Cozy Jordaan canalhouse near Anne Frank House

The central location was convenient, about a 10-minute walk from Amsterdam Central Station, and the area was quiet at night, so we slept well. We stayed for two nights. Dragging our luggage from the station took us about 15 minutes. We’d come by bus from Belgium, but it didn’t stop at Schiphol Airport, so we had to get off at the next station. We kept the hotel staff updated about our arrival times at that station, Central Station, and then the hotel. When we finally arrived, the man waiting for us started shouting. He asked, “Did I tell you to ring the bell?” after accusing me of ringing it, then criticized our travel plans: “It's crazy to come from Belgium by bus. Why didn't you take the Eurostar?” He said the bus had made him late and kept him waiting. The manager then rushed through an explanation of the facilities, saying, “When you check out, leave your key and leave. Then look at the paper on the desk. My train is in 10 minutes.” He left after about a minute. That night the room was very cold. I asked through Booking.com how to turn on the central heating, but got no answer and spent the night cold. When I contacted them again the next day, they said they’d come to switch it on. I offered to be there so I could learn how to turn it on and off, but they came while we were out and turned it on without us. I never found out how to control it. There was a sign on the wall, not shown in the photo, asking guests to “Please use it with consideration for our operating costs.” It seems the central heating is controlled centrally, so guests can’t adjust it. This hotel seems focused on cutting its own costs, with no consideration for guests, and no intention of turning on the heat. What a rude and irresponsible manager.

The location suited us well, near the center even if not right in the middle, with Amsterdam’s lively bars and shops all around. We found vegan ramen and vegan bowls nearby. The furnishings were functional, and the shower was surprisingly modern. The apartment was drafty because the windows weren’t airtight. Smoke from someone outside came in even when the windows were closed, and the room was quite cold, reaching only 19°C. There was no kitchenette, just a basic set of dishes and cutlery, plus a kettle and capsule coffee machine. Nothing could be heated up, and washing dishes meant going to the bathroom. You reach the bathroom through a very cold hallway. Its heating worked only now and then, but it was tolerable. It was cold throughout, so slippers would’ve been a good idea.

It’s a residential building where you can rent a room through Booking. Fritz, who runs the building, is very friendly and accommodating. The place may not be the best you can find in Amsterdam, but for the location, room size and value for money, it’s excellent.

The apartment was just as shown in the photos, very clean, and had a large shower. A beautiful place that’s ideal for a stay.