Amsterdam 2007

IBIS Stoperra (sp?)

5  mins walk to metro at Waterlooplein so easy to get to/from start and central station

Good size room but only shower.

buffet breakfast but no porridge

No kettle in room so not able to make your own tea/coffe/porridge in you room

Friday and Saturday rates more than rest of week

No single rooms so not so value for single travellers

Chose this one because you know what you will get with a large chain and have read some horror stories on other websites.

Thanks guys I am taking notes, its a while off but it would be nice to go somewhere different.

Many thanks

If you'd like an apartment, the best place to look is here:

http://www.expatriates.com/classifieds/amst/vr/

Various prices and locations to suit your budget.

Advantages of apartments:

*Flexibility and comfort.

*Feel more at home - feel more like a local.

*Can sort your own food - porridge in the morning and pasta in the evening.

*Can be cheaper than hotels.

*There are usually interesting extras like guidebooks, games, videos/dvds, novels and magazines. Plus useful stuff like bottle openers and cork screws for when you raid the local off licence. 

Advantage of hotel over apartment

*A bar on the premises.

*Meals cooked and served.

*Very short stay.

*Late night arrival.

*Booking on the same day. 

Caught me out last year, remember roads likely to be shut after finish, as half is still running.  I was lucky and only had to walk for about half hour to get back to my hotel after finishing!

If I run again will pack somthing warm for after!