First Trip!!

[Trouble13]

so ive been dreaming of going to the dam since i got out of college (4yrs) but $$ an time really hasnt been on my side but now it finallyyy is an ive gone thru so much shit this past yr ive decided fuck everything else ima do wat i want!!!! so in march 2012 ill be on my way!!! march 8th-16th!! goin solo but still gonna do all the tourist museum stuff, prolly the first couple days wit iamsterdam card then the last part jus chill an get lost im stayin at hotel amsterdam de roode leeuw (i think) anyone kno anything bout this place? should i stay someone else?? or is it decent enough? thanks for any help!! i couldnt be more excited!!!!

[FlyByNite]

in march 2012 ill be on my way!!! march 8th-16th

Welcome to the forum.

You have been posted on the March Whos In Town page.

You can see who else may be in town during your stay.

Watch for Toke & Talks, I post them up to the last minute.
Or post one of your own. All I need is a date, time, and coffeeshop to post it.
Jam In The Dam is on the 14th thru 16th.

By default I link your posting to your profile page here on ACD.

https://www.coffeeshopdirect.com/forum/membe ... le&u=75124

I can change it to a web link ( myspace, facebook, personal page )
or an email address if you want.

First timers get my S G Collins recommendation
I think a read of this will maximize your efficiency once you get there.

How not to get hit by a bike and other stuff they forgot to tell you about Amsterdam.


You can do a little practice shopping on the Coffeeshop Menus page.
Any with arrows are less than six months old.


Enjoy
FlyByNite - Travel preference, not business practice
Coffeeshop Menus - Let your Mouse do the walking

[ravenfunk]

how strange........ im hoping to be in the dam on the 13th march for me half century birthday!!! better get me christmas visit out the way first!!!!!

[Trouble13]

ah wish i was goin for christmas! have fun!! maybe ill see ya there in march!!

[Bob2]

hotel de roode leeuw first. expensive breakfast but you can keep going back for more, notes everywhere no food to be brought into hotel 100euro fine i think it was and fine for smoking in room. we ate and smoked though.
in front of hotel is tram stop for de pijp area get off at albert cuypstraat theres a nice market and some amazing coffeeshops.
some touist attractions are just big rip offs check some reviews first, watch out for the bikes stoned or straight (They Wont Stop). if you like a drink your less than 5 mins away from Nes (bar that allows smoking) well worth a visit, popping into Haarlem would be a lovely day trip.
attend a toke and talk or set one up your self (someone will show up at least) last t&t i went to had about 20 acders and the one before that had about 40 turn up at least. make a friend, get stoned and learn what hot or not.
as its your first trip odds on first joint will flatten you so maybe take it easy?and odds on any plans you have made will follow shortly out the window. your lose track of time, get lost constantly BUT you will love it. be carefull, stay safe and have a Great Trip..

[SilentlyScreaming]

I'm assuming you've checked over online reviews already? Just checking if Hotel Amsterdam & De Roode Leeuw, Dam Square is the one you're on about...

Four stars, 13 reviews - Google Maps reviews. The German reviewer says "Rooms with a view to emergency exit, get a single room as a double room, So small that not even the doors could open completely,". Other reviewers happy

4 star from 390 reviews at trip advisor. A few people weren't happy with it at all though.

Expedia has another 4 stars average from 195 reviews. Hmm, seems to have an elevator, so plus point there if you're tired/falling over.

Booking doesn't show much new info, 4 stars again

My god. I've just seen their prices. Spend less somewhere else and get better rooms! People don't seem to get the room they ask for - so no reservations really, you just have to hope the sort of room you want is available when you turn up. I guess if you've got a great deal on a room, then it looks OK. If you're on a budget and got the room full price, you may do better looking for a small apartment to rent, or a place with similar rooms at lower prices.

[Trad]

I stayed at the Roode Leeuw the first time I went to Amsterdam. I had a smoking room but only smoked cigs. ..went outside to puff joints, a few times, late at night, we just stood right infront on the hotel and puffed with the night desk man watching through the glass, he just nodded and laughed when he buzzed us back in.
I would suggest looking at an apartment for your visit, well worth it..in my opinion.
Try Paul's Apartments....http://www.apartmentpaul.com/
Enjoy.

[Adamster]

Tourist Stuff! the only thing id tell aint a Rip off is the Anne Frank house and the Heini if you never been to a beer museum the rest are NOT worth the money/euros Madame Tussauds is worth its if havent been to the one near you BUT NOT WORTH the euros!!
MuseumPleines Museum NOT WORTH IT why? the best Van gogh aint even there < you have to do else where in Holland to see them Torture Hashpothemp sex and others NOT WORTH THE TIME NOR EUROS!! You like tulips? well you miss out on the Tulips
Opening times: 22 March to 20 May 2012 Keukenhof gardens

[Trouble13]

thanks everyone for your input!!! the reason i was lookin at that hotel was because reviews have said 4 star an the price combo for air and hotel seemed reasonable! not too cheap but not the most expensive. also its in the center so i jus assumed that it was a good spot an easily can walk to places. but this is all jus assumptions from the internet haha so love all the info ppl are giving

[DownWithDam]

I took my first trip to Amsterdam at the age of 26. I assume you're around that age if you're now 4 years out of college. What a great age to make it to the Dam. It should be the best trip of your life thus far. I stayed at De Roode Leeuw for a week this past January. Coming from the USA, Amsterdam's version of a 4 star hotel is lacking in every area. But as you mentioned, you can get a great package deal for flight and hotel so it is worth the money. Hotels are expensive in Amsterdam. If you get a 4 star hotel for about 80 euros per day, you should be happy. The Hotel is right by Dam Square. I think it's an excellent location. A bit of a walk from central station when you arrive and leave with your luggage. But after that you walk out the door and you're foot steps to so many of the attractions in old city center. I will warn you that a single at the hotel is very small. There is a tiny bathroom although clean, a single/twin bed, a desk with chair and a cabinet with a safe in it. Also a small bedside table to hold your stash while you smoke in bed and watch tv. Trust me you will learn to love the room as you'll spend 90% of your awake time checking out the town.

I'm sure there are better hotels but out of my 4 stays in Amsterdam, I found De Rood Leeuw to be a good (not great) pick. Hope you have a blast on your first trip! There really is no smoking experience as sweet as losing your Amsterdam virginity.

BTW, this webcam (http://www.mydestination.com/amsterdam/ ... are-webcam) films the area right next to where you will be staying. It actually zoomed into the hotel for a moment while I was watching. This should keep you very excited for what's to come. You're going to fall in love with Amsterdam and never want to leave. Just remember you'll get out of it the energy that you put into it.

[Kingdoc]

You will remember your 1st trip mate! i do 12 years on,KD.

[Trouble13]

thanks guys! yea i actually turn 26 in march, this is kind of an early bday present for myself lol. i appreciate all the thoughts on the hotel and everything else! im happy to hear that there are smoking rooms as i was uncertain about that and was really hoping there were! an yea ill be checkin that webcam out every day til then hahah

[ed the head]

so ive been dreaming of going to the dam since ... but now it finallyyy is an ive gone thru so much shit this past yr ive decided fuck everything else ima do wat i want!!!! so in march 2012 ill be on my way!!! ... goin solo but still gonna do all the tourist museum stuff, prolly ... wit iamsterdam card then the last part jus chill an get lost im stayin at hotel amsterdam de roode leeuw (i think) ... should i stay someone else??

Ahhh ... the first trip. Memories of similar circumstance prompting my first trip. IAmsterdam is a great idea for a couple of days to see the highlights. I didn't catch onto this idea until trip #2 and as a consequence spent most of #1 walking lost. Going solo intimidated me at first but I have grown to prefer it. Hopefully, you will make some friends among the locals that you interact with there. I was on a very tight budget on my first trip so I opted for a dorm room at a hostel. This thought intimidated me more until I experienced it and now it's the only way I go. I have found much of the staff at the hotel to remain consistent over 6 years now and as a result have made many friends there. It's great to hear your story, really brings back great memories for me, thank you. My first trip to Amsterdam really helped me get my priorities straight. What's that line from Parks and Recreation ...??
Treat Yo-self!

[Balou]

BTW, this webcam (http://www.mydestination.com/amsterdam/ ... are-webcam) films the area right next to where you will be staying. It actually zoomed into the hotel for a moment while I was watching.

That hotel is the Kras not De Roode Leeuw which is behind the Palace next to the Magna Plaza.

Peace

[Trouble13]

hahah thats exactly wat im gonna do...treat myself! lmao! but im glad i could bring back some memories when i get back ill definitely write about my experience!!