last minute hotel in Amsterdam

[chefjer]

We're flying space available, so we aren't sure until the last minute when we'll arrive. We're catching a cruise from Amsterdam, so we will need a hotel near the port/central station when we arrive. Is there a kiosk in the airport or central station where we can find a safe, clean, inexpensive place to spend the night?

[Host Bonjour]

Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam has everything (including a hotel, only for use by flying passengers - but that might work for you) in it but there is not a referral service to hotels. The airport website actually suggests booking online (LOL) and another link for a hotel listing that was not working. There are of course, many hotels that run their own shuttles to/from many hotels and a special shuttle that makes stops to many hotels. So what I did was instead look for hotels near the ship port and have a link to that site for you. http://www.hotels-n-europe.com/port/of-amsterdam.html However, since most hotels require advance (are you traveling during peak season??) reservations BUT if it is not peak season, you are likely to perhaps just make a few calls to find an available hotel near the port.

Since I am not sure about this hotel IN the airport and it's "for flying guests only" policy but it's the Hotel Mercure and it might apply to you since you are arriving via standby flight and so perhaps you can stay there one night (you can definitely have a shower and freshen up there for 12 Euros) before either going from the airport to the port, or, to another hotel if need be.

I'm guessing maybe you work for the airlines re: flying standby (my friend worked for American and at this moment, I can't remember what she used to do; another is a pilot but I think he gets priority because his flight schedule generally dictates that he is where he needs to be) and are used to this. Are you trying to get to AMS one day before the cruise or two days? If this cruise is like others (not a cruiser!) it probably departs late afternoon...I watch them leave NY Harbor all the time! Flights to Europe typically take off early evening and one lands the next morning....but there are other options. I imagine there are any number of possible scenarios for you and that's not counting check-in, check-out times.

Nevertheless, I would scan through the link, write down the hotels that appeal most to you so that when you arrive, you're more likely to get into one that suits your needs. Again, during peak season and that port hotels are probably always busy since European Cruises very often start out of Amsterdam, it might be a challenge so flexibility might be the key. For example, staying at an Airport Hotel (near the airport, not the one in the airport) and then taking either a port shuttle, train or taxi to the embarkation point. It might all depend upon the timing of when you arrive.

Amsterdam airport is filled with many wonderful things and it is the 4th largest airport in Europe after Heathrow, Paris CDG and Frankfurt.

I am sure it will all work out and you'll have a lovely holiday!!

[chefjer]

Thank you for the prompt and informative visit. I think we'll make a reservation for the night before the cruise and make do if we have to arrive before that. Thanks .

[Host Bonjour]

Well if you arrive the day before, which makes great sense, there are a few easy things you can do, if you're not terribly jet-lagged, in Amsterdam, depending upon the timing. My father was simply in heaven just renting a bike and riding around this "Northern Venice" (also, St Petersburg, Russia carries that distinction) with all it's canals and bridges; canal boat tours are also wonderful and maybe easier to relax than cycling. Maybe visit Anne Frank House, the Rijksmuseum housing many of the Dutch Masters including Rembrandt, Vermeer and many others; there's also the Van Gogh museum. Simply walking around and exploring is also a nice option - get lost because you really can't get lost, much like Venice - or plan a picnic in Vondelpark.

Just some options for you before boarding your cruise. I hope it is a very wonderful vacation