jexjex

Anyone stayed here before? General impressions? Rooms? Location? Restaurants?

I also hear that only 60% of the hotel is air-conditioned. (I'll be there in mid-July)

Any comments appreciated. I am trying to decide staying here (and saving a few bucks) versus staying at the Westing Demeurre.

stimpy

I've only been in the lobby, and it seemed pretty average for Holland. Air conditioning is rare at Dutch hotels.

Rudi

... but the central-heating system should work fine ... (that's what matters in Amsterdam).

WVFM

Hey Hey Hey, Amsterdam in mid July is pretty nice. No need for central heating (neither for a/c!)

The Pulitzer Hotel, which is better than average although the rooms are not too big, is located on one of the canals in the middle of town. So it's close to everything; no need for a car!

jexjex

Thanks to all for the info... I went ahead and booked the Pulitzer sans AC -- using the 1,500 pts for 50% off the rack rate.

I'm definitely looking forward to this return visit to the Netherlands -- one of the more friendly and open European countries.

Rudi

one out of many friendly and open European countries.

(... and now I really wonder where this threat will end ...).

jexjex

here here rudi - my intention was not to offend anyone's sensibilities. i'm a big fan of most things/people european but next time i'll check the wording of my posts more carefully...

still, i love the dutch.

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keithnj973

Hello - Has anyone had a stay at the Sheraton Pulitzer in Amsterdam? A room finally opened up there and I was thinking I may stay there instead of the Crowne Plaza, but have some price considerations. So I am trying to balance if it is worth it. Thanks!

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Earn money back for shopping online -- http://www.ebates.com/index.jhtml?referrer=keithnj973

mauld

I stayed there last thanksgiving weekend on a discounted rate. The property was formerly 5 or 6 townhouses strung together with a gardenin the center. If you go, try to get one of the rooms overlooking the canal (Prinzengraht) and on an upper floor. The area can get noisy at night! The rooms themselves are OK, I was expected something a little more 'luxe'--but it was just average. There are two restaurants (one very casual & one much more expensive) as well as a comfortable bar. The hotel itself spans between 2 canals. You would be in a nice area (Anne Frank's house is 1 block away) and while there are some restaurants nearby as well as across the canal, it is not anywhere near as touristy as in the main section of the city. From outside you would not be able to tell it is a hotel (except for a descrete awning), so it blends in well with the 'quaint' canal houses. I would definately stay there again if I could get a discounted rate-- I know it can be somewhat pricey!

satori

I stayed at the Amsterdam Sheraton Pulitzer last week (on points). This is an excellent hotel for a romantic stay in Amsterdam. The hotel is being renovated as it consists of several houses on the Prinsengracht Canal and at the present time the street in front of the hotel is a mess. Our room was on the backside overlooking the Keizersgracht canal and we absolutely loved the view of the water, bridges and houseboats. The point rate was 7,000, but has gone up to 10,000 points for a free night. With a rate of about $350/night and considering what is available in Amsterdam I think it is a good deal for 10,000 points. The hotel is in the central area of town and just one block from the Anne Frank house and ten minutes walk to the Leidse Straat area and the major museums.

Richard4009

Hello,

I have stayed twice at this hotel. The first time I stayed I was upgraded to a suite (I think) that faced the canal, had a loft, a living room, a giant bedroom with a tv in the ceiling. It was amazing. Had wine, water, fruit, etc. I was amazed.

I emjoyed it so much, that I added a day to my recent trip in Europe just to stay at the hotel. Well, Amsterdam is a cool city as well. Love those pizzas!

Unfortunately, my upgrade (I am a plat member) seemed nothing more than a basic room. I was under the impression, when I was told by the concierge that an uprade would not be a problem, that I was going to get a similar room to the one I had the first time. Anyone ever stay at this hotel? Or have this experience? I know upgrades are based on availability and such, but when I was told I was gonna get upgraded I sort of expected soemthing nice. It is still a great hotel.

A question dearer to my stomach, in my room both times were these circle wafer like cookies. Except they were kind of big, sort of like small pancakes. It seemed they might have had honey on them, and were kind of chewy. They were in a stack of about 10. I never paid attention as I scarfed them down. Anyone know what they are called and where in Los Angeles one might be able to find them? Thanks.

Cheers,

Richard

chazas

They're good, aren't they?

I think I've seen them called both "stroopwaffels" and "siropwaffels". (Apologies to the Dutch for my spelling.)

We brought back a bunch from duty free.

Charlie

Starwood Lurker

Richard,

We are so pleased that you have had good experiences at the Hotel Pulitzer. You are probably aware of this, but it has recently undergone extensive renovations and been made a member of The Luxury Collection.

Regrettably, hotels are usually unable to confirm upgrades to specific room types in advance, although we acknowledge that as a Platinum member you should be upgraded to a suite if there is one available. Perhaps the room you had the first time was available when you arrived, but the second time you stayed that specific room type was fully occupied. Our guests often comment that the hotel was only 30 - 40% occupied and wonder why they weren't upgraded to a suite or the club level or a tower room. The fact is that some people pay for these room types and occupy these rooms regardless of how full the hotel may appear. We would be pleased to look into why you were not upgraded to a suite on your second stay. Just send us an e-mail to [email protected] with the details.

To find the answer as to what kind of cookies these are and possibly where they could be purchased, we suggest calling the folks at The Luxury Collection toll-free at 1-800-325-3589. If they don't have the answer to this question at their fingertips, they would certainly be pleased to find out for you, as well as provide concierge services for guests at any of the hotels they represent.

Best Regards,

William R. Sanders
E-Communications Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

[This message has been edited by Starwood Lurker (edited 12-14-2000).]

[This message has been edited by Starwood Lurker (edited 12-14-2000).]

[This message has been edited by Starwood Lurker (edited 12-14-2000).]

TOMFLYER

I enjoyed my stay there as well back in the middle of Augest. Unfortunately, the hotel was full so I couldn't get my platinum upgrade. The hotel itself is very different than what we're used to here in the states due to the fact that it's truly a string of canal houses interconnected to create a hotel. I got lost a couple of times trying to find my room because they're scattered all over the place unevenly. That added to the charm of the hotel though. Great location, within walking distance of everything worthwhile. Ann Frank house was only one block away. Yes, those caramel wafer cookies were excellent!!! I brought back a couple of packages that I bought at the corner bakery. Would definitely stay here again!!!

Richard4009

Hello,

Thanks for the info. It looks like I need to arrive at the airport 15 minutes earlier to shop! That means 15 minutes fewer sleep in that wonderful bed!

Richard