Rating
"typical European chain hotel" well, actually, I stayed at this hotel in NOV 2001 not NOV 2002, and it was during a 5 week trip around Europe by train. You need to read my review of Notel Winston in AMS as well to understand this one better. My original plan for hotel stays was to avoid all American and European hotel chains like Hilton, Best Western, or Ibis, especially asit was right after US 9/11 attacks. Plus, I booked only locally owned hotels to help the citizens and economy of each place. Things turned bad in AMS: read the other review. I am making an exception for this city.... For a single traveler on a budget who does not plan to spend his/her entire stay in AMS stoned the whole time, I recommend this hotel really above others. At the time I paid 100 euros a night. If you are paying under 100 euro a night in AMS, you will be in a druggie dump in the red light district. I liked everything about Ibis. The location was perfect right by the train station. Yet even though it was in sight of the red light district, it was totally safe and secure. Only a one minute walk away, literally, you are in the center of the action that is AMS. The room was clean and nicely furnished. As for size, I thought most hotel rooms in Europe are small, and so i dont understand others criticism of the size. i found them adequate. I guess if you are a light sleeper I would request a high floor facing away from the train station, but i had a room overlooking the train tracks ....never had trouble sleeping. marijuana/cannabis IS legal and so even in IBIS the waft of the distictive smoky odor was present here and there ..... I went from small hotels with small breakfast service to Ibis and its breakfast buffet in its restaurant. I LOVED it - immensely - as it was the largest breakfast service that i had had. The selection was fine and the staff was great. it was included in the price for me. You gotta verify EVERY detail before you book. I did not eat in the restaurant for dinner as hotel restaurant prices always tend to be more expensive. There are scores of good restaurants just a couple minutes walk, including a pub/restaurant across from the station that serves traditional dutch style crepes and belgian waffles at a good price. Again, i would recommend this hotel to the cheap tourist type like me. The price may not say "budget" but in the case of AMS, the extra money spent is worth it.

Rating
"Weekend break" Myself and my partner has just returned from a weekend cruise break to see MADONNA at the Amsterdam Arena we booked the ferry crossing and a one night stay in the Ibis Centre hotel. On arriving in the centre of Amsterdam we had a short walk over to the hotel. We checked in around 11am and were told our room would be ready by 2pm. Our luggage was kept in a secure room and we went out to explore. This is our fourth visit to Amsterdam and once again it did not dissapoint. I recommend a visit to Rembrantplein, this is a tram ride away but very nice. Full of bars, resturants and shops and also not far from the Flower Market. When returning to the Ibis our room was ready. The hotel and room was very clean and welcoming. The only disadvantage is the hotel is now 100% non-smoking you have to stand outside. Our room was a twin room facing the railway station. There was a bit of noise but not disturbing at bed time. There is also some construction going on as the hotel is being extended but that also did not cause a problem. The staff I found were excellent and very helpful. We did not return from the concert until very late (2am) so we were hungry. The staff told us we could have a pizza from the take-away they provide even though was only available till 1am. This was a godsend. They telephoned our room when it was ready. The breakfast was included in the price and we found it very good. Buffet style containing eggs, sausage, beans, fresh toast and much more... Overall I rate this hotel very highly and would stay here again (even though I am a smoker)

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