Prinsengracht Studio

We noticed the date error the same day we booked: Booking.com had selected December 12-14 instead of December 19-21. We weren't trying to cancel, just move the stay by a weekend because of the system mistake. The hotel wouldn't change it, saying the reservation was non-refundable. Booking.com contacted them and tried to help, but got the same refusal. When I called myself, a very rude woman answered, “WHAT?” as if I didn't deserve basic respect. They showed no flexibility or willingness to help. It's honestly the worst attitude I've ever encountered. This woman was working the 10 p.m. shift on Friday, November 27. She's not a manager, but speaks as though she's in charge.

The rooms are spacious enough and fine, with views over the canals. The bathrooms are on the tiny side, though. It's a nicely located, central hotel near public transport, and the breakfast is great.

For more than 20 years, this hotel has been my haven in my favorite city in the world. It has held onto its charm and stayed affordable throughout all that time. The staff are warm and helpful, and many have worked there for decades. The location is wonderful: just outside the tourist zone, but you can walk to everything. If you're coming to Amsterdam, especially for your first visit, I think you'll be very, very happy here. I've added some of my favorite photos of the nearby neighborhood.

Bedbugs! We stayed in two different rooms and ended up spending our whole holiday dealing with it. We had to spend almost €2000 cleaning and replacing our luggage, twice. In Amsterdam, we lost two days of sightseeing because we had to stay in our new hotel, and then the same thing happened in England. We spent five days washing clothes, sorting through our things, and throwing belongings away. It was awful. The hotel won't respond or pay almost €2000. BEDBUGS!!!!