• There’s a slight chance you can use your Northwest miles to get a free trip on the flight to Amsterdam. Roman Blahoski, who handles media relations for Northwest Airlines, says, “Roughly one out of every 12 NWA seats is occupied by a customer traveling on a WorldPerks award ticket. The actual number of award tickets on the initial flights ultimately depends on the load factor and award travel interest.”
• English literacy is extremely high. That doesn’t mean everything you buy will have instructions in English. For example, ask for directions if purchasing over the counter medication because the box will be printed in Dutch.
• Phone cards are an inexpensive method for calling home. Check a couple of things. First, see if your hotel has free local calling. Otherwise, you’re paying more for your calls. Second, don’t spend more than 5 Euros on a calling card. The calls are extremely inexpensive and you’ll just end up throwing away money, unless you plan to spend a lot of time in The Netherlands.
• The Grand Amsterdam Sofitel Demeure, which provided free lodging to The Hartford Business Journal during its visit to Amsterdam, is the only Amsterdam hotel to make Travel & Leisure’s list of the World’s Best Hotels in 2007. There’s nothing this hotel doesn’t do well, all the way down to remembering what you like to drink at breakfast. Located just a short walk off Dam Square, it’s a luxurious place with an overly attentive staff willing to answer all questions promptly. Each room is uniquely designed in a space that was once Amsterdam City Hall. Who says bureaucracy can’t be beautiful?
• The Jordaan district of Amsterdam with its small streets is a prime area to observe Dutch architecture. It’s an entertaining area of art galleries and is considered by some to be Amsterdam’s “hippest” neighborhood.
• Restaurant Vermeer just opposite Amsterdam’s Central Station in the Barbizon Palace Hotel is considered to be the top restaurant in Amsterdam. Meals can range from 40 Euros up to more than 100 Euros. It’s open for lunch Monday through Friday and dinner Monday through Saturday. Reservations can be tough to get and must be guaranteed by a credit card.
• Looking for an authentic Amsterdam experience? Search out a “Brown Café.” This is where Amsterdammers have a few beers after work, play the odd hand of cards and ventilate their wordly wisdom augmented with the inevitable tall stories. One of the oldest in the city is Café Hoppe, Spui 18-20, which dates from 1670. It’s in the center of a shopping, entertainment and nightlife district. The bartenders are friendly and willing to explain the various beers on tap. It can be a smoky place, but it’s well worth visiting.
• Men definitely have an advantage in Amsterdam. There are street-side public urinals. Some are permanent, while others are set up for public events.
