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Amsterdam is very unusual city, compared with other European capitals, mostly because it's very compact and calm. The population of the Netherlands' biggest city, located in the province of North Holland in the west of the country, is only about 1.5 million people, including suburbs. The city has rich historical attractions and filled with unique museums, gorgeous examples of architecture and art galleries.
One of the perfect places to start when visiting Amsterdam is to view the city's most famous sightseeing - ancient canals, constructed in the early 17th century, during the Dutch Golden age. With 65 miles of canals, Amsterdam is the most watery city in the world. Known as the Grachtengordel, three channels form a concentric belt around the city. The Herengracht (Gentleman's Canal), is one of the major canals in the city, here are located many double-wide canal mansions, government embassies, and upscale top Amsterdam hotels. The Keizersgracht (Emperor's Canal) is the second and wide canal, located between the Herengracht and the Prinsengracht. Along the Prinsengracht (Prince's Canal') are located most interesting sights as Anne Frank Huis, Noorderkerk (Northern Church), the Noordermarkt (Northern Market), the Westerkerk (Western Church, Amsterdam's tallest church) with the Homomonument (Gay Monument).

Amsterdam hotel booking
Whether you prefer five-star hotel or simple room in hostel - there are plenty of Amsterdam hotel offers within various wonderful places from designed old historical buildings and fashionable houses to little B&Bs, youth hostels and sprawling budget Amsterdam hotels. Some of them overlook the gorgeous canals or green courtyards, some have an individual design.

When traveling on the budget, there are Amsterdam hotel deals offering beds for very affordable prices. First type is called Bed & Breakfast accommodation, which basically means renting a room in someone's private home, breakfast is usually home made and served in the common dining room. This option is a good cost-effective alternative to the ordinary hotel, especially for those, who want to experience Amsterdam family hospitality rather then usual hotel atmosphere. Best B&Bs are located by canals. Prices are up to €80.
One of the recommended places is Between Art & Kitsch B&B, located on the canal bank, at the edge of the Pijp, ideal location, within minutes from the museums. Rooms are on the third floor. The triple room is decorated in Baroque style, double room is in Art Deco 1920 style and views of the Rijksmuseum. Hosts are Irene and Ebo with Ruysdael the Jack Russell terrier. Alternative option is Maes B&B, located in a calm street between two canals: the Herengracht and the Keizersgracht, near to major tram-lines and next to Anne Frank House, the Rijksmuseum and other major sights. Both the Yellow and Red Rooms are located on the street side and have bathrooms ensuite and TV, no phones. An extended continental breakfast is served in the guest kitchen.

Cheap Amsterdam hotels, such as Party & Stoner Hotels are mostly suitable for young backpackers coming to the city to party as well as pot smokers. They offer very simple amenities, as TV, phone and bathrooms. Most of the youth hostels in Amsterdam are situated in the city centre and the prices vary from €17 to 30 per person.If you want to live in unusual place, then you can look for several houseboats. It will be definitely a new experience for you, as Amsterdam's residents specially equipped boats in this way turning them into a very comfortable place to spend wonderful vacation, paying quite reasonable rates. Some of the boats are stick in the quieter Western Canal Belt and Jordaan, where you're less likely to be disturbed by the wake of noisy tour boats. One of the places to stay in is Frederic's Rentabike & Houseboats. Frederic's good-equipped houseboats are located on the Prinsengracht, Brouwersgracht and Bloemgracht canals and are very comfortable to for spending wonderful holidays.

Captain's Place is set on a rebuilt ship, the Pas Meprese, in the former ore harbour of the Eastern Docklands. There are all of two rooms, both large and comfortably fitted out, with their own heated bathrooms. As the owner is a bit star-struck the quarters are dubbed Orion and Cassiopeia. The best part is the on-board garden for grazing (nice breakfast) and plain lazing, even in the foul Dutch weather because it has a sliding glass roof. Most Amsterdam hotels combine its fine architecture with luxurious facilities. Among the oldest and historic luxury Amsterdam hotels as Hotel Krasnapolsky and Amstel Hotel, established more than a hundred years ago, there are also international hotels, like Marriot and Amsterdam Hilton.

Facilities generally include air-conditioning, fitness centres, sometimes with small swimming pools, conference and banquet rooms, and business services. Breakfast is rarely included and can cost €20 or up. Prices for the luxury Amsterdam hotels are starting from €270 per night. Top-end Amsterdam hotels rates vary from €160 to €270. Expect personal service, in-room internet access, mini bars and room service. Most of the time, the price includes breakfast. Among recommended hotels are Fusion Suites, located in a minute's walk from the hustle of Museumplein, and nestled in a quiet tree lined street. These spacious suites go right off the comfort charts without being over the top. Four-poster beds with Cocomat mattresses, free-standing baths, flat-screen computers and TVs, and tasteful décor in Eastern earth tones are just a few reasons you may choose never to go out. Personal touches abound, such as vases of fresh flowers, international newspapers and tasty sweetjams at breakfast (€22).

Hotel Pulitzer is spread over 25 lovely canal houses and combines the big-hotel efficiency with boutique-hotel charm. Beautifully restored rooms vary from house to house, but all have mod cons galore, including sweet and cozy bathrooms. There are loads of extras too: choose from a cigar bar, an art gallery, private 75-minute canal cruises, garden courtyards and a wonderful restaurant, all high on elegance and low on pomposity.Midrange hotels mostly are big on comfort, low on formality and small enough to offer personal attention. Rooms generally have toilet and shower (and/or bath) and come with TV, phone and breakfast. Some hotels don't have lifts. Prices are from €80 to €160.

Recommended hotel is Hotel Luxer, is situated in the historical centre of Amsterdam, close to the Dame Squiare, Central Station and several museums. This is a best option among the three-star hotels. Rooms are small, but well equipped, have air-conditioning, and at night the breakfast area becomes a chic little bar. The only real drawback is the bathrooms, which are well thought out but miniscule.Hotel Residence Le Coin, is a shiny inn owned by the University of Amsterdam, which offers 42 small high-class apartments spread over seven historical buildings, all equipped with designer furniture, wood floors, wireless internet and kitchenettes and all reachable by lift. It's just a five-minute walk from the Nieuwmarkt. Staff is friendly and breakfast costs €9 per person.

Amsterdam is world's most bicycle-friendly city, so driving here is not recommended, and even strictly prohibited in the city center. However, if you decided to come by car, make sure to book a parking slot in advance, as there no free parking in the city. Some hotels do provide parking permits for guests, or recommend the nearest garage (up to €40 a day) which may be a fairy distance away. March thought October is the best period for visiting Amsterdam, as in March the fields in 30 miles from Amsterdam in famous Keukenhof gardens in Lisse, South Holland are turning into the blooming carpets, filled with narcissi and hyacinths and later tulips. So, just rent a bike and ride through the flower fields, enjoying the unforgettable sight. While Amsterdam hotel reservation you should remember: the cheapest prices to come here are from late October to early March, except for December. By the way, if you like to see how Amsterdam celebrates Koninginnedag or Queen's Day, come here on April, 30th to join the biggest festivities, welcoming up to million party-going visitors.