We stayed one night at the Chic and Basic. Easy walk from the train station with our rolling bags. Lovely residential neighborhood right on a canal. We had a great room - large and airy, big windows, very nice bathroom with a door, comfortable bed, flat screen TV. Yes, there were steep stairs, but the staff offered to help with the bags. Breakfast was included in the price and was very good - cheeses and meats, breads, yogurt. We did a lot of walking and found the location to be very convenient. I would stay there again.

This hotel is easily accessible to the train station and in a great location to see Amsterdam! The room for a single is very small--but it is fine. The stairs were brutal but that was the case everywhere in Holland. The room did not have a window that could be opened -only one in the ceiling. (although they put in a portable air conditioning unit) I found that rather claustrophobic. Also the magnetic key did not work and the staff had to let me in whenever I wanted to go in and out. (although they did so happily at any hour) My room number was 122. (although it was up two very steep sets of stairs)

The free wireless internet and the free 24 hour coffee/capuccino machine and bottled water was appreciated. The staff was more than helpful in every way. My rate was good---95 Euros.

We always stays in Amsterdam on our way back to US. This hotel is one of the best hotel we have found in this price-class. (We paid Eur 135 without breakfast.)

The location is great and the walk from the train-station is a short 5-10 minutes walk.
The surroundings is nice and it's easy to walk to bar's restaurants and coffee-shops.
The receptionist was very friendly and the room was basic, but clean and quiet. (We stayed on the 2nd floor).

The only draw-back is that the stairs is very narrow and steep, it's very difficult to bring a large suite-case up the stairs.(That's the case in a lot of hotels in Netherlands)

We didn't have breakfast, it didn't look any special to us, but we enjoyed the free coffee 24/7.

Now we now where to stay next time!

It is exactly what it says it is

Chic - painted white and very minimalist. Modern reception lounge

Basic - nothing more than you need. Some rooms apparently don't have bathrooms. Our room did have a bathroom but no door (not overly ideal!)

The key thing about this hotel is it's location, it is so central. It is just a stones throw from the train station, you can easily wheel your suitcase there if you know where you are going. It is very close to a nice shopping and cafe area and some fantastic restaurants are nearby. We went to Christophe's (highly recommend it) it is the best meal we have had to date.

Breakfast is basic, but more than adequate, fresh coffee seems to be available all day via the machine, as is water. Internet is also available in the same area.

This hotel has very clever use of space. The rooms up the top are lovely, but beware, as with all buildings in Amsterdam, very steep stairs!!