Verdi

After a 15-hour international flight, exhausted and jet-lagged, I realized at the front desk that I had booked the wrong date by one day. I was in tears, but they still wouldn't cancel the room, which cost over $300 and was never used. I found that completely lacking in empathy. Amsterdam has hundreds of hotels, so choose another one. Don't stay here.

The shared bathroom and shower worked perfectly well for me. The location was very nice, and the woman working there made me feel welcome. I'd definitely recommend it.

My room smelled really bad, as if it had never seen daylight. I left my clothes in the locker and had to wash every single thing afterward because they picked up the smell. The hotel itself smelled awful too. Breakfast was very poor. The staff were strict, almost like we were at school, but they were helpful. The museums were close by.

I stayed for one day and felt very welcome and looked after. Hotel Verdi is on a peaceful residential street, with shops, cafes, bars, restaurants and lovely Vondelpark just a short walk away. The owners and staff are warm and helpful, happy to chat or carry bags up the steep Dutch stairs. They can also make a tasty, healthy breakfast if you ask the evening before. The rooms have the basics, including small but comfortable beds, a TV and a desk. Toilets and showers are shared, but I had no trouble with that setup and didn't even cross paths with other guests there. It helps keep the stay budget-friendly. A nice little refuge for a tired traveler in busy Amsterdam, and I'd happily recommend it.