City Amsterdam Hotel

“ The holiday was a longweekend for two lads (mid 20's) over Valentines weekend, so bars, restaurants and all the tourist things were very important to us. Upon arriving in Schiphol (Amsterdam airport) we jumped on a train straight to Amsterdam central (single cost £3.50 each). The trains ran every 5-15 mins and were very effecient, clean and simple to use. We stopped at Amsterdam Central and found the hotel straight away and was only a 5-10 min walk.
At first i was very dubious about the hotel due to the cost (it being relatively cheap compared to others in the area) but it was very clean, tidy and welcoming. The staff were helpful and polite. The rooms are small and basic. We shared a twin standard that contained a small portable tv with many channels inc CNN, Discovery and some US comedy channel (Scrubs, Fraiser etc). There is a mini bar in the room with prices which you have to get the key from reception. There was a basic wardrobe with hangers and a table with a phone. The bathroom is very small containing a shower (no bath). The room was very warm with the radiators being on most of the time. The only bad thing about the room was that our room overlooked a small dingy courtyard out back that was littered with bottles and ciggerette butts but then we didnt spend much time in the room. Unfortunatley there was no kettle in the room for you oldies!!
We only made it to breakfast once on the monday morning which was again simple but filling. (1 boiled egg, 3 slices of bread, 2 slices of cheese and 1 slice of ham, orange juice and tea or coffee). Downstairs in the lobby there was a tv and a stand with many tourist information cards.

“ Top Tip: As you turn left out of the hotel there is a small pub that is fairly cheap (£4 a pint!!) and comfortable just 1 min walk away. Most places were charging £4.50 - £6 a pint of beer.
The best place to get shopping we found was the 'To go' supermarkets (one in the train station and one in the main high street opp the train station).
The best restaurant we found was a steakhouse not far from the hotel (3-4 min walk back to the train station). They had a deal for tomato soup, 8oz rump, chips and salad for £12.50. You wont find many other places that do maincourses for less than that. (we paid £9 for burger and fries in a fast food place). Sandwiches are around £4-6 each in the cafes.
We didnt go for the 'wacky backy' so cant comment on that although there are lots of bars that dont allow it. I heard a 'spliff' would cost £6!!! pre rolled.
The anne frank house/ museum is about 10-15 min walk from the hotel and well worth a visit at £8 each.
There is a good sex museum in the main high street opposite the train station £3 entry which shows sex/ porn through the ages... very interesting!! :-)
We visited a sex show (The Pink Elephant) at £45 (all night plus 4 free drinks). It is not as 'seedy' as one would think as it is more of a 'show'. Worth a look!
We couldn't find a nightclub so to speak although some pubs/bars/ sex shows were advertising them as erotic nightclubs these were not like English nightclubs. Most bars are open til 1-4 am.
The Red Light District is 5 min walk away and is certainly an eye opener!!

Hope this helps, have fun!!