with fresh eggs early in the mornings.

Every day there were fresh towels in our room, along with fresh flowers in the rooms and kitchen. Karel even offered to do some washing for us before we left. He was just super, and we couldn't have asked for a better place to stay. Also, the location felt very safe and was nice and quiet at night. It is in a super convenient location as Tram line 16 stops right outside the door, and the stop for the Connexxion shuttle bus to Keukenhof is just 2 blocks up towards the Concertgebouw. Everything in Amsterdam is within an easy walk if you are so inclined. There is also an Albert Heijn grocery store a couple of blocks away if you want to shop for goodies, with a lot of take out and cook-in foods available. With plenty of nice restaurants in the area, and the option to fix your own meals, it really was perfect.

We'd planned on spending our last 2 evenings with my family in another town, however, circumstances beyond our control forced us to change our plans at the last minute. Unfortunately Karel was totally booked so we had to find another place to stay. We ended up at another B&B, had to pay more, and were really not at all happy there. We missed the convenience and wonderful atmosphere of The Collector! When either my friend or I are back in Amsterdam, we will without hesitation stay at The Collector again. Thanks Karel for being a wonderful host and wonderful person!

Pat from Texas