Amstel Botel Bv Reviews

the stay at the botel was excellent. nice and quiet outside of amsterdam centre. and easy to get to. the rooms were small but very clean, and cleaned each day. plenty of hot water in shower. take travel kettle with you.breakfast was very good, good choice and fresh food. plenty of tea and coffee. staff very helpfull. would stop there again would not even look for another hotel.

HARRY & MARGARET, bispham
Mature Couple (36+)

was very clean and basic bit far out of the way for nightlife but good breakfast and would recommend it

niki, blackpool uk
Group of Young Friends/Couples

The botel was advertised as a luxury central hotel, few hundred meters from amsterdam city center. Having been to amsterdem man times we thought we knew where the botel was, we didnt anticipate the botel moving! A long walk thru the back of central station, followed by a 20min ferry ride just to get to your bed after a long day sightseeing is the complete opposite of what we wanted. As for luxury, well if you can count uncomfortable pillows, a bathroom you could`nt swing a cat in and rude staff on reception staff, is not really my idea of luxury. next time I will be booking the ibis ! 2* is a generous rating

stacey little, uk
Young Couple (18-35)

Just stayed at the botel recently, had a great break. The evening we arrived was late but the receptionist was pleasant and friendly, we went to the bar for a drink before heading into amsterdam and the barman was very helpful, when we asked could we purchase milk for our morning cuppa he give us some without payment ( i would suggest that if you are staying here bring your own travel kettle its handier ). The rooms are cleaned every day (we went back to sleep one morning and did not leave until near 2pm and thought are room won,t get done today but when we got back later it was done. ( thank-you).We got offered fresh fruit every day which reception has a basket on counter and all the staff was great and helpful. There is also information and these little cards with places to visit with directions and address. I would suggest that you just put on a good pair of shoes and walk everywhere, there is so much to see. There was a vending machine were you could purchase beer for 2euro,s when the bar was closed.The bathroom was small but everything worked and we had no problems. The bed was very comfortable. We didn,t watch t.v but it worked fine. The breakfast was very good croissiants, cereal, toast,bacon, sausages, fresh orange juice, tea et. The shuttle ferry (you will find that these ferries and other ways of travelling around amsterdam are on time all the time ) only took 10-15 minutes crossing and ran regularly until 12pm durning the week and 1am during the weekend, the shuttle bus from the hotel was regular also and had a very nice driver. (shuttle bus and ferry free). We were also given vouchers for coming back again at a reduced cost. All and all i would recommend the botel very highly, and would definitely stay there again. ( it was nice to get out of the center at night-time to go somewhere quiet to sleep and relax.) Can,t wait till my next visit

diane mcveigh, northern ireland
Mature Couple (36+)

We have just returned from Amsterdam and our stay at the Botel. We stayed here for 5 nights. The rooms are basic however very clean,. Bathroom is rather small however has everything required. The rooms where cleaned every day we where there and fresh towels supplied (manager also came to the door to check the room had been cleaned every day). Breakfast was good (eggs, bacon, sausage, bread/toast, rolls, cereal, ham, cheese, croissants). If you arrive into central station go outside and cross the road. Here you will find several boats which will take you across to the botel which are free (taxi cost approx 40 euros). The boat you need to get is the last one on the left hand side. The boat will take you back and forward from botel to central until midnight. After then you get the boat next to this one. Once at the other side you are then picked up by the hotel complementary bus which drops you off outside the botel. The bar in the Botel closed at 12:45 however you can the sit at the sofas at the front desk where the staff will sell you cans of beer (2 euros) or a bottle of wine. The hotel also has vending machines on the third floor which has cans of juice, Beer, crisps and sweets. Had a great time and would stay here again.

Stacey Sweeney, GLASGOW
Young Couple (18-35)

Just come back from amsterdam Price I've paid 10/10 the people the food and the loctaion of the botel all perfect Tips Arriving at the airport, station will be well signed for central staion Amsterdam (Platform 3) head north (nord) straight on to the ferry leaving you within couple of 100 yards of the Botel Very Simple!!! If your looking for a fantastic long weekend type thing go here it is amazing! Go Here!!!!

diane b , wigan
Mature Couple (36+)

I just came back from staying in the Amstel Botel. My stay was excellent. I booked a twin room - small but ample, two single beds, comfortable, TV - 3 english speaking channels. Small bathroom with toilet, shower and sink - towels and shower gel supplied. There is maid service once daily, beds are made, clean towels supplied. A buffet breakfast consisting of boiled eggs, sausages, bacon, coissants, toast, cheese, ham, yogurt, cereal and breavages ( tea, coffee, orange etc..) served between 7am and 10.30am. There is no tea or coffee facilities in your room, but you can buy this at the bar and take it to your room. There is a vending machine for snacks and toasties and hamburgers can be purchased at the bar (we did not try these, so cannot comment). - The bar is open to residents only, pool table and large screen TV. The free ferry (NDSM WERF) direct to the boat is frequent and runs up to 11.45pm - When you come out of central station cross the road to the dock turn left - it is the very last point too your left), this takes about 2 mins, and the ferry journey about 10mins. After 11.45pm a free shuttle services is available. (You still take a ferry from the same place only the middle point, it will say 'Buiksolterweg', it takes about 5 mins to cross and the shuttle picks you up from their to take you round to the boat, if unsure ask at central station. They are very helpful and will direct you. The Botel is rated 3 star, if it was rated for service it would be 5 star (staff are lovely). I took a tip from a review on this site and booked throught Alpharooms - I found Alpharooms to be the cheapest (i checked loads of offers), and your price will include your breakfast. If you are looking good clean straight fowardard affordable accommodation look no futher, it is also very central to all areas as your starting point is central station.

Alice, County Antrim, Ireland
Other

I recently came back from staying in the Amstel Botel and I was pretty happy with it all in all. There is maid service once daily and free breakfast every morning, which is a buffet consisting of boiled eggs, sausages, bacon, coissants, toast, cheese, ham, yogurt, cereal and a number of drinks. I would not however recommend the snack food in the bar as my only complaint throughout my stay was that the burgers are only microwaved and usually cold in the middle (I ordered two in a row where this was the case) The room comes with a TV which gets a combination of local and English programmes, and a nice little en suite shower and toilet. The boat also tends to rock from side to side in the wind (as you would expect) but it can be quite nauseating for those with travel sickness (like myself) Overall the hotel itself is clean, well run and the staff are very helpful and polite. The free boat ride into town is fairly short and the boat leaves at regular intervals so it is in a decent location, however the boats do stop at 12.00 which can hinder you if you are staying out later. It is more than adequate for a few days stay, and affordable as well.

Chris, England
Other

I totally disagree with the review of 23 June. The location is extremely convenient, just a 10 minute FREE boat ride from the central station with boats going at least every 1/2 hour and then a FREE shuttle bus from the same place late at night. The ride across the water (10 minutes) is also quite interesting as there are many things you will otherwise not get to see. You can also hire bikes and take these on the boat too. The breakfast was a very good selection with hot sausages, bacon and boiled eggs and then the usual bread, toast, rolls, croissant, yoghurt, cereal, salad, cheese, cold meat, tea, coffee, juice etc. It was never advertised as a 'full English breakfast'! but does cater for all tastes. Prices in the bar are very reasonable. The staff are pleasant and welcoming and like everywhere else, speak excellent English. They were only too pleased to be able to help when asked. The room had a very comfortable bed, TV, toilet, sink and shower - what else do you need if you're out all day anyway?! Yes the shower was on the small side but hello, you're not staying in a suite on the Oriana! Most reasonably sized people would be able to fite quite adequately in the shower with room to move. A lovely city. You must go to the Anne Frank House and a boat trip through the city which is a good place to start and get you're bearings. You don't necessarily need to get the IAmsterdam card. Take it slowly, enjoy the odd cafe stop for a drink and walk everywhere, you'll get to see alot more than taking the trams everywhere! I would definitely recommend the Amstel Botel, its convenient and excellent value for money. Yes you can stay closer to the centre - at a premium and with an increase in druken noise through the night but here it's peacefully quiet, 10 minutes across the water and pleasant. Alpha Rooms offers the best price for this hotel, trust me I searched for hours!

AMANDA SULLIVAN, HAMPSHIRE
Young Couple (18-35)

‘For’ - the hotel is clean and the staff are friendly. ‘Against’ – very basic bedrooms and tiny bathrooms, the breakfast is by no means ‘a full English’, barely warm and not much to choose from, although the ferry is free it’s not that convenient to get back and forth from the centre, Overall you get what you pay for, if you can afford to spend more stay in the centre.

Sharon, Manchester
Mature Couple (36+)

We stayed at the Botel in June 07 and June 08. The second time it had moved from near centraal station to the NDSM wharf (which is only a short journey on the free ferries across the water). The breakfasts are fantastic with a nice view out over the river. Our room was very comfortable, the beds are great and the tv has at least 4 channels that are in English. It is true the bathrooms are very small but they do the job and the showers have good pressure. The staff are all very friendly and speak good english. There are a lot of information leaflets in the reception area. The internet is very expensive on the boat 2.50euros for 10mins but there are plenty of cafes in town. The hotel is rated as a 3 star and I think it is exactly that, we weren't disappointed and would definitely stay there again.

Angela Blom, Liverpool, UK
Young Couple (18-35)

Excellent value, whole boat very clean with exceptional room service. Room adequate, bathroom small but functional. Breakfast was very good with plenty of choice. Staff very friendly and helpful. Ferry trips not too bad and run like clockwork. We would stay again if we returned.

Graham, North West
Mature Couple (36+)

We were booked to stay here for the Easter break but only manged to stay for two nights instead of three. It is a budget stay on an old car ferry. The bedroom was clean, the bathroom miniscule, if you sat on the loo then your left arm was in the wash basin. You can hear everthing from the next room, with people running up the corridor at 3am, we did not sleep properly for two nights. The bar area was full of smokers and formica tables,(Amsterdam stops smoking in July 2008) breakfast was a bun fight, only good thing was the orange juice. We left on the 2nd day and booked into another hotel in Amsterdam, The botel is in an industrial area, with a free ferry back and forth. try the restaurant The Kanteen it is fabulous and near the Botel. All in all loved Amsterdam, hated the Amstel Botel.

LYNNE PRITCHARD, Cardiff
Mature Couple (36+)

This Botel is excellent value for money. The rooms are exceptionally clean, staff very friendly and informative and even although the boat has moved it caues little or no inconvenience. Had an absolutely fabulous time in Amsterdam with the Amstel Botel as our base. Highly recommended

Jim, Midlands
Mature Couple (36+)

If your expecting luxury, then don't book this hotel. But if you want somewhere that is cheap, clean and warm, then this is the place for you ! The staff are polite and helpful. The breakfast is varied and plentiful. The only downside for us was the bathroom was tiny and the walls are very thin. But it is a boat !!!! Overall , excellent value for money, and we would stay there again.

Ruth Eileen Beardmore, Derby
Mature Couple (36+)

I can't fault the Botel. Cheap, convenient, clean and excellent location. We stayed there for three nights in December 2007 when it was minus 8 degrees and the view over the river was spectacular. We've previously stayed there a few years ago. It was my boyfriend's birthday weekend when we went in December and I'd asked if the hotel could put balloons in our room as a surprise. When we got there, you could hardly open the door for balloons! Not stayed anywhere that would go to that trouble before. Breakfasts brilliant too. Would recommend without hesitatation.

Anon, UK
Mature Couple (36+)

Arrived at this hotel with my friend for a 4 day break on monday morning after travelling from 4.15am. After getting train from airport we then had to find the NDSM ferry which was not sign posted, to get to the Botel. Ferry took around 10 mins to a dock side which was empty apart from a bar which was only open during the night. Complained to reception that location was not satisfactory and received a snotty reply. We waited for an hour in reception for alpha rooms to ring us back to relocate us in the city. Eventually after an hour and a half and after being told we would occur a cancellation fee we decided to stay that night and move the next day. We checked in with a snotty receptionist after a few huffs and puffs from her we checked in to a tiny room with stains on the ceiling and on the walls. Bathroom was tiny and would not attempt to use shower so we had to wait until we moved hotel. The next day my friend went to reception and asked to ring alpha rooms who then relocated us to a beautiful hotel 3 mins from dam sqaure for an extra 49 pound. Alpha rooms really made our hol and we eventually started our hol on the 2nd day!!!

Helen Larkey, Liverpool
Young Couple (18-35)

Have visited this hotel on now 4 times with a friend.Its comfortable,clean and central for the station,trams& buses. Good breakfast buffet sets you up for the day.Noisey land side at the moment due to building work.Staff very polite and very helpfull reception.

David Horsler, Leighton buzzard
Group of Mature Friends/Couples

This is a great hotel, it is a 5 minute walk from the centre and 2 minutes from the train station so is not hard to find when you get there. It was very clean, and there was no graffiti on any walls like all the other hotels we saw! The rooms were very basic, but had everything you need for a short break. The breakfast was excellent. Would definately reccomend it! We are going to use the hotel when we go back!

Victoria , Leeds
Young Couple (18-35)

nice,clean and well centred for everything amsterdam, breakfast was good,walls abit thin can hear all in ajoining rooms,would use the botel again and would recommend.

daz, staffs
Family with teenagers 12+

We loved this hotel, the rooms were spacious, clean and modern. The views from the rooms were spectacular and the bar staff friendly and inviting, especially Eineka. We would definately stay again, unfortunately it's going to have to move location and we're unsure as to where. Currently it's very central to all services and amenities.

Vicky Grimes, East Sussex
Mature Couple (36+)

basic but clean sheets and towels changed every day. many thanks to joseph on the night desk he was a star nothing too much trouble for him. Would stay again.

karen anderson, sunderland
Group of Mature Friends/Couples

Botel within 5 minute walk from central station, and only 10/15 minutes from Dam Square. Room basic though comfortable, we were on the 'building site' side and at 7am the 'pile drivers' started so was very noisy. The walls in the rooms are very very thin and we were kept awake by our neighbours (who i hate to say were also Brits) until 3.30 one night/morning. Breakfast was suprisingly good for the price, really sets you up for the day. The bar was friendly, but as others say the bar staff weren't always around. Remember to take a travel jug/tea/coffee as these are not provided but are really needed. Overall great place to stay but ask for a canal view where might be quiter.

Dawn, West Yorkshire UK
Group of Mature Friends/Couples

2nd year running we've stayed here and it's been a pleasure both times. All staff very friendly, perhaps if they're not it's a reflection of how you are with them. Alpharooms were cheaper this year than we paid last year and we got canal view on the 4th (quieter) deck. Yes there are building works going on but this is Amsterdam. We found the walk to Dam Square/Damrak a breeze but if walking is not your bag buy an unlimited tram ticket. At 10 euros for 2 days it won't break the bank and you'll see a lot more of the real Amsterdam.

John, Sheffield UK
Mature Couple (36+)

The Botel is great value for money. The hotel is only a 5 mins walk from Central Station. It is  a basic and non fussy hotel but clean and efficient. We only stayed two nights but our room was cleaned and towels changed every day. Staff very friendly and helpful except for one barman who stuggled to get off his mobile phone to serve us. Breakfast to suit most tastes and certainly adequate. Lots of helpful leaflets and guides at reception. Right next door to the Sea Palace floating restaurant. No tea/coffee making facilities in room.  Also 1.80 euros for small can of water from vending machine on 3rd floor so ideally you should bring back a large bottle of bottled water with you. Would definately stay again however, central to everything and very clean!

Sarah Sawyer, Middlesex
Young Couple (18-35)

clean room-heating good-staff very nice and helpfull-brecky good-10 to 15mins from center-over all good value the sea palace next to the botel is a must great food good value 10/10

jenkins, monmouthshire
Group of Young Friends/Couples

My wife and I have stayed on the Amstel Botel 2 years running now for a long weekend break , And once again found to be clean and well run , Breakfast basic but great start to the day , The botel is warm and extremely comfortable with pleasant staff in all areas.Night safes available at 18E with 15refundable on departure.Within 5 miutes walk from Amsterdam Central station.Will definately be back

Neil Bonsall, Derby/England
Mature Couple (36+)

The Botel is perfect for 1st time visitors to amsterdam,its 5 mins walk from the train station.the staff were helpful and there is an info point at reception with lots of info and money off vouchers for lots of things.the rooms are small but have what you need.the bar on the boat is ok with a pool table,darts,pinball machine,jukebox and tv.the vending machines onboard are also handy.the breakfast is ok with a choice from cerial to hot food.we stayed for 3 nights and our room was cleaned and towels changed every day. the chinese restaurant next to the boat serves excellent food,it looks pricey but its not bad. i will be back to the botel no problem.

William and lorraine., belfast,northern ireland.
Group of Young Friends/Couples

Me and my girlfriend stayed here for two nights, and as much as we absolutely loved the city and the different sites of interest and how close the Botel actually is to it all. However don't expect much of a warm welcome from the staff. No smiles, no offers of any help. The guy behind the hotel bar didnt answer us once every time we ordered a drink, he just very unwillingly poured them and plonked them down in front of us, then just telling us how much we owed him. That was when he actually was at the bar. We often had to usher him away from the television at the other end of the room, or sometimes he wouldn't even be there at all. As much as I would definately recommend Amsterdam as a holiday, I would only recommend the Amstel Botel if you literally just want somewhere to go to sleep and wake up. Plus it is also pot luck that you actually get a room with a nice view as on one side of the Botel is a noisy and smelly building site... However the other side is quite nice...

Simon Rees, england
Young Couple (18-35)

Excellent value on a superb site for access to everything in Amsterdam!

Jerry Godfrey, reading/England
Mature Couple (36+)

The botel was ideal, it was really nice and in a good location.  The staff where very friendly, laid back and really helpful.  The room was really comfortable although it was small.  Having seen some other three star hotels in Amsterdam, I would stay in the Botel again.

Catherine, Ireland
Group of Young Friends/Couples

Excellent value,yes it's a budget hotel but what a bargain.
We stay in amsterdam twice a year because we love the place and the people.We stayed in other central hotels until we found botel and we are about to go back for 6th time.Room basic but clean,breakfast is okay,friendly staff and a good bar and juke box at reasonable prices.You get what you pay for,this is better than I expected for the price.
We are a mature couple who have travelled many places and We are fussy.Try getting the same in London ,newyork or paris for the same price.Well worth trying.People usually only moan when they don't like something but rarely praise or recommend.

angela, staffs, staffs england
Mature Couple (36+)

The accomodation was very very basic, but it was very clean.
The location was good and the staff were very friendly.
November 2006

kelly, Bedfordshire
Young Couple (18-35)

'AMSTEL BOTEL was perfect for the type of accomadation we required yes it is basic but it was clean. The  room had double bed, tv, toilet, shower.
The breafast which was included in the prize was self serve ranging from cereal to hot breafast.
The 'AMSTEL BOTEL is very central for the station and other attration.

kirsty, scotland
Young Couple (18-35)

Really enjoyed our stay at the Amstel Botel, staff friendly, basic rooms, clean & tidy. Five minutes walk from train station, you can see the Amstel Botel hotel from the front of the train station. There is a bit of a walk to Dam Square. Breakfast was included and was ok. I wouldn't recommend this hotel for people who struggle walking a distance. My husband and his friends(Stag do!)about 18 of them, stayed here in 2005 they enjoyed it.

Ann, Lorraine, Margaret & Mick, Bolton, greater Manchester
Group of Mature Friends/Couples

There were 5 couples in our group that visited Amsterdam in March '06.  The Amstel Botel is very central, just 5 mins walk from Central Station.  The rooms are small but adequate for a short stay, we stayed 3 nights. Shower/toilet facilities very tiny. The rooms were clean and warm when we arrived.  Cleaners came in to replace towels etc each day.
Breakfast was fine.  The dining room is spacious.  We found the staff to be pleasant and polite. We found the location was ideal.  There is a beautiful floating Chinese Hotel right beside the Botel, excellent food would definitely recommend.

Evelyn Greer, Northern Ireland
Group of Mature Friends/Couples

We (2 couples) stayed in this hotel in April.  I would class it as a budget hotel.  It was clean but very basic and dated.  One advantage it does have is that it is very close to Central station and the buses and trams - we were able to walk to the Botel from the station.  Breakfast was included but the dining room quickly became crowded.  It is fine if you just want somewhere to lay your head for the night.

Kate, N Ireland
Other

This Hotel has an interesting drawcard in terms of it being a "floating hotel" however, I found the quality of accommodation disappointing! The rooms (we stayed in 2) were in need of refurbishment, with broken bathroom fittings and old, bedding. I would compare this hotel with it's more "budget" competitors, and do not recommend it in terms of value for money. It is located a short stroll from Centraal Station, and is therefore convenient for travellers, but a good 15min walk to Dam Square and it's surrounds.

Michelle Pritchard, London, United Kingdom
Other