Asterisk Hotel - Amsterdam, Netherlands 

The two of us stayed at this hotel from May 13-15, 2008. It is a short tram ride away from Centraal Station and is located in a quiet part of town. The hotel itself occupies a number of buildings. The room we stayed in was not in the same building as the concierge. Our room was on the top floor (5th?). To access it, we had to climb a narrow, winding staircase with steep steps. Our room was fairly large and had a beautiful, large window that was on the back of the hotel and faced neighbours' gardens. The room was clean, simple, and comfortable. The bathroom contained a shower, but not a tub. We were both amazed at how quiet the surrounding area was. We slept with the window wide open and were not disturbed once. The room did not have air conditioning. The breakfast was basic (juice, yoghurt, cereal, milk, toast, cheese, cold cuts, coffee, tea) and did the trick! The front desk staff were helpful and courteous. The vending machine contained beer, which was handy, as the room did not come with a fridge. The hotel is close to the arts district, lots of restaurants, and a few shops. It's about a 20 minute walk up toward the more tourist-oriented centre. We enjoyed the walk and the fact that we didn't have to sleep in that area. ;-)

Positives were friendly and helpful staff, an adequate continental breakfast, proximity to some of the many Amsterdam museums and restaurants, clean rooms with adequate space (we were in what is titled a deluxe double with en suite). Negatives were a lack of hot water one morning (cold shower brrrr), a sink that drained verrrry slowly and being a little further from the centre of Amsterdam than I would prefer, but I knew that when I booked so tough! Price is also a negative for me as it was expensive for what it was, but then that is only in comparison with almost every other city I have stayed in. Given Amsterdam prices it was a bargain. Stairs are very steep, but I found them more amusing than a problem. Thank goodness for the poky wee lift as it would have been a nightmare lugging luggage up and down the stairs!