We traveled from western Canada to visit Amsterdam . Our last correspondence to the host, we specifically stated that we could not call on our arrival , as requested, but could communicate thru wifi (email). When we arrived at the airport, and gathered our luggage, we checked our email. No new correspondence.
We hailed a taxi and started to head over. In seeing that I was receiving calls from the host, I put my data on to call her, only to be "scolded" for not letting her know that our flight was late and this would hinder a smooth "check in".
Bad vibe right from the start.
The "luxury" in the title is deceiving. However, this is a vacation "home"; what we didn't expect was that we would be subject to family upsets.
Please know that with your stay you are amongst a family and steps away from the hall to the main living area. We were jet lagged for the first couple of days and the door slamming and the loud talking kept us up at night or outright woke us up, it was consistent throughout the week and we thought, inconsiderate. We were on vacation and expected the same respect we gave to their family. We had doors slamming and loud discussions in the hallway at 2:00 a.m.
On arrival, I went to use the bathroom and there was no soap provided to wash hands. You're not allowed to flush toilet paper down the toilet so you have to put your urine and feces filled toilet paper in a little garbage can beside the toilet. The amenities stated are what you get and nothing more, so please be prepared. No TV, no microwave, no soap, no shower door so the bathroom floor gets completely drenched, no balcony, but a large window that opens to the canal that is full of garbage and looking at a brick wall and the resident ducks have no problem making a lot of noise predawn. We did not go there to see the scenery of the house. Perhaps the main dwelling is unique and luxurious, but the BandB was a small room. We lived out of our suitcases for 6 days.
We did have fresh towel exchange on the third day.
The best part of staying there was the cafe's and pubs in the area. We met the most amazing people at the Rooster bar and Checkpoint Charlie which are just a few blocks away. We took different walking routes to the centre of the city daily where we were greeted and met, as we have in the past, the most beautiful Dutch people. I would not recommend this place for long stays. Perhaps an overnighter.