The Beautiful Canals in Amsterdam

I am in love with Amsterdam! I used to say that about Paris but when I saw the beauty of Amsterdam last year, I have been in awe.

I have always dreamt of visiting The Netherlands even when I was a young kid. I think I was only 5 years old when I made my bucket list of places to visit. Of course, that piece of paper where all this "wanderlust" nature started has been long gone, in my heart and soul, I know what they are.

Visiting Amsterdam last year for my birthday was something I have only dreamt about. So, you can imagine my amazement when I actually saw the canals in the beautiful city of Amsterdam in person. My friend and I were both awe-struck, to say the least. All we could utter was, "so pretty!" And yes they are!

Do you know why The Netherlands has plenty of canals? The country is below sea level. They need a robust irrigation system to divert the water out of the country through the canals to prevent flooding. The canals have been around since 17th century.  In Amsterdam, the canals reaches more than a hundred kilometres when combined and they are now used as ways to travel.

A view of the flower market in Amstel

This is near the Amsterdam Central Station

One of the beautiful canals in Amsterdam

This is near Hotel The Bird where we stayed in Amstel. 

Review - ibis budget Hotel Amsterdam at Badhoevedorp

This is the first time I have ever booked a hotel near the airport and also the first time to be in Netherlands after many years of planning, cancelling, planning and finally really going. I am very happy with this decision to book a night's stay near the airport as my friend and I were first timers in Netherlands and we didn't know the place yet. Arriving at night is also one of the great factors I have considered when I chose this hotel at Badhoevedorp area just few kilometres away from the Amsterdam Schiphol International Airport.

As usual, I always book my hotels at Booking.com and I get good rates because of their "secret deals" offered to subscribers. I am glad I have booked in advance because hotels in Netherlands are fully booked now until summer.

The ibis budget Hotel Amsterdam is a very nice and cozy hotel just near the airport. It is part of the ibis/Accor hotels chain. Here are my feedback about this quaint hotel but good enough to satisfy a comfortable stay.

The hotel offers 200 budget rooms, all equipped with flat TV, phone, and toilet/shower and free wi-fi all throughout the building. It also has wheelchair access for those with disability.



What I like:
The fast check in and check out. It didn't take us more than 5 minutes to be checked in. Check out was super breeze! I just had to inform the staff I was checking out because my friend and I already paid the stay upon check in.

The staff are all friendly, from the shuttle bus driver, to the check-in/out staff, to the housekeeping staff. Everyone was willing to give us a hand in carrying our luggages down the fire exit staircase when the power went off in the whole of Amsterdam last 27 March. Even the lady concierge staff offered to assist me with my luggage while I was going down the stairs. I declined because I didn't want to inconvenience her since I could manage but the fact that she didn't only ask me, she also asked the others going down the staircase that time. The other staff offered to help other guests too with their luggages. Also, they were all friendly and offered help when needed. I just felt so special in that place.

The bed! Oh the bed is ultra comfortable! It's not too soft nor hard for my back. I had a good night's sleep. I requested a twin bed but my friend and I were given 1 big double with a single bunk bed on top. Actually, a family with 2 kids or 3 adults can stay in the room.

The shower area is clean.

The apple green wall! Yes, I liked the colour a lot because it's soothing and relaxing for me. It may seem to be odd for some but I find it nice.

The location. It is just a mere 7-10 minutes drive from the airport.

There is a free shuttle bus that picks up guests from the Amsterdam Schiphol airport to and from and it runs every 15-20 minutes. There is a timetable in the bus stop designated for ibis budget/ibis Hotel guests just across Sheraton. There is also a timetable in the hotel lobby.

There is a free wifi. Since our room is only at the 2nd floor, we didn't have any issue on the connection. It was fast and okay.

We paid for a buffet breakfast for only €7 each. I am not sure if that is cheap by European standard but the breakfast consists of several choices of freshly baked breads, cereals, yogurts, cold cuts, sausages, coffee/tea/juices and cheese, spreads and butter.

The big flat TV affixed on the wall so it didn't obstruct anything.

Has access for wheelchair

Has vending machine in the lobby if you need a late night snack and drink.

Pets are allowed.

What I don't like:
The toilet. Well, this is the first time I have seen a toilet that is separated from the shower area in the bathroom. I found it very unsanitary to use the toilet with just the tissue to use and no water hose to clean myself up afterwards. I literally have to get up and move to the shower room with a frosted glass door to fully wash myself or use the sink outside, near the bed. Hmmm, I don't know why the set up was like that. The hotel could have just made 1 small cubicle and placed the toilet side by side the shower area with the wash basin inside too. Just thought the set up was so weird and very unsanitary. The shower room's door does not have a lock.

(no lock in the shower area and the door is just a frosted glass...not much coverage)

The lighting was not as bright as the other hotels I have been to. The lights in the room were sufficient but not bright.

The windows can be opened which I find not good for security reasons. It was good to open the window probably during summer because I didn't notice if there was any air condition unit in the room. So, it must be okay to have a window that opens during summer.

There's no closet which makes sense because the room is not very big.

The shower area does not have any hook where you can hang your towel.


Room type:
Standard room with 1 double bed and bunk bed

Meal option:
None but you can avail of the €7 buffet breakfast

Price:
€49 (excluding taxes) per room per night from Booking.com

Nearby attraction:
Haarlem
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport
Amsterdam City Centre (approx 8 kms. from the hotel)

My recommendation: 4 out of 5

I find this hotel a good one to stay for shorter period of time because it's clean, quiet, away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. It offers free shuttle from and to the airport which can save you money. I like how nice and friendly the staff were and I felt really welcomed in this property.

I do recommend this to families, business travellers, solo travellers and even for couples. It is also great for those who cannot leave their fur babies behind as they accept pets. I actually saw a cute dog being walked at the parking area by one of the guests of the hotel. I didn't realise then that they allow pets in the hotel.

ibis budget Hotel Amsterdam is located at Schipholweg 1851171 PK - Badhoevedorp, Netherlands.


If you wish to book this property, please check availability and the very competitive rates (subject to change without prior notice) offered in Booking.com. Also, don't forget to ask about their pet policy before you book as it may change.


Search for hotels and rates here:   Booking.com

Disclosure:
This hotel review is my personal review. I have paid for this stay and in no way sponsored by the property nor Booking.com. I love to book via Booking.com because I always find a very competitive rate or great deals when compared to other booking sites. My opinion is 100% mine and may vary from yours.

Amsterdam’s Top 3 High-End Eateries

Photo credit: tanamatales.com but I added text

Amsterdam is one of the best places to take a weekend break, not only because of the liberal and relaxed nature of the Dutch people, but mainly due to the fact that there’s so much to see and do! From cafés and canals to amazing architecture and exciting culture, Amsterdam is a must-visit city this summer, and as the capital of Holland, it certainly lives up to its reputation.

Offering mesmerising beauty, world-renowned coffee shops, art galleries, live music, street acts, bicycles and so much more, there’s never been a better time to visit Amsterdam. One of the best things about the city is the amazing food, and there are vibrant and diverse restaurants, pubs and bars around every corner.

Considering the size of the city, Amsterdam packs one hell of a punch, and because it attracts millions of tourists, the food industry has to be on its best game all year round. Let’s take a look at some of the best high-end restaurants in Amsterdam.

1.     La Oliva

If you like wine, stunning décor, Basque-style tapas, and generally a great night, then La Oliva is the place for you. This fantastic restaurant can be found in Egelantiersstraat in the heart of the city, and with main meals costing around 20 euros, you certainly get a lot for your money here. One of this restaurant’s special dishes is something called pintxos, a selection of bread-based delights with various toppings and flavours.

If you’re looking for something a little more filling, then there is a full European menu on offer, including succulent steak, homemade chips, great pies and a variety of pasta dishes. Furthermore, the wine list is also extensive, meaning you can simply come to La Oliva for a quiet drink.

2.     Beddington’s

Named after the head chef and owner, British-born Jean Beddington, this restaurant is a joy to behold. After opening her first restaurant in 1983 in Amsterdam city centre, Jean used her worldly experience – including influences from her time in Japan, England and other parts of Europe – to create Beddington’s.

As one of the most creative and stylish digs in Amsterdam, this restaurant can be found hidden down a quiet side road, away from all the hustle and bustle of the tourist hubs of the city. If you’re looking for signature dishes to try out, then the sweet potato mash is the one for you – with the spuds freshly grown in Jean’s own private plot.

Due to its clientele, which are mostly business types, prices are a little steep, however well worth it. Overspending on your accommodation is also much wiser than overspending on your travel and you can effectively control your flight spend by using an online flight comparison website. Cheapflights is a good place to start.

3.     De Kas

De Kas – or ‘the greenhouse’ – is a local favourite in Amsterdam. Not only is the entire restaurant housed inside a specially made greenhouse, but the food is some of the best in the city. One of the best things about De Kas is where it gets its produce. The restaurant is actually split into two parts – one half for growing vegetables and fruit for sides and desert, and the other is where people are seated! If the food you order isn’t grown here, then it’s sourced from local farms with high quality cattle.

Sakura Season

I love sakura! It is such a beautiful and dainty flower. It is famously known in English as cherry blossom. It is a flower of several trees from the genus Prunus, more akin to Japanese Cherry. The cherry blossoms are widely seen in Japan during mid-March to late April where the trees are in full bloom. Varieties of the beautiful cherry blossom tree from Japan can also be seen in other countries during Spring time. Enjoy the pictures below of various cherry blossom trees found all over the world and marvel at their beauty. It will be nice if you can actually catch any of the Cherry Blossom festivals happening in many parts of the world.

Many places in Japan

Photo credit: japan-guide.com

South Korea

Photo credit: ourmaninkorea.wordpress.com

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Photo credit: iamsterdam.com

Various places in the USA

Washington D.C.

Photo credit: guardian.com.uk/Jewel Samad/AFP/Getty Images

Brooklyn Botanical Garden, New York

Photo credit: thedailygreen.com

Central Park, New York

Photo credit: centralpark.com