Late Arrival = Super LOW Price!

We were fortunate to be sent to this hotel by Centraal Station's Information Booth helper and were even given a super low rate due to the lateness of the hour (after 7 PM). This occurred around June 1, 2003.

We had an unexpected overnight stay in Amsterdam trying to reach our connecting flight to Houston (from Nice). Due to yet another French Air Traffic Controller strike, the KLM flights departing Nice were either stopped or became overbooked. So, in order to catch the one flight per day to Houston, our strategy became to depart Nice, France in the afternoon and spend that evening and the next day in Amsterdam exploring. The frustration of the Nice Airport debacle and delays turned to joy when we arrived at this splendid hotel centrally located with great views and an imposing historic facade. Even the hotel desk clerk was amazed at the low price offered to us by the Information Booth! They must have a deal set up with certain hotels for rooms that night when travelers arrive after 7 PM. A beautiful room, comfy big bed, incredible spa tub and luxury toiletries awaited us -- we even hated to leave the next morning to explore Ams'dam! But the lovely weather and Van Gogh Museum beckoned...

Excelent Hotel in Amsterdam

Twenty minutes brisk walk away from the Centraal Station, and just inside the first ring canal, opposite to the Flower Market. Excellent hotel, brilliant location (we really lucked out), medium-sized room, very nice people, with good English. Hotel appears to be recently upgraded, but clerk indicated that they were waiting for approval to do just that. Can't say why. No air-con - none needed in September. Would definitely return. Got an Expedia rate of CAN$200 per night in September 2004.

Great Location and charm, at a price

Like another reviewer, we also stayed at the Doelen in late July 2004. It is excellently located. I loved the Cafe De Jaren

being virtually next door. The views from our room were postcard-perfect. The room was a decent size but a bit expensive (as is most of Amsterdam). The physical hotel, however, is a bit creaky. When checking in, no non-smoking rooms were available, so we opted to spend an extra $55 US to upgrade. The front desk staff varied from a very sharp afternoon female manager at ease with multi-tasking, to a duller morning gentleman who inadvertently charged a $50 deposit from the safe key deposit instead of removing it, which made it a $100 mistake. We were ready to jump in the cab, luckily my husband spotted the error. Also, after repeatedly asking about a $20 shuttle to the airport, a private taxi was called which ended up costing approx $60, which took us by surprise. We should not complain, however, as on account of a scheduling conflict on our final night, we were given an upgrade to their honeymoon suite at no extra cost, which we thoroughly enjoyed. So, we loved it... with reservations.

Great Location

I stayed at the NH Doelen July 16-18, 2004 with my husband. It is a beautiful hotel. It is in a great location and the room was a good size (eg there was a small sitting area with 2 chairs). It was so nice to sit in the room and have morning coffee with the lovely view of the canals from the room. The wallpaper was peeling in the corner but in all the hotel and the room were great. I would stay there again.

The Best

NH Doelen was absolutely wonderful. Great views-lovely room-very european and romantic. The staff was helpful and willing to take the time to give directions to the tourist finding their way. It is situated in a great spot away from the noise but walking and train ride from everthing. Like much of Amsterdam the outside of the hotel is like living in Disneyland-incredible architecture. Hope to stay there every visit to Amsterdam.

My Favorite Hotel in Amsterdam

I have made many trips to Amsterdam over the last 6 years, and, except once, have always managed to book the Doelen. I have always had at least a waterfront room and on my longest stay they gave me a small suite wrapping around the corner of the building. I had 4 huge double windows in the suite, 2 looking down a canal to a church. 1 looking down a charming street and 1 overlooking the Amstel River. If Amsterdam is the quintessence of old European charm, the Doelen is the most charming and perfectly located hotel in the city. It has its little quirks and imperfections but it has a non-commercial homey feel. I was so thrilled with my sunny little suite that I went immediately to the flower market and filled it with flowers. I must have borrowed every vase in the building until every flat surface and all the window sills were blooming. The staff were great and I felt spoiled as though they were my personal servants. I awoke one morning to the sounds of church bells and horses hooves and could watch boats gliding on the canal and river from my room. The hotel shares its magical spot on the Amstel with its far more expensive neighboring hotel, the Europe, and they both benefit from immediate proximity to De Jaren, the most charming cafe restaurant in Europe. When a long time Amsterdamer visited the suite, he declared "It doesn't get any better than this!" With all that said, if I owned the hotel I would embark on a refurbishment and enrichment of the interior decor of the rooms and public areas, hopefully without having to raise prices too much. The hotel, while already a gem, just needs the touch of good interior designer with a sensitivity to the classic qualities of the building. I wish the owners and the staff all the best as they are viewed by me as family.

Great View, Good Price

My fiance and I stayed here over Christmas of 2002. The hotel is close to the action, centrally located, and offered us a great view of Amsterdam's unique architecture and canals. The room was adequately sized, the bathroom was nicely lined in marble tile and up-to-date. The room was a little dingy, but clean--although we had to push two twins together in our room. Great window that actually openned to let in fresh air. I would recommend it to anyone looking for good location, good rooms, and good price.

A decidedly mixed bag

Recently sold by the Golden Tulip chain (along with the Schiller and a few others in Amsterdam) the Doelen is now the NH Doelen. It's a grand old building, but definitely faded (stained carpet in room, cig burns in curtains, flea market tables and lamps.) On the upside, its location is superb and the amazing canal-view rooms (one of which I happened to get) make up for a multitude of other sins. Not the greatest value for money, tho.

VERY NICE HOTEL WOULD STAY AGAIN

Looked like a hotel for business people. Grand staircase. Nice clean rooms. I like that they had safes in the room. Going back to Amsterdam and staying at the Doelen again..Just remember Golden Tulip Doelen not just Golden Tulip if you get lost and catch a cab he will tell you that there are quite a few Golden Tulip.

Absolutely Wonderful

This hotel is absolutely grand. Perfect location in Amsterdam for walking the city. Canal view rooms that are charming and comfortable with lovely updated bathrooms. The staff were very friendly and helpful. The price is right. We would definitely recommend this hotel and will return to it on our next trip. May 2003