Review Botel: Slumber on the Rhythm of Waves

Amsterdam Botel is a large moored boat in Amsterdam noord (north). It takes about 30 minutes to get to or from the centre and involves taking a ferry. Taxis from the city centre to Amsterdam north charge € 35 – 40. The Botel runs a hotel shuttle bus.

The rooms of this 3-star hotel are basic with a small wardrobe, some extra hangers and blankets and just enough space to move about. The shower is a tight fit, no place to put toiletries but this is made good by the shower/shampoo dispenser on the wall. Hairdryers can be rented at reception at a deposit of €10. No tea/coffee making facilities are provided, but these are rarely found in Dutch hotels. A TV with Dutch, Belgian, German channels and BBC1 and 2 will entertain you when you are in your room.

The Botel bar serves snacks and cold drinks and is open until 1 am. Room rates range from € 89 for a single, double or twin to € 119 for a triple. Canal view adds an extra € 5 to the rates. Breakfast at € 10 is not included and consists of a constant supply of continental and full English breakfast selections.

When you get back in the evening and you haven’t eaten, there is only a limited choice of restaurants in the neighbourhood.

* Restaurant Pollux, NSDM Pier 6. Lunch € 15 – 25, dinner € 25 – 40. Closed on Mondays.

* IJ Kantine Noorderlicht, Mt Ordinaweg 15, Dutch and international cuisine, also take-away. Three-course menu: € 28

Amstel Botel

How to get to Botel from Schiphol Airport

At Schiphol Airport the train station and ticket office are clearly signposted.

Take a train to Amsterdam Centraal Station (every 15 mins)

At Centraal Station follow the signs to Amsterdam Noord.

When leaving the station, cross the road and on your left is the ferry boat. The destination board says; NDSM-WERF.

The ferry takes 10 mins to cross and runs every 15 mins until 7.45 pm, then every 30 mins until 00.45 am.

The ferry leaves you at 200m from the Botel

More information on PlanetEye: Amstel Botel