The Times Hotel - Amsterdam, Netherlands 

Boutique Hotel with Flair
Posted: Thu, Jul 03 2008
We chose this hotel based on location and price. It's located in Centrum, on a canal, and within walking distance of all of the things we wanted to see again in Amsterdam. Furthermore, we prefer quirky hotels with personalities to sterile, chain hotels. This hotel definitely has personality. From the red and white downstairs lobby/check-in area/breakfast nook, to the half-flights of stair separating the rooms, to the rooms, some of which have murals recreating famous paintings on the wall. The staff was very friendly, offering us directions, suggestions, making us cappucinos, and even lending us an umbrella one rainy night. The rooms are small by US standards, and average by European standards. The double bed was just two twins pushed together, which tends to be the norm in Europe (unfortunately). The bathroom was quite small, but was designed so cleverly and so well, that it was fun to use. The room and bathroom were immaculate, totally spotless and quite new looking. The included breakfast doesn't have a lot of choices, you may be better off getting something at a nearby cafe. You can also book a room for a half-day (i.e., during a long layover) which is great. You can arrive early in the morning, crash for a few hours, shower, then wander about Amsterdam before your evening flight. We were so pleased with our first day, that we have used The Times Hotel in this fashion several times. We paid around $90 USD for our rooms, which was a great bargain for what we got.

a quirky little hotel
Posted: Thu, May 01 2008
Just back from 3 days in Amsterdam and found the Times Hotel excellent. A 12 minutes walk from Central station. Very well situated. On Herrencracht canal, which is beautiful and very peaceful. Small rooms, comfortable bed, very well appointed bathroom, adequet breakfast (?10) We would certainly go back. A visit at this time of year to Keukenhof and the bulb and flower fields is well wotrhwhile and we also enjoyed a canal dinner cruise.

Amazing!
Posted: Sat, Mar 08 2008
I don't understand the negative reviews here. I thought the hotel ticked all the right boxes... excellent location, great friendly staff, reasonably priced and clean. We stayed on the fourth floor with lovely views of the canal. The room was small but all you needed for a weekend break. The shower was clean and nicely designed. I loved the fact that it was set in an old building but that the interior had a modern funky feel - leaving it cosy yet stylish. The old masters wallpaper gave it an added cheeky and fun flavour. We paid 180 euro (approx £133) for two nights which I think is a bargain considering the location etc. I don't generally post on this site because I find the reviews none representative (usually a forum for those who want to complain) but I couldn't let those people considering this excellent hotel miss it!