Wonderful every time...

My wife and I have stayed here three times, and each stay has been wonderful. We have always been treated with great care, though the service is not cloying. We hate it when people are "in your face" all the time, saying "Hello" or whatever, just for the sake of appearing to be "service oriented."

The staff has, at least twice, gone out of their way to help us. Once, they let us use an office computer when we desperately needed to do so business-related work and once a Front Desk clerk helped me repair a suitcase -- at 5:00 in the morning. I know that doesn't sound like much in print, but they really did go to great lengths to make sure we got what we needed.

Our rooms have always been great. Perhaps we've paid more for larger rooms, but we've always found them fantastic. One that we like in particular has two floor, with the bath and bedroom up, and a sitting room down below, with a window out onto the canal.

One poster mentioned AC and I don't recall any problems with it -- but seasoned travellors to Europe know that it's wise to ask about AC when booking, as it is not as ubiquitous as in the US, particularly in more northern nations.

Looks better than it is.

Although the buildings are quit beautifull the hotel is quit crappy.

They charge you first class prices but offer you third class facilities! My room was small and overlookes a brick wall!!! There is no a/c and the staff was totally uninterested. Breakfast was expensive.

During my stay I met a few nice italian girls in the hotel who were charged less than a quarter of the amount that I was charged!! Do not go to the Ambassade!

An unpleasant surprise in a very comfortable hotel

Very well located in Amsterdam and very comfortable. Some minor deficiencies: not enough pillows, towels small and thin. Staff is polite and helpful but not especially warm, complaints are not well accepted. On the whole close to high quality hotels like "Relais et Chateaux" but not quite at the same standard of excellency. Big problem: all double rooms are proposed at the same price whether they have a view or not and no information on the room is provided at the time of booking. For about 200 I was given a room on the back of the hotel with a small window facing a blind wall at 2m distance. I was not informed beforehand of this peculiarity. Otherwise I would have chosen another hotel. I spent the night "at the bottom of a well" feeling slightly claustrophobic. Amazing and totally unacceptable for an hotel of that category and price! My advice: Do insist to know exactly which room will be given to you before deciding to book in that hotel. Otherwise you may have an unpleasant surprise.

Ideal Spot for a Relaxed Weekend

We stayed at the Ambassade in July 2003 (recommended by the Canal House, which was full) and were very impressed all round. The service was very good (excellent in the dining room).The hotel has a great feel as they seem to have struck the right balance in creating a relaxed informal atmosphere with responsive service if you need anything.I would agree that the rooms are adequate, rather than luxurious, particularly when compared to the public areas of the hotel.However, there can't be too many hotels in Amsterdam that provide location, charm and tranquility at a reasonable price.

A good experience

Our 2-night stay was in a double room, second floor, balcony with view on the canal. we had a great time, and beginning each day with such a nice breakfast in a nice environment was an enjoyment. room was small, with OK furnishing. for those looking for a quiet "medium-budget" boutique hotel, for charm, or for a romantic spot for a weekend, this is the place.

Hot as Heck

We stayed at the Ambassade summer 2001 and had a two story suite at $325 per night. The furniture was shabby; the carpet was worn and green shag (a la 1970) and the whole suite was cramped and small. Making matters worse, Amsterdam was HOT (over 90 deg F) and this suite had neither fans nor was it air-conditioned. I found this inexcusable at over $325 per night. We did stay one night, left to sightsee the next day (after an unpleasant sleep) and returned to find the air inside the suite stifling. It was hotter inside than out. I went to the desk, and asked for a fan at the very least, and was told by the manager that his house was hot too. Frankly I didn't care about his house, and he doesn't pay $325 per night (in Guilders at the time). Hee also had the audacity to tell me that he cannot control the heat. I responded that he CAN control guests' comfort and they need to knock a hole in the wall of that suite and get an a/c in there!

We checked out that night and moved to the Marriott, at less than 1/2 the price with a full dining room, health club, newspaper delivery, room service, and a staff that couldn't cater to us enough. I truly enjoy staying in local hotels with local color, but between the severe heat, the dated and shabby suite and the attitude of the help, we were much happier in the American Style Marriott for the last days of our trip.

OK, but not thrilled

I felt so-so about this hotel. The dining area and the common areas were beautiful, but I was not crazy about my room. I had one at street level and I found it to be dark and dreary. I thought the amount of money I spent was more than the room was worth. I would rather stay at the Canal House Hotel.

The Ambassade Rules

The Ambassade Hotel is a wonderful place to stay. The room was large with a sitting area, high ceilings, wonderful bathrooms and roomservice 24 hours. They have a breakfast in a lovely room overlooking the canal which is a bit pricey but worth it especially with the atmosphere and view.

They have free internet access (2 computers) in a little room for hotel guests. The hotel staff is very helpful.

Great bargain in an expensive city

Whenever I am in Amsterdam (once yearly) I always stay at the Ambassade. It was about the 5th hotel I tried in the city and it is by far the best "value for money" to be had in the city. If you are agile and don't mind walking up stairs the rooms on the top floors are spectacular (I usually request room #18). Great location, great ambiance, and a short walk to where the KLM shuttle bus stops (if you need to get to or from the airport). Breakfast is no big deal, but so what.

Luxury for a (fairly) Low Price

I enjoyed this hotel, located on the Herengracht canal. For about 145 Euro (including a fantastic Dutch breakfast in the drawing room each morning), I stayed in a room overlooking one of the canals. The staff was extremely attentive and helpful. The best part of this place is the spa called Koan Float.

They offer saline float tanks for an unusual relaxation experience! Followed by an hour-long massage if you wish. The location is perfect: a few minutes' walk to all you'd want to see.