Like I say, you get what you pay for in 'Dam; you will not find relative comfort for less than £70 a night, unless you get well out of the city.
Plus, if you book online, almost everywhere will give you a generous discount...like up to 70% off.... which is why I have done just that for years....
As for the history etc. have a read of this (from their website):
G.A. Heineken started everything on this location when he opened his first Heineken brewery. Due to the city council filling in the canal in front in the name of modernisation, he moved to the present location on the Stadhouderskade. The Hulscher brothers continued the business and on 5th of September 1870 a unique beer house, called ‘Die Port van Cleve’ opened its doors. It was a popular place with professionals and artists. It did not take long to evolve from beer house to restaurant with the Brasserie ‘De Poort’, serving typical Dutch dishes and what was to become the famous numbered steak (to date almost 6 million served).
A further development was from restaurant to hotel with the advent of the travelling salesmen.
Over the years ‘Die Port van Cleve’ has undergone several internal structural changes, all of which have been for the better. One unchanged feature is the unique frontage, which has a listed building status, and also the unique interior of the Bar-Bodega ‘De Blauwe Parade’.
Also, here is part of the frieze in the bodega:
Be aware, as I said before, one does not have to be a guest at the hotel to patronise the bar or brasserie....
