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Message |
    
Pippi
Supporter
Username: Pippi
Post Number: 986
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Monday, June 13, 2005 - 6:33 pm: |     |
Notehead and I are planning a trip to Amsterdam in April.
I recall an MOLer went recently (Algebra??) and I am sure others have been. Looking for any and all recommendations for hotel, restaurants, off-the-beaten-path sites to see. We are probably going to want to keep it inexpensive, since we just had an over-the-top honeymoon in Spain ... well, 7 months ago, but it feels like "just had"....
My guess is we'd spend a few days in Amsterdam then head out to Brussels and Bruges, but I haven't really given it that much thought.
Thanks!
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Ukealalio
Citizen
Username: Ukealalio
Post Number: 2248
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Monday, June 13, 2005 - 6:57 pm: | |
Try Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky, it's very centrally located, one of the nicest hotels in town and you can get deals through the internet. They are loads of very inexpensive,very good Indonesian restaurants all over Amsterdam. Try a ristafel (rice table with all different dishes). For music make sure you go to the Paradiso, beautiful historical club that has great acts all the time. Fun city. |
LazyDog
Citizen
Username: Lazydog
Post Number: 19
Registered: 6-2005
| | Posted on Monday, June 13, 2005 - 7:06 pm: | |
If you get the opportunity I highly recommend Brugges - a beautiful city |
magmasystems
Citizen
Username: Magmasystems
Post Number: 309
Registered: 1-2002
| | Posted on Monday, June 13, 2005 - 7:32 pm: | |
When in Amsterdam, stop by the Milkweg for a great time.
Another vote for Brugges.
If you get down to Brussels, don't forget to drink all of the trappist ales and the famous 'moules frittes'.
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MHD
Citizen
Username: Mayhewdrive
Post Number: 2519
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, June 13, 2005 - 9:35 pm: | |
Another vote for Brugges. It's a very "quaint" town that is great to walk around.
Brussels was neat to see, but I wouldn't suggest spending more than 1 day there.
Haven't been to Amsterdam, yet.
I find www.tripadvisor.com a good source for hotel recommendations. |
algebra2
Supporter
Username: Algebra2
Post Number: 3547
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, June 13, 2005 - 9:42 pm: | |
Pippi -- I totally have planned our trip to Amsterdam/Belgium ... so much so that my 6 year old thinks he's been to Amsterdam and tells everyone (strangely enough he thinks Wildwood was Amsterdam). I have a guidebook I can lend you. |
LilRedCorvette
Citizen
Username: Lilredcorvette
Post Number: 243
Registered: 2-2004
| | Posted on Monday, June 13, 2005 - 10:36 pm: | |
Pippi, I lived in Amsterdam 10 years ago, worked at Greenpeace's International HQ. I agree with Magma, the Meklweg (Milkyway in English) is a very long standing, happening live music venue. I believe it's in the Leidesplein section of the city, not too far from Centraal Station.
Bascially, if you're standing in Centraal Station looking South, stay ahead and to your right as the Red Light District is to your left (or maybe that's where you want to be...what goes in Amsterdam stays in Amsterdam if you know what I mean).
The Anne Frank House and Rijksmuseum were my two favorite places. They used to give plenty of free samples at the Heinekin Brewery. There was a flea market at Waterlooplein that was the best I'd ever been to.
As far as lodging, I stayed at a hostel called the Kabul Hostel in the Red Light District, then I moved to corporate housing, so I can't really recommend anything. And the food...patatche met means french fries with mayonnaise, sounds disgusting but was surprisingly good, even if it makes your arteries shrivel and shut. Stay off the beaten path for good places, and stay out of the red light for good food (but that's a given, right?) |
Pippi
Supporter
Username: Pippi
Post Number: 988
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Monday, June 13, 2005 - 10:45 pm: | |
Alg - Hotels to recommend?
MHD - trip advisor is great, thanks for the tip. I am reading lots of very helpful hotel reviews.
Uke - the Krasnapolsky looks very nice, very traditional. It does seem a little pricier than I have in mind, but I bet you're, right there are deals to be found.
Of course, I am a little over-zealous and planning a wee bit too far in advance...
I may have to leave it alone for a few months
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Pippi
Supporter
Username: Pippi
Post Number: 989
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Monday, June 13, 2005 - 10:49 pm: | |
Magma & LilRC - the milky way sounds right up our alley -- thanks!
LilRC -
I imagine that if you lived there, you did a little traveling? Aside from Brugges, is there anything outside of Amsterdam we must see? am I correct in assuming 4 days is enough time to see Amsterdam?
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MHD
Citizen
Username: Mayhewdrive
Post Number: 2520
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, June 13, 2005 - 10:50 pm: | |
Pippi,
In Brugges, I stayed at the Hotel ter Duinen and I'd highly recommend it. Check out some reviews at: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g188671-d238265-Reviews-Hotel_ter_Duinen -Brugge_West_Flanders.html |
Pippi
Supporter
Username: Pippi
Post Number: 990
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Monday, June 13, 2005 - 10:56 pm: | |
MHD - sounds perfectly charming! I love that there are only 20 rooms...I do wish there were pictures posted.
All the review are so positive.
was that your review from March ?
About how many days would you recommend devoting to Brugge?
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Pippi
Supporter
Username: Pippi
Post Number: 991
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Monday, June 13, 2005 - 10:59 pm: | |
http://www.terduinenhotel.be/
found the website...it IS lovely
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greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 4605
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 14, 2005 - 7:21 am: | |
I've always stayed at the hotel Victoria (Victoria Hotel?) in Amsterdam. It is directly across from Central Station. You can walk the entire city & the train is right there when you are ready to head out to unwalkable sites. It is charming & quaint.
When you head out to Brussels, take the train. It's a wonderful ride thru the countryside. Don't bother flying; I did it on my first trip & it was a total waste of time & money. It's under a couple hours by train.
I used to work for a Dutch company & went rather frequently. The only thing I miss about that job is Amsterdam. I love it. Walking next to the canals in the morning, with a cup of coffee (very un-Dutch, BTW).
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ril
Citizen
Username: Ril
Post Number: 342
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 14, 2005 - 9:05 am: | |
Day (or half-day) trip to Haarlem; combine that with a visit to the beach in Zaandvoort (a big scene in summer, and even in winter, people are there); a day trip to Leiden; a day trip or overnight to Cologne....
In Amsterdam, I can recommend Seven Bridges Hotel and Rembrandt Residence http://www.rembrandtresidence.nl/; if you're interested in apartment rentals, PL me, and I can give you the name of the people we rented from in the past. They have apartments in the Jordaan section and near Centraal Station. |
Ukealalio
Citizen
Username: Ukealalio
Post Number: 2249
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 14, 2005 - 9:11 am: | |
Victoria Hotel is nice and extremely well located but make sure you know exactly what kind of room you're getting. I stayed there last November (Krasnapolsky was fully booked) and the room they put me in was a slight step up from a closet. I'm 6'2 and my head was touching one wall and my feet the other (and not comfortably). The room was right next to the elevator also, so I got very little sleep. I spoke to other guests there who were very pleased with their rooms , so you have to check. |
Duder
Citizen
Username: El_duderino
Post Number: 673
Registered: 2-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 14, 2005 - 10:51 am: | |
Coffeeshop 36. |
LilRedCorvette
Citizen
Username: Lilredcorvette
Post Number: 244
Registered: 2-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 14, 2005 - 12:41 pm: | |
Pippi, yes I did travel. As a matter of fact, I spent a little less than a year traveling around Europe - worked at Greenpeace in Amsterdam, bartended on a Greek Island. It was amazing.
Regarding the Milkyway, that place is a huge part of my romantic history. I was in love with someone who was in a band, in London he told me he was playing in Amsterdam and we made plans to meet up there at his concert. We fell so deeply in love...he wrote an album or two about it. But anyhoo...
I think 4 days is definitely enough time to get a good feel for Amsterdam and its culture. As far as day trips, I agree with everyone about Bruges, Belgium. That's the place to go. It's one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen. I'm trying to think back...I believe it's only a few hours away from Amsterdam.
The Dutch countryside is beautiful and if you've got a hankering for another city in the Netherlands, just get off the train on your way back from Bruges and walk around...I believe Utrect is just a few stops before Amsterdam.
I just researched and the flea market at Waterlooplein is still open, but I have no idea how good it is now. I bought a faded pair of Levis for 5 bucks and this really cool vintage hat for $2.50. One more thing - it's really cool in April...very rainy and damp, make sure you dress warm!
Wow, this is really making me take a stroll down memory lane...sigh... |
mooewe
Citizen
Username: Mooewe
Post Number: 257
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 14, 2005 - 3:00 pm: | |
Be sure to book a hotel early if you'll be there April 30 - it's Queen's Day there, a huge celebration, and hotel rooms will be scarce to non-existant. We had to stay at the Ibis at the airport - not exactly the canal-side charm we were hoping for! (We were just there for 2 nights, and gone before the 30th.) |
Pippi
Supporter
Username: Pippi
Post Number: 994
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 14, 2005 - 5:12 pm: | |
Mooewe - Thanks for the tip! It never occurs to me to look into things like that when planning a trip.
so OK, 3-4 days in Amsterdam, train ride to Brugge....2-3 days there....train back. sounds like a plan.
Thanks for all the input!
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Master Plvmber
Citizen
Username: Master_plvmber
Post Number: 361
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 14, 2005 - 9:02 pm: | |
Pippi, tell about your "over-the-top" Spain trip.
I'm going in two weeks.
It may be appropriate to start a new thread, but I'd like to hear it. |
lizzyr
Citizen
Username: Lizzyr
Post Number: 188
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 14, 2005 - 11:44 pm: | |
another vote for Victoria Hotel. perfect central location. ask for a room in the new wing.
don't eat breakfast in the hotel, it's very expensive. there are several small cafes & bakeries down the block that are quite cheap. |
Pippi
Supporter
Username: Pippi
Post Number: 996
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 15, 2005 - 10:24 am: | |
Master Plvmber - I am happy to share details of our trip..
We started out in Barcelona at a lovely 4 room inn that was the most romantic, peaceful place I have ever stayed. It is owned by a Frenchman who was very charming and welcoming.
http://www.relaisdorsa.com/
It is equivalent to staying in Westchester if you are visiting NYC. It's in a small town on a hill, overlooking Barcelona -- a spectacular view. Two blocks away is a tram to take to get to the Metro. Very easy public transportation.
Then we went to Sevilla where we stayed at another very lovely (although not as over the top) 4 star hotel. Las Casas de la Juderia. It was very centrally located to most of the sights -- we walked easily to the Alcazar and the cathedral. We loved this place!
http://www.sevilla5.com/hotels/juderia_es.html
Then we rented a car and drove to the Costa del Sol.
Here's where we went over the top again!
http://www.kempinski-esteponaresort.com/en/home/index.htm
This was on the mediterranean, with fabulous service and excellent dining (Notehead had one of the best meals of his life in the Italian restaurant in the hotel). We also induged in the spa on site.
Estepona is west on the coast, 15-20 minutes away from the craziness of Marbella.
PL me if you want any more information. Have a great time!!
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Master Plvmber
Citizen
Username: Master_plvmber
Post Number: 362
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 15, 2005 - 4:16 pm: | |
Thanks, Spain is our favorite place (Mrs. Plvmber & me).
Sevilla is amazing.
I've never been to the Costa Del Sol, just south of it to a town called Javea.
It's all good.
No bullfights? |
Pippi
Supporter
Username: Pippi
Post Number: 997
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 15, 2005 - 5:03 pm: | |
oooo no, no bullfights.
We did go to watch some amazing Flamenco dancers. Much more our speed.
Where do you stay in Sevilla? |
Master Plvmber
Citizen
Username: Master_plvmber
Post Number: 363
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 15, 2005 - 10:14 pm: | |
Alfonso XIII is the name of the hotel.
Talk about over the top!
Sevilla is where I had my first (good) gazpacho. It was served to us in a wine glass and we sipped it on a hot spring night near the Plaza Mayor.
Been to Madrid? |
jet
Citizen
Username: Jet
Post Number: 869
Registered: 7-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, June 16, 2005 - 10:50 am: | |
Master P, If you are down by Barcelona & want to take a 2 day side trip . Leave early go up the Costa Brava to the white washed town of Cadaques spend the nite. Drive to Girona have lunch in the Plaza , walk around then back to Barcelona. Girona was featured in the NYT last Sun.. Next time in Plaza Mayor try the whole fish encased in salt served in a wood box. |
Master Plvmber
Citizen
Username: Master_plvmber
Post Number: 364
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, June 16, 2005 - 11:35 am: | |
We've spent a few nights in Cadaqués...have pictures of it on our living room walls.
We even went to El Bulli for lunch (they're not serving lunch anymore) in the nearby town of Roses.
I think we'll be too far to hit Girona this time. We're going to San Sebastián, then Pamplona, then after bouncing around La Rioja for 3 days we'll end up in Madrid.
I'll look for the article online, though. I'll bet it's a great place to visit.
Someday we'll have children and all this is going to come to a screeching halt, isn't it?
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jet
Citizen
Username: Jet
Post Number: 870
Registered: 7-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, June 16, 2005 - 12:46 pm: | |
MP , my wife & I have been saying that for 22yrs , none yet. It would have to be a Paris in the rain accident for it to happen now. But we are traveling to Italy in 2 wks with are neices & nephews ages 18 to 21 { had to wait till they could drink to take them}. |
Pippi
Supporter
Username: Pippi
Post Number: 998
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, June 16, 2005 - 2:37 pm: | |
Master P - the Alfonso XIII is WAY over the top. You got us beat 
we didn't make it to Madrid because we didn't have enough time...I would go back and do Madrid, Toledo, Segovia and that area. We've also heard Girona is great but didn't have time for that either.
I hope it doesn't come screeching to a halt when we have kids! might make me rethink having 'em!
FWIW - Amsterdam is supposed our "big trip" before we have kids....not a terrible way to go out. |
Master Plvmber
Citizen
Username: Master_plvmber
Post Number: 365
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, June 16, 2005 - 3:01 pm: | |
To tell you the truth, the last time we stayed in Alfonso XIII, Spain was still using the peseta (pre €uro). The exchange rates were a gift from the god of foreign currency.
I think we paid about $200/night then. It's gotta be more like $600 now.
Today I'm thanking the same god-o-f-c that only $1.21 buys €1.
It's like a good thing that everything is only marked up about 20%. This time last year it was 33%. Terrible.
Before the euro, Europe was one big 50% off sale.
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jet
Citizen
Username: Jet
Post Number: 872
Registered: 7-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, June 16, 2005 - 3:13 pm: | |
BOT euros today @ BofA $1.27= 1.00 E |
Master Plvmber
Citizen
Username: Master_plvmber
Post Number: 366
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, June 16, 2005 - 4:58 pm: | |
http://www.x-rates.com/
I never buy euros. I use ATM machines when I arrive. It's a bank-to-bank transaction with no commission fees.
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marinab
Citizen
Username: Marinab
Post Number: 149
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, June 16, 2005 - 9:03 pm: | |
If the weather is good, rent bicycles in Amsterdam and toodle around as everyone does. There's a place in Centraal Station that you get them for the day. I forget the name of the area, but where there's a lot of artist's studios is lovely.
I will say, by the way, that it's a great place to bring children, too--pop them in one of the bicycles as the Dutch do. We're going back in October. |
Pippi
Supporter
Username: Pippi
Post Number: 999
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Friday, June 17, 2005 - 10:52 am: | |
we want to go in the spring and we won't have any children to bring. No, we don't want to borrow anyone else's
Bike riding sounds like a great idea! ... I hope that the weather is cooperative in late March or early April. Thanks. Marina |
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