Best thing about the hotel is the location - very close to the train station (and therefore very convenient for the airport) and a short walk to most sites in central Amsterdam.

Hotel itself is very average:
- small but comfortable rooms with plain decor
- service was acceptable but not special
- bar/restaurant service was below average (asking for a drink in the bar/lounge area seemed to be a great inconvenience to the staff)

Overall, a good option if you want to be near the train station and can get it at a good price but just don't expect anything special.

I stayed at this hotel for 5 days and 4 nights in late January 2012. The hotel is conveniently located about 5 minutes walk from the Central Station. If you are travelling from the Airport (Schiphol), this will be an easy 25-30 minutes train ride without having to stop and change to a different train line. Once you are in the central station, there is a machine (right next to the ATM by the entrance/ exit door) where you can get a printable local map. The Crowne Plaza is listed as one of the hotels nearby the station; and you can get a printable map on how to get the hotel from that machine.

There are plenty of restaurants and souvenir shops within walking distance. The closest tram stop is literally right in front of the hotel (one minute walk, and yes I timed it!). The front desk staffs were very friendly and helpful. The concierge also sells the 24/48/72/96 hours tram cards along with the Rijksmuseum tickets. It was super convenient because they can just charge them to your room; and for the museum ticket, this means that you can skip the ticket queue. I think they also sell both Van Gogh and Anne Frank museum tickets (for the same prices if you were to you buy them at the museums). When I was there, they did not have the tickets in stock for these two locations.

One thing to mention is that this hotel is located in a very touristy and commercialized area. The plus is rather obvious: central location and close to all major public transportations. The downside is that for folks who are more into local and non-touristy places, this hotel is probably not for you. You may want to venture by the museum district or outside of Amsterdam altogether (Haarlem). I personally love the hotel’s location. Traveling solo with 2 rolling bags, I could appreciate the short walk from the central station; and the short proximity to eating places and local transportation.

Overall, this is a solid Crowne Plaza hotel with good location and service.

Stayed at Crowne Plaza City Centre Amsterdam for two nights starting 27 January 2012. The hotel is ideally located only a few minutes walk from Centraal Station (where the train arrives direct from Schiphol airport), and a short walk from Dam square. Everything is within easy reach, and during the whole weekend I only needed to use the tram once!

Upon arrival the staff were delightful. We arrived at about 11am and our room was ready already, despite check-in time not being til' afternoon. The receptionist welcomed us, thanked me for my loyalty to the Priority Club programme and offered us detailed information on Amsterdam itself.

Our room was located on the 4th floor, room 416, which is easily accessible by lift. The room itself was spacious and immaculate, with a large comfy bed and all the facilities you'd wish for. The bathroom has a powerful shower/bath and although not the largest I've seen, it fits the bill perfectly.

All the staff at the hotel are exceptional, and always greet you before you have the chance to greet them. It's the little touches they add, such as the great customer service, pillow sprays to help you sleep and biscuits with the tea/coffee facilities that make this hotel stand out from the competition!

While in Amsterdam check out the Bols Cocktail & Genever Experience near the Rijksmuseum, De Bijenkorf and Heineken Experience. There's always Anne Frank Huis and the Red Light District to add to your travel journal too!

Next to Central Station, good tram and bus conections and close walking distance to key touristics areas.
Cool Lobby, good reception and and good comfort
Did not appreciate the advise of the conceirge regarding restaurants. Modest breakfast buffet . Small workout place, and Sauna was not working. Good internet office and connection. Shower system to complicated (to me) and you can get yourself burned by hot water if not carefull