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...?

Just thought we'd post this little video featuring footage of some boats on the canals of Amsterdam - its very relaxing.......

The Volcanic dust from Eyjafjallajokull in Iceland has struck Europe once again over the weekend, closing many UK airports and once again Amsterdam Schipol (one of the businest airports in Europe). Anyone who is due to be travelling from Schiphol is being asked to contact their airline for further information.We wish you a safe journey however you get to and from your destination!

If your one of many that follows the Tour De France then you better get yourself on a ferry to Rotterdam quickly because this year that’s the host city. We all know with the size of this event ferries and hotels will be hard to come by nearer the Grand Depart which is the 1st of July to the 4th.

This will be the fifth time that the Netherlands has hosted the biggest cycling event in the world and how proud they must be. We all know it should be a magnificent opening ceremony as the same as others have done in the past like Monaco in 2009 and also our own London in 2007.

In the coming up till this exciting tour starts  there will be all different stuff happening for the people of Rotterdam with the plan of “New Energy” well under way to get people back into fitness and to lead a healthier life style so as you can imagine the centre of Rotterdam will be rocking!
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Even though its scheduled in for the 1st of July the tour its self doesn’t get under way until the 3rd and will leave from Rotterdam Zuid. The following day the wearer of the yellow jersey will head the peloton as it sets out on the second stage from the Scheepvaartkwartier to the official starting line on the Erasmusbridge, a superb spot to give a send-off to the Tour competitors. After the Tour has completed Rotterdam it will head for Belgium to continue with this fantastic race.

Amsterdam is a beautful city. Nothing more need be said.