Bulldog Hotel

Tony Nick from UK sent 19 May 2007
I would like to comment on the Bulldog Hotel and also pick up on what John said about racism. First I am sorry to hear about your experience in the hotel bar John. I have been visiting all the Bulldog coffee shops since the mid 70's. I was even there for the opening night of the Bulldog Palace. The standards across the Bulldog chain are second to none, very clean and usually very welcoming. Last time I was in the Bulldog Palace, about 3 yrs ago now, I met a black guy who I know has worked there for about 15 or more years, so it goes without saying that at least the establishment is not racist. Naturally people are people. As a 'head' my favourite place to stay in Amsterdam was always the International Budget Hostel just around the corner from the Leidseplein. But as soon as the Bulldog opened its own hostel/hotel I wanted to try it out. IMHO tis the best hotel I have ever stayed in. If anyone experiences poor quality service at the Bulldog, best to complain at reception. All that said, if you really want to meet friendly Dutch people stay away from Amsterdam. Head south to places like Rosendaal or mid Holland Arnhem and Nijmegen. Everything is better outside Amsterdam including prices, hospitality, food - the only real exception is nightlife.

Sam, Ben, Jon from UK sent 25 Mar 2005
We would also recommend the Bulldog hotel/hostel to stay in. It cost €99/night for a triple room. Smoking is not permitted in the rooms but the bar downstairs (guests only) is open all night & serves from 5pm till 1am & 3am on weekends. The staff were very chatty & friendly and happy to address any problems you may find with your room.

John from UK visited 8-11 March; sent 20 Mar 2005
If you're staying at the Bulldog, the accommodation is lovely. The receptionists are very helpful, the rooms are fairly spacious and its convenient having on-suit amenities. Unfortunately, I was disgusted by the level of service I received at the Bulldog Lounge. If you're not welcome by bar staff, they'll make it known! One incident I experienced was when I went to the bar and I ask for two Pepsis. The woman behind the bar told me that the bar was closed. Moments later I saw her serving beer to other customers. My friend saw this and he went to the bar and he managed to get the drinks without a problem. Two days earlier there was another incident with the same woman serving at the bar. She saw me standing there waiting to be served, but she chose to ignore me. I literally had to walk behind the bar to ask her whether they sold cigarette lighters. I understand that there is mild racism in Amsterdam (I'm Black), but I wouldn't expect to be treated like an outcast at the hotel that I'm paying to stay in. Appalling! I stayed at La Canna last year and (as several reviewers have commented) the staff can be pretty miserable. I swore to myself that I wouldn't stay there again; but in terms of customer service, La Canna rates higher in my book than Bulldog.