to watch it snow and the canals freeze. In Amsterdam in January for a trade show at the RAI. -10C with wind chills of -20C all week, but the hotel and staff were up to it. Great bar and reception area, decent buffet or ala cart breakfast. Rooms weren't that big but very clean, modern and functional with a safe, ironing board/iron, honor bar, LCD TV and large desk. No WiFi, just Ethernet internet access. Another important "no": NO ALARM CLOCKS in the room. Doormen were terrific getting us taxis that took credit cards. Taxi service is very good and reasonable for a business trip (11 euros to the RAI, 35 to the airport). As noted, the hotel is walking distance to a number of places, including, but not previously mentioned, the Heineken Brewery Experience (religious pilgrimage), Little Buddha Chinese restaurant and the Jazz Cafe Alto. The only caution - there is a major bike path right outside the front door. With 700,000 bicycles for 800,000 citizens, the odds of getting run over by a herd of bicycles before you cross the street are astronomically high (if you don't look both ways).

Lobby bar looks out towards the Leidseplein - great for people watching. Warm welcoming staff. Great breakfast, but expensive. Free coffee in the lobby in the morning. Linens and towels not bad, but could use refreshing and the beds are bit too soft. Overall I highly recommend it.

Within walking distance for a number of the museums/sights of Amsterdam - Van Gogh museum, Flower market, Canal tours, Anne Frank's house - ideal for seeing all that Amsterdam has to offer. Rooms were spacious and well equipped. Let down in terms of value for money - charging for wi-fi, no breakfast and really slow service at the bar.

Great location in town. Nice facility. Very friendly staff.