Trip Advisor has always been a trustworthy site. This was no exception! The Collector was chosen based on reviews here and the price range. It did not fail to impress. The location was excellent. It's a short walk (or bike ride) to the corner tram stop. The host is very friendly and helpful. As soon as we arrived, he offered us maps, suggestions, etc. and made us feel very welcomed! Breakfast is a little unorthodox, but we liked it.....make it yourself! Yes, there is a stocked fridge with all sorts of things to make, so you eat when YOU want to eat. I thought this was a nice change from the other B&B's we stayed in previously on our trip (Brussels, London). Our room had a balcony (shared) and a full bedroom/bathroom. The value of this B&B was also surprising. It's so nice to have someone explain a few things to you when you arrive and get you in and out in no time! I would definitely stay at this B&B if I'm in Amsterdam again. I'm also including a couple of pictures.

Had a 6 night stay at the Collector beginning of November, booked 2 rooms for 2 couples. Rooms very big, lovely and clean, most comfy beds I've slept in in a hotel, didn't want to get up in the morning. Bathrooms lovely and clean with fresh towels every day. Breakfast was ideal, when you wanted to have it you just helped yourself to a well stocked cupboard/fridge and if you required anything particular Karel would get in for you (we particularly liked fruit to start the day which was plentiful). Use of the kitchen anytime was very convenient, after a long day out a nice cup of tea was very welcome when we got back and a nice glass of bubbly before we left for our evening out, saved sitting on beds. Location very handy with tram/bus stop just outside taking you to the centre. Also walking distance to the museums and Leidesplein district. Karel will do anything he can to help you and recommended some nice restaurants which we tried out. Can only think of good things to say (and he didn't pay me!!!) would highly recommend a stay at his B&B - very reasonable too.

We spent nine nights at the Collector in early October, 2006. We found our host, Karel Poels, extremely helpful, generous and hospitable. He responded to our emails with specific directions to his B&B, located in the Museum district of Amsterdam, on a tram line. He greeted us and carried our bags to our room, since all of the rooms are on the second floor. The kitchen where breakfast is taken is on the second floor as well.

All three of the rooms at the Collector are bright, tastefully decorated and come with patios and luxurious modern bathrooms (with shower). Karel keeps the kitchen extremely well stocked since residents make their own breakfasts at their own convenience. He is willing to get special food you may prefer.

There is an internet connection on site, and Karel has plenty of information about attractions and events in Amsterdam. He is always ready to help you figure out a tram route or day trip connections.
The Collector is in a quiet, elegant neighborhood with small restaurants nearby and is an easy walk or tramride to museums, concerts, canal tours and shopping.

We plan to return to Amsterdam and highly recommend the Collector B&B as a comfortable, quiet, luxurious place to stay for anyone who wants to be near the museum district, the Concertgebouw and the Vondelpark in Amsterdam. It's the best B&B we've stayed in anywhere, including the USA. Go to the website and check it out for views of the rooms and further information.

Aubrey Schwartz and Susan Moran
Afton, New York, USA

My sister in law and I stayed at The Collector in early October. The Collector is in a great area, close to The Concertbouw, Rijsmuseum, and Van Gogh Museum, and within easy walking distance of great shopping. The host, Karel, is very helpful, and provides much information about Amsterdam. There is also access to a computer and internet, which we appreciated, being far from home, so it was easy to keep in contact with family.

The room with balcony was lovely, very spacious, with a good bathroom, and an amazing, eclectic collection of clocks. Karel thoughtfully provided books and magazines in a bookcase in the room. He has a well-stocked kitchen including a drip coffee machine, and fresh fruit, cheese, eggs, cold meats, and other goodies for breakfast.

I also walked to many interesting parts of Amsterdam without getting trams. However, the tram stop is right outside, and it is very easy to get to, for example, Centraal Station. Karel also arranged a taxi at a good rate for my sister in law to get to Schiphol Airport.

All in all, an excellent B&B experience. I wouldn't go anywhere else if I went back to Amsterdam.