BEST WESTERN Blue Tower Hotel, Amsterdam

The staff was outstanding from the first minute I arrived. The room was very beautiful. Great flat-screen TV. This hotel is not 100% ready for busniess; it is new, and a work in progress. They are very proud of their place in a reviatlized neighbourhood. Not in a good area for exploration, but near good transit stations with easy access to everything you want to do. It's about a 18,00 Euro cab ride from the center. The breakfast was a little pricey, but worth it not to have find some other place. The bar has only 1 kind of beer, but at least it's a good one. There's a friendly neighbourhood bar just a block away; a KFC; some interesting ethnic restaurants; and a Domino's very close. There are computers in the lobby which made it easy to keep in touch with home. Bring plenty of clothes; the laundry is expensive. In a matter of days I felt like I was part of the neighbourhood. I had no problems, but it looked like it was a rough area. How rough can Amsterdam be? I had a wonderful time. I can't wait to come back soon. Of all the things about my trip, the hotel and the staff were the best part. Not only will I stay there again, this is the ONLY place I will stay in Amsterdam.