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5 Most important Tips on finding the right accommodation in Amsterdam

Amsterdam Tourist Information • Posted: February 4, 2009

Finding accommodation in Amsterdam is not that difficult, but finding the right place to stay can be tricky.

All of us know the feeling when upon arrival the hotel or bed & breakfast you booked turns out to be worse than expected. Therefore you’ll want to make sure you know what to expect before you even pay your deposit.

Nowadays it is easy to reserve accommodation online. Whether you are booking an apartment, a bed and breakfast holiday or a vacation rental — be it in Amsterdam or elsewhere — just be sure to look for a company that provides online consultation.

Online consultants can be very helpful, answering all the questions you would normally end up worrying about on the airplane.

Houses along the Herengracht and Leliegracht in Amsterdam

Beautiful homes line the Herengracht and Leliegracht canals in downtown Amsterdam
© Copyright DutchAmsterdam.nl. Want to use this photo?

The key to making sure that you spend your holiday time enjoying all that Amsterdam has to offer is to be well-prepared before you go.

1: Choose the right location in Amsterdam

The three most popular areas in Amsterdam would be the Centraal Station Area, the Red Light district — known as the wildest part of the city, and the Rembrandtplein area.

The latter, known as Amsterdam’s glamorous areas, is the most highly recommended. Visitors tend to choose Rembrandtplein, even if the accommodation is more expensive.

Another very popular area to stay would be Leidseplein (Leidse Square). Not as up market as Rembrantplein, but surely a nice neighborhood. A square filled with famous coffee shops and bars, ready for you to explore.

2: Make sure the type of accommodation is right for you

Four most common forms of accommodation available in Amsterdam would be Hotels, Hostels, Houseboats and Self Catering Apartments. All of the above have some disadvantages; therefore I will assist you to make the right choice.

Ask yourself what you are looking for. Whether you are traveling with your partner or with your family, the right accommodation can either make or break your holiday.

The most recommended form of accommodation would be a self catering unit or a houseboat.

Apartments are so much more convenient, providing any traveler with more comfort and privacy. Self catering apartments have more advantages: You are not subject to curfews, accommodation is more flexible, and you usually get charged for the use of the apartment — not by the number of people you share it with. That makes it both easy and cost effective for families. It is also a good choice for people who — for dietary or other reasons — prefer to prepare their own meals.

Unique houses line the Leidsegracht in Amsterdam

Unique houses line the Leidsegracht near Leidseplein
© Copyright DutchAmsterdam.nl. Want to use this photo?

Look for accommodation which can offer you comfort as well as a glimpse of Amsterdam at night.

3: Check the Terms and Conditions

Prior to making your holiday reservation, you always have to put a plan in place for the unexpected.

For this reason you should follow two key points to secure your holiday.

1) Always read the Terms and Conditions carefully when reserving accommodation, and

2) be sure to take out Travel Insurance.

4: When reserving online, check for consultant assistance

A good online-website is recommended, but be sure that it provides online assistance prior to pulling out your credit card.

Online assistance is rare, but surely it is available. It’s so much more assuring working directly with a consultant even large accommodation websites are now offering a consultant service. This means that you will be able to get assistance and be assured of the accommodation before you pay the deposit.

Ask the questions you need answered, such as distances to shops, public transportation in the area, safety, whether you will have to negotiate stairs, etcetera.

5: Breakage deposit or Security deposits

Some establishments, apartments and Houseboats request a security deposit on arrival. This is a form of payment, acting as guarantee for owner, to insure you will take responsibility for any breakages or damage that occurs during your visit. This deposit is refunded on departure.

Some property owners or privately owned companies will offer you the option of reserving the monies on your credit card, or to pay the security deposit in cash. I would recommend you to pay cash, seeing that it normally takes three days to clear a hold on your card and even up to 7 days in a foreign country.

Follow these 5 easy steps in preparation for your Amsterdam accommodation. Life is so much better once you have prepared for the unexpected.

- Guest author Paul Symonds, a frequent visitor to Amsterdam, works with Holiday Velvet — a travel agency which, among other things, provides accommodation in Amsterdam.

More articles on this topic: Bed & Breakfast, Guest House, Houseboats, Where to Stay
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