Swissôtel Amsterdam

During my September 2013 stay at the Swiss­ôtel Amsterdam (Damrak 96, 1012 LP, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; phone +31 20 522 3000, fax +31 20 522 3223), just off Dam Square, I found its location convenient for walking to the Centraal Station, the Jordaan area and the Hermitage area. In back was a small alleyway to the pedestrian-only shopping area behind the hotel. For most, however, reaching the three major museums in town would likely require a tram trip.

The Swissôtel had a small but comfortably furnished lobby plus a bar and a large breakfast room. The staff was professional, always friendly, helpful and efficient.

The rooms varied in size, but all were quite soundproof, unless you had a view overlooking the main street off the square, which contained many shops, cafés, traffic and tram lines leading to the station. My room faced a courtyard; even with a large window that opened, it was rather dark. I slept well. 

The bathroom in my room was perfect, with a heated towel bar, a granite floor and countertop, a magnifying mirror and a long tub with a swinging half door for the shower.

All the hotels in the area double their normal rates when any city events or conferences are scheduled. It may be €179 (near $246) on one day and €209, €309 or €409 on another! Call ahead to ask. 

Would I stay there again? Yes, definitely.

By the way, after my husband’s daily 5 p.m. phone call, I was always in my room for the rest of the night. He used a Kroger Card* to call from the US to Amsterdam. For $30 he got over 700 minutes. Even after talking for 30 to 45 minutes for 10 nights, he still had half left!

MARILYN HILL

Portland, OR

*Kroger calling cards can be purchased only at a Kroger supermarket or Kroger-affiliated store. To find the one nearest you, visit www.kroger.com.