Different mode of transport

[AzLaker]

We always take the train from the airport to Central Station, then hop on a tram to get to the apartment. My question is, are there shuttle vans or buses that will take us directly to our apartment. We're staying at Eric's B&B just off the Prinsengracht this year and would like a direct van or bus that will takes us there. I know it'll cost more, that's not a problem, just tired of hauling mine and the wife's luggage all around.

AzLaker

[Lafe]

There is a 'hotel bus' that makes the rounds to various hotels, including the Leidseplein major chain hotels (Marriott).

http://www.schipholhotelshuttle.nl/site ... anguage=EN

The only downside is if they go to Leidseplein area last, you have to wait.

On getaway day, if you just want some slack and don't want to deal with public transport, Melody Taxi is CHEAP, like €29 from Eric's to Schiphol. Eric can call them for you if you don't have a phone.

It's a short walk from the Marriott to Eric's. If you plan on using the tram, get your 7 day pass (new version, used to be only up to 4 days) for only €30 at the TI office in Schiphol. Otherwise you would have to make your way back down to Centraal Station to the GVB office to do that.

You'll need to go to the TI to get the shuttle ticket anyway, might as well get the GVB pass there as well.

7 day unlimited GVB pass for €30, yes sir, that is a great deal.

BTW as you look out Eric's window across Prinsengracht, that little brown cafe across the way is tiny, authentic, and a great place to grab a beer or even lunch.

Make a right turn out the door and in a short time you are in the Nine Little Streets (Negen Straatjes) shopping area. Check it out on Saturday morning if you can, it's a three block square area of coolness.

Edit: ask Eric about using the washer and dryer downstairs. Saves a lot of luggage space on a long trip.

Edit: the snow is melting here, it feels like spring today, and I AM JONESING FOR AN AMSTERDAM TRIP IN APRIL. ARRRRRRRRRRRRGH. I'm quite sure you are familiar with the feeling

[Boner]

I'd use the shuttle bus, print out a map showing the location of the apartment and show it to the driver, he'll either tell you which hotel is the nearest or he might just stop by the apartment if he can.

[Lafe]

If the shuttle has hotel Dikker and Thijs as a regular stop, that's only 100m or so away from the apartment, directly on the corner where the tram stops at Prinsengracht at Leidsestraat.

[Balou]

You could try the Connexion Hotel Shuttle and take it to the closest hotel. Their info desk is located inside near Arrivals 4 and the mini buses depart just out front. Most hotels in the Centrum are 15E single 25E Return http://www.schipholhotelshuttle.nl/site/home.asp You could also take the Connexion Bus 197 to the Leidseplein in about 40 mins for about 4E You can find route info on http://journeyplanner.9292.nl/

Peace,
Balou

[AzLaker]

Thanks guys for all the information, looks like I'll have no problem finding something other then the train and tram system to get us there.

I'll check with Eric about the W&D Lafe, thanks. My daughter and I found a nice laundry mat on Kertstraat a couple of years ago. Do it yourself or pay 5euros and a real nice lady will do them for you. We did have a few beers at that brown cafe you mentioned....good place to enjoy some people watching while catching a buzz.
We're definitely going to get passes.....just haven't decided on many days yet.

AzLaker

[Pala]

Edit: ask Eric about using the washer and dryer downstairs. Saves a lot of luggage space on a long trip.

Dude you just made my day.

I'm at Eric's next week. When are you there AzLaker?

[AzLaker]

Edit: ask Eric about using the washer and dryer downstairs. Saves a lot of luggage space on a long trip.

Dude you just made my day.

I'm at Eric's next week. When are you there AzLaker?

We don't arrive until Mid-April......let me know how you make out with the W&D.

AzLaker

[Lafe]

We don't arrive until Mid-April......let me know how you make out with the W&D.

All one has to do is figure it out

No shit, the first time I stood in front of a Dutch washing machine (I think at the same laundry on Kerkstraat, Az) I looked at it for a while, was unable to determine what to do, and the gentleman in the wasserij was kind enough to sort me.

In all fairness, my mental capacities may have been less than optimal.

But I got my clothes clean, all good in the end.