We returned to Amsterdam for a Birthday celebration, this time crossing over the New Year. Being quite late booking, I was unable to find a reasonable priced central hotel, that could guarantee a 'proper' bed for my daughter who was accompanying us.

Having experience of the Holiday Inn group, I was pleased that their hotel was a good price, but concerned about the apparent distance from the centre. Not a problem as it turned out as it is Idealy located near a transport 'hub' with Metro, tram and bus all available a short walk away. 15 Min journey and you are in Central station. Less if you visit the museum quarter!

Reception were friendly and efficient. The room was pleasant and had 2 large beds, so my daughter slept well! Bathroom was clean and a reasonable size.

Despite being a Platinum Card holder I wasn't offered an upgrade, but the room was quite sufficient for our needs, even as we were staying a full week. The safe was spacious, the TV had english language channels. We didn't sample the Minibar, but it was well stocked.

Food was fine. A generous breakfast each morning. We didn't eat at the hotel as the restaurant was closed (I presume for the new year?) but bar food was available. The bar itself was also nice, friendly staff and not (too) expensive.

New year itself was.. well.. Different? Thanks are owed to the reception and bar staff who all warned us that the public transport stopped at 8pm, so to be sure we were where we wanted to be. Thanks to the warning we were well placed to catch a free, if somewhat 'europop cheesy' concert with a fantastic firework display in the field behind the Van Gogh museum. Then things got interesting! The Dutch dont seem to understand the concept that fireworks go UP, not ALONG. Everyone, and I do mean everyone is throwing fireworks about. It was honestly like being in a war zone. As we had our daughter on tow, we weren't aiming for a late night, so hunted down a taxi, and had the most 'exciting' taxi run home I've ever had. Burning debris on the road, swerving round exploding fireworks. Surreal!

Big advantage of the Holiday Inn was it was far enough out to be quiet though, as the fireworks continued for hours! We however were quickly fast asleep. I'm sure no one in a central hotel could say the same!

We had been unable to buy a transport pass that crossed the new year (for some reason they all expire on the 31st) but again the hotel came to out rescue as the Porter can sell transport passes at very competative prices.

Our week was over again too fast. We saved on expensive Left luggage costs at Central Station as the Porter kindly stored our bags without cost, and were able to catch a train to Schipol direct from the adjoining Rail Station.

There have been a few comments about the 'expensive' internet costs, and certainly if buying a package to use in your room they may have been, but as a reward card holder I was offered free WiFi in the lobby and bar, which was more than sufficient for my needs.

First off, this is definitely not a 4* hotel - and barely a 3* - so this review is based on the prices charged during the peak summer season for this place. If you can get it for under $100 on priceline, then maybe its OK - but don't compare this to the other 4* hotels priceline offers in the city. The tram ride is 15-20 minutes to the center and after a day or two, its not very convenient. Its fun to experience the outer neighborhoods of Amsterdam - but to a point. There are absolutely no restaurants or nice areas to hang out or walk in the near vicinity, so you are rather trapped here. The furniture, bedding, bathrooms are all dated. The temperature control in the rooms is poor - you may have to call to have them open up the sealed windows for you. The internet charges are RIDICULOUS. No wifi except in lobby and you even pay for that! The desk staff was overwhelmed the whole time I was there, with lines forming each day. They were nice enough, but it got tiring. There are no specific amenities to speak of - the little restaurant was always packed - because you don't have anywhere else to get food - and the food is edible, but for what you pay, not good.
So, at a low enough price, its not an awful choice - but it doesn't have much to recommend it.

Being a gold Priority Club member, I receive regularly promotional emails. In one of them, the link was redirecting to the booking engine for an Exclusive Prepaid rate. For approx 85 EUR including breakfast, the deal was unsurpassed! We got there easily since hotel is just off the highway, in the direction we were coming from. Check -in was speedy, efficient and smiley thanks to Keelem, who despite being a trainee, his professional attitude was exceptional. A big thank you from my side and hopefully more tangible benefits from his boss. I was recognised as a gold member and was offered an upgrade to the 12th floor club room, free welcome drinks and free internet. Parking is 25EUR per stay ... so despite parking sign for 24hrs a certain degree of flexibility is allowed for late check-outs or next day late evening return to pick up your car.Free paking on the weekends on the side road. Hotel is perfectly situated in the same building block, literally 50 meters away from the tram 4 start station. It will take you in the town-center in approx 20 mins. The daily travel card acquired by tram driver is only 7EUR. Sleep quality typically great as in every Holiday Inn, with king size bed excellent mattress and choises of pillows. Breakfast was simply great. Huge selection, oranges for a freshly made juice, hot dishes, great cappuccino etc etc. All in all, a gold treatment for an excellent and inexpensive stay which added to our overall fantastic city break.

Good location not far from centre. Tramstops are everywhere and one close to hotel. Rooms adequate and a good size,comfortable and pleasant. Food at breakfast was good. Depends on individual tastes,but filled me up until mid afternoon.Not much going on in the area...but at least you can sleep. AND its easy to get downtown to where its all going on.