My sister and I arrived early for check-in. Room was immediately readied and we were served coffee while we waited. Any question or request we had was answered immediately always with the warmest of smiles. Even though we woke after the official breakfast hour, we were encouraged to come down and enjoy a very tasty repast. Hotel is clean and every so welcoming. A real Amsterdam find particularly when you consider its prime location.

The staff was amazing. They were very helpful. The hotel location was so great, close to subway and walking distance to museums. The Breakfast was so great and varied. If you need samthing, it was delivered to you rapidly.

I adore Amsterdam, and visit regularly--on my own and with my family (we have two young kids). I have, at last, found my favourite hotel in this charming city.

The Hotel Fita is located on a quiet pedestrian street within a stone's throw of the Van Gough and Rijksmuseum, and in the other direction, close to one of the city's exclusive shopping streets (perfect for window-shopping). The Concertgebouw is no more than 6 mins' walk; the stunning Vondelpark is within a 2-min walk, and Bus-197 stops very close by--so you can get to/from Schiphol in 15 minutes for 4 euros. Within 10 minutes of my arrival, the owner Roel had done the following: arranged for me to rent a bike (good idea); booked dinners are nearby restaurants (they were excellent and inexpensive); handed me an annotated map; had my speedy wifi working (no extra charge). Was I happy? Delighted.

What's unique about this hotel? First, this building is a typical charming canal-house that is _not_ typically cramped and awkward. There is a lift (if you're not keen on steep stairs), and the energetic family who owns the hotel has not spared any expense to ensure everything works, everything is spotlessly clean, and that the guests' needs are paramount.

Second, the rooms (I have stayed in two and seen three) are bright, newly-refurbished, and have Nespresso machines at our disposal. The showers are hot and powerful. The beds are new and the sheets are probably Egyptian cotton. The breakfast is excellent (eggs and pancakes in addition to cold options); the "honesty bar" is open 24hrs and has whatever cold drinks you can think of--for just 2 euros each. Yes, a glass of wine for 2 euros. Where else would you find that in Amsterdam? There is a large grocery store nearby. I should add that there are two primary schools nearby too--but that only adds to the neighbourhood atmosphere: it's nice to step outside and see kids running around. The street feels more like the Upper-West side in Manhattan than the stereotypical cold polish of an exclusive European quartier.

I will be back, and next time I'll bring my kids. That's another bonus: Roel says that he charges just a nominal extra kids' beds in their parents' rooms--this will add up to a big savings. In my experience most European hotels require a full second room at a full second price.

What a great stay. Go Fita!

Two weekend nights in January.

The Room: Small - typical european, and standard for Amsterdam. The space is used very efficiently - which can be a problem if you have lots of electronic gadgets like myself. But the room is nice and clean and the bed was comfortable.

The staff... well, I don't know how to say this any stronger, but probably the most helpful of any recent trip I've been on. I'd still stay here again if the rooms were much worse because of this.

Service a breakfast in the morning. They may offer you a small pancake (they did the day I was there). You are a fool to say no: just the right amount of crispy and sugar combined).

My main complaint: my room was just one floor up and in the back. There is a hostel just out there and lots of people hang out there smoking and coming and going at all hours... and are loud. Try to avoid that room if you can. :-)