Amazing views of the river!
I must begin by saying, however, that NOT ALL ROOMS WILL HAVE A RIVER VIEW! We just got incredibly lucky and managed to get one... and I must say, it truly did add to our experience!
* ENTRY *
To enter the building, you will need to buzz the owner and he will open the door for you. Once you have checked in, he will give you a 6-digit code that will allow you to open the door on your own. There is no curfew, so you do not need to worry about making it back home at a certain time.
* NO SMOKING *
Like most hotels, this is a NON SMOKING HOTEL! If you are caught violating this simple rule you will be immediately checked out and I believe you'll need to pay a fine as well. Don't risk it. It's not worth it when there are plenty of places that allow you to smoke in their shops.
* ABOUT THE OWNER / B&B *
The owner of the b&b lives upstairs so if you have any questions you can always ask him if he's in the reception or if he's in his room. It would be best to call as I don't know which room he is in exactly. He's incredibly helpful and even suggested some sightseeing despite having been there already, and gave us a map for us to peruse. Amstel Riverview is close to the Bloom Flower Market, the Metro station (51, 53, and 54 lines) as well as the Tram stations 3 and 4.
* SHARED AMENITIES *
Each floor will have a shared bathroom and toilet. These are, however, separated so you will not be stuck waiting for somebody if you need to do your business and someone is in the shower! There is a hair dryer on each floor but please return it as it is also a shared amenity.
There will also be a kitchen with a fridge, electric stove, microwave, and cupboards with cooking and dining utensils to use at your disposal. While I had no problem leaving some of my food in the fridge and freezer, I wouldn't recommend it as you never know who might find themselves partaking in a midnight snack! There is also a strict quiet period between 10pm and 8am as the buttons for the microwave are incredibly loud!
They have a laundry facility (1 washer and dryer on the second floor for 9€) that you will need to tell the owner if you are interested in using it. I didn't get a chance to use it since I was too busy sightseeing, but it is definitely a plus to have this if you are backpacking! There is also detergent and fabric softener but NO dryer sheets.
* IN-ROOM AMENITIES *
You'll find a flat screen tv with limited channels, a 3-chest drawer, either a double bed or two twin beds, a nightstand in the center of the beds with a safe deposit box you can program yourself, some chairs, and some plug outlets.
If you have a balcony view, you'll also have two additional chairs outside. Remember: no smoking includes the balcony!
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Overall, my boyfriend and I enjoyed our stay here. Though the stairs were incredibly steep and tiny, the doors too loud and rickety (please just use WD-40), and the wooden boards too creaky, it was a great first experience and I would certainly come back here! read more