Hotel V - Amsterdam, Netherlands 

We recently stayed at the Hotel V in amsterdam during our 14 day europe backpacking tour. First i have to say it is the most expensive hotel we have stayed at during the entire trip (124 euro). I did not realize how expensive hotels in amsterdam are if you don't want to stay in a hostel (hostels in amsterdam are a little shady if your not single and wasted.) Anyway, the hotel itself is located just outside of city center, not neccessarily a bad thing. There is a tram stop just at the corner so it is ver accesable, i believe Tram #4. More importantly when you are not completely with it after midnight the night bus is #355. The entrance to the hotel is a flight of steps that leads you to the lobby with a nice reception area. I guess the lobby person thought we were fit so she stuck us on the 4th floor. Typical amsterdam style, steep stairs that curve around. The room itself was pretty nice. The decor is very 70's with large cushions and weird looking furniture that has no purpose. The bed i have to say sucked. It was two twin beds pushed together, with wheels on a hardwood floor. Needless to say if you are with your significant other, over time there will be a big hole between two beds perfect to fall into. It was quite annoying. The bathroom was nice with a decent shower and good water pressure. The absolute best thing about the hotel is that it is quiet. In addition they provide a fan which is also nice. Overall its a decent hotel. The price is very elevated, but it is at par with most of the other hotels in amsterdam. The distance from the city center is not really as bad as some have made it, i believe its actually better in a way if you are looking for a quite place to sleep.

I stayed two nights at hotel V. They tried to make it as a boutique hotel, but I can say that I stayed in much better three/four star boutiqe hotels in the world. There's nothing wrong with the hotel, but actually there is nothing special. PRICE: I payed 75 euros/night for small single room. Ok price. ROOM: It was small (expeted, as I payed for small one), with balcony (poor view), nice bed but small and average bathroom. LOCATION: It's good for short stay, as you need only 5-10 minutes by tram to train station (RAI) and than 10-15 minutes to airport. But, it's not in the centre and you need 15-20 minutes by tram to the center. Nothing special in the neighbourhood, few average restaurants and the market. I heard famous "vienna massage" bordel is nearby. INTERNET: Free fast wireless is a big plus for this hotel. You get a password on the front desk. There is also satelite tv with the pay per view option (you need to buy an extra package with remote for a cheap price) HOTEL INTERIER: Very difficult steps to reach the floors (no elevator). Hard for people with many luggage. It's like in some old building where you have to battle with all those sharp steps. Front desk loby is nicely decorated, but that's all. BREAKFAST: Included in price. Again, nothing special, I've seen better. Some cheese, butter, ham, marmelade, crispy, milk, juice and coffee or tea. OVERALL: I am not impress, but for that price in Amsterdam you really don't need to be impressed with hotel like this. Sometimes you have to be satisfied with an average accomodation, because there are many worse hotels in this city for this price.