Amsterdam has, of course, plenty of places to stay. You can choose from thrifty accommodation right up to millionaire class hospitality. But to day we thought we'd concentrate not on the mega-cheap or the mega-luxurious, just the smart and (dare we say it) trendy kind of places.

Hotel Vondel - a very smart looking hotel, firmly in the boutique category. Situated within very easy reach of the main nightlife areas and handy for the centre of town. See some pics and get more info at: http://www.hotelvondel.nl/site/index.php




Another real beauty, the Dylan Amsterdam, is also situated in just the right place if you want to be close (but not too close) to all the action of Holland's biggest and most exciting city. With its imposing entranceway and its brilliantly designed rooms, this is one place that will make you feel like you're in a movie.


The CitizenM hotel at Schiphol is one of those new breed of hotels that are futuristic but at the same time reassuringly good quality. CitizenM's well designed website is a good sign, as is its high rating on Trip Advisor. Another interestung point to note is that in each room is a Philips design touchscreen moodpad. Basically a remote control not just for the telly but the entire room: lighting, blinds, heating, etc. Awesome :)

I love the idea of staying at a hotel in an airport - but can Schiphol really be classed as an airport or should it be classed as a city in its own right? You could concievably visit Holland and never actually leave Schiphol - it's got that much to offer.

With the Netherlands currently priced at 7/1 for a World Cup win, excitement on the streets of Amsterdam is bound to be increasing by the day. The Netherlands after all is a nation with an enviable World Cup history, with a national side that are no strangers to the actual final. Could they repeat this feat and become runners-up? Could they do the unprecedented and go on to take the prize? It's all to play for...

One thing's for certain - the bars in and around Amsterdam's vibrant Old Town district are going to be doing good business no matter the result, since Amsterdam is a world city that attracts holidaymakers from around the globe. But it would be extra special to be among the throng of football fans and pub-goers should the Netherlands national side clinch victory in their next game, opening up a very real chance of tournament success.

No doubt the ferry to Amsterdam will be bustling more than usual (if that's possible...) should the Netherlands progress. In fact I'll bet there will be a fair few people going over just for the next game alone. Can you imagine a more fun place to be than Amsterdam's Old Town while the match is on...?