Amsterdam holiday apartment

Amsterdam was the 2nd stop on my June 2008 21-day Mother/Daughter Europe trip with my 16 year old daughter. We had beautiful weather there and 5 days in this centrally located apartment was just perfect to experience the unique character of Amsterdam.

Check-in at 8 pm was seamless; we walked from the train station and the owner showed us around (lives in the building so readily available for questions). We were pleasantly surprised that the apartment was 2-bedroom; the posted description was somewhat confusing so I thought both Royal Orange and Blue apartments were both 1-bedroom (one with King bed; other with two Twin beds); when in fact both apartments are identical 2-bedroom apartments. Thus, my daughter could have her own bedroom which allowed me to get up at dawn for coffee, enjoying the view of the canals while my teenager slept in. The apartment was more expensive than elsewhere we stayed during our trip; but it was wonderful to stay in such a historic apartment with superior views of canals from all windows and with such recent renovation - felt totally new (very clean and top of the line TV/appliances).

During our stay, Holland was in the semi-finals for Euro 2008 Soccer championship; so we were glad we had packed earplugs to allow us to get to sleep during all the impromptu car horns and cheering from cars/walkers on the busy Prins Hendrikkade road.

I would highly recommend this property - kitchen to cook most breakfasts/dinners, washing machine allowing us to pack light, wireless internet to stay in touch, and helpful on-site owner. Only items missing was access to phone (very few pay phones in Amsterdam, so our long-distance calling card was useless there and we didn't have a cell phone), and wished there had been a DVD player.

Recommended activities: St. Nicholas Boat club canal cruise (small boats to see the canals the way it is intended; less touristy; sign up in person at Boom Chicago Bar); Pancake Bakery restaurant in Jordaan area; Anne Frank Museum (buy your tickets in advance at any Tourist Information booth); Rent a bike. Mixed feelings on the Lindberg Day trip - loved getting out of the city to see fishing villages of Volendam/Marken; however it was the normal tour bus of 50 people type trips. The guide was excellent though.