Dallas family traveling with family for a month

Guest: Dallas Family (Dallas)
Date of Stay: 07/06/11 Review Submitted: 10/12/11

We flew in from Dallas & stayed here in early July before heading to Africa for a safari & then a great Capetown visit. I would recommend this apt if you like to have a kitchen, somewhere to read or review emails, not in the constraints of a small hotel room. Her kitchen table is excellent as a home base :) Our kids loved the hammock in the sunroom :) We loved having 2 groceries, the best Gelatto in Amsterdam & some very hip & trendy restaurants so close. The five of us enjoyed our stay here. Our kids are 10, 13,15 so they loved having a room to themselves - the bar across the street can be lively if the weather is good, but our kids still slept well enough & we were able to get them out to tour everyday for a week for at least 8 hours :) There was also construction - a new house being built across the street...Everything was clean. There was some dust in the flat, but my son who is allergic to dust had no issue at all. That's life in an urban area & although a tad annoying I really enjoyed staying in such a safe, friendly apt. The owner is responsive & extremely helpful. She set up the Taxi to bring us to the airport :) Truly wonderful when you'd rather not do it yourself. She is very trustworthy! We are big walkers and could get everywhere easily. I loved the location. It is also close to bigger streets where you can catch buses, trams, etc. The location is very safe, I had no problem going out by myself to run evening errands to the grocery. It was nice to be able to make the kids a bite to eat & then go to a neighborhood restaurant with my husband. Amsterdam was so much better than I thought it would be. I would stay here again if we went back as a family.

Recommended for:Tourists without a car, sightseeing, adventure seekers, families with young children, families with teenagers.

Misrepresentation

Guest: rjsusa (Florida, USA)
Date of Stay: 06/17/11 Review Submitted: 09/18/11

I rented the unit for 6 days in June. The bar that is depicted directly across from the apartment is extremely noisy thoughout the evening. Patrons gather outside, drink, laugh, and talk loudly. Trying to recover from jet lag after flying from the USA and get an evening's rest between 8 p.m. and midnight was extremely unpleasant -- paricularly in light of the fact that the windows provided no sound insulation. When I confronted the owner, she said that the residents in the neighborhood were trying to get a petition together to do something about the noise from the bar. If that is the case, then the statement in this add about being on a "quiet street" was a misrpesentation. AVOID THIS PLACE IF YOU ARE SOMEONE TRULY LOOKING FOR A QUIET PLACE TO REST DURING THE EVENING!

Recommended for:

Wonderful memories

Guest: 6travellersfromSydney (Sydney, Australia)
Date of Stay: 06/30/11 Review Submitted: 07/31/11

Our family group of two grandparents, two adults and two young children spent a very memorable week in Amsterdam in Lynn’s welcoming and charming apartment. “Charming”, “gracious”, “homely” and “helpful” seem to pepper reviews about this apartment, and with good reason. Everything from the initial walk around the apartment to the last glance leaving the Jordaan contributes to the memories. The central location is fantastic, as is the true neighbourhood experience with all conveniences close at hand – supermarkets, restaurants, laundry and public transport. Lynn is a helpful and thoughtful host, and the apartment is full of the homely touches that sooth travellers’ weary minds and engage their souls. The smallest touches made for a memorable time – our kids picked up a game “Apples to Apples” inside the apartment and enjoyed it a lot. We would all love to return sometime soon!

Recommended for:Tourists without a car, sightseeing, families with young children, families with teenagers.

Family of 6

Guest: Enchanted family of 6 (Brisbane, Australia)
Date of Stay: 04/13/11 Review Submitted: 05/05/11

We spent five nights in April 2011 with our 4 children in this "gezellig" Amsterdam house. Lynn greeted us with such warmth, and gave us a tour through the house.....our kids could not wait to try out the spiral staircase! This house provided us with everything we needed for a perfect stay in Amsterdam. The kitchen was the best stocked kitchen we have ever stayed in providing herbs and spices and little extras that you don't want to have to buy when you are only staying for a short time, but help make the stay even better. The way the house is decorated, it made us feel like we were staying in a cosy home that we were happy to return to after each outing. Within walking distance of a well-stocked supermarket, and other handy shops, there was a great atmosphere also at night on the nearby streets, and in particular in the "karaoke" bar on the corner - always alive with people enjoying themselves. The markets on Saturday were only a street away, and then again more on the Monday - we had a terrific time finding treasures to take home and tasting the local food. We could not fault this house in any way, and would be more than happy to recommend it to anyone who wants a comfortable stay in the heart of Amsterdam. The house is very roomy and staying there with 6 people was perfect. Our kids loved their bedroom, at night the bathroom light makes small windows with Dutch masterpieces overlayed glow into their bedroom - and they thought this was even more special once they had viewed the originals in the nearby museums! Lynn was very gracious to allow us flexible check-in and check-out times, and even provided us with a few bicycles - which got a lot of use. Before our arrival, Lynn was most helpful via email in providing us with all the instructions we would need to get to the house, and answering all the questions we had about our stay. Thanks again Lynn, we loved staying in your house and thank you for being the perfect host.

Owner response:Wow, Thank you so much ! Your words boost my spirits ! "Work is love made visible."-Gibran

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.

Charming Apartment

Guest: Julie (Minnesota, USA)
Date of Stay: 04/01/11 Review Submitted: 04/13/11

We stayed at this property for 1 week in April. The owner, Lynn, was helpful and gave us suggestions on places to eat, directions and other information. The apartment was well maintained and clean. It was large and comfortable, so plenty of room for all of us. The main bathroom was suprisingly large for an European apartment. The spiral staircase in the pictures were a concern for my toddler, but Lynn had a baby gate so that problem was solved. The only minor negative was the front bedroom had some street noise (construction on a house across the street), but that was solved with some ear plugs and won't be a problem in the future. The location was easy access to the train station and tram lines. We walked almost everywhere. Lynn also had 2 bikes available. There were plenty of restuarants and stores close by, so it was easy to get meals to bring back to the apartment or eat out. It was a delightful stay in Amsterdam!

Recommended for:Tourists without a car, sightseeing, families with young children, families with teenagers.

Heaven!

Guest: Jen (Seattle, WA)
Date of Stay: 06/13/10 Review Submitted: 08/18/10

Now that I'm home, I sometimes close my eyes and imagine myself at Lynn's. It's like being on vacation all over again. There is such a warm, charming, personal feel to every room that made us feel like we were home. The kitchen is huge and well stocked, though we could have used instructions for the dishwasher. The living room has a Moroccan feel and simply the coolest overhead light ever. The atrium was a favorite of my mom's as she enjoyed reading and writing in her journal each morning. She has said over and over that she hasn't felt so a peace in decades. The bedrooms are situated across the hall from each other upstairs with the bathroom and spiral staircase in between. Main bedroom has a balcony that overlooks a courtyard covered in green and a cat on a hot tin roof- literally. 2nd bedroom has glass pictures with art and artists that light up when the bathroom light is on at night. Bathroom is beautiful, large tub and has a double sink! The Jordaan 'hood reminded us of Seattle with canals. There is a main street a few blocks away with grocery store, post office, bars and restaurants. There is also a park a couple of blocks away with swing sets. We met Lynn's neighbor while he was watering her flowers. He offered his help if we had any need. Everyone we met was so open and friendly, we never wanted to leave. Although we didn't use the cell phone available at the house, it was reassuring to have it. I fell in love with Amsterdam and its people. Lynn's had much to do with that. It was worth every penny and I would stay there again in a heartbeat. For those of you thinking 'this cannot be real', take it from me- it is everything and more than advertised.

Owner response:WOW ! Jen you made my year ! What a wonderful review,,, reading that you appreciated the glass windows with the artists was over the top for me. I did those myself and am never sure if anyone sees them, since it has to be dark in the bedroom with someone in the bathroom at the same time... And that your mom felt so at peace in the house.. THANK YOU both for making me feel that what I offer is recognized as nurturing and more than just a place to sleep in Amsterdam. Kind wishes ~ Lynn

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.

Cathleen Kallmeyer

Guest: Cath (Seattle, WA)
Date of Stay: 06/13/10 Review Submitted: 08/09/10

My daughter and I spent a week in June at Lynn's home. It exceeded my expectations. We were in Europe to celebrate our June birthdays and our stay in the Jordan district of Amsterdam was amazing. The house is even more beautiful than the pictures. Central Station and Anne Franks's house are within walking distance. I highly recommend staying at Lynn's!

Owner response:Thank you so much ladies, very kind of you !

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, girls getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.

Good choice

Guest: Octav&Monica (Romania)
Date of Stay: 07/25/10 Review Submitted: 08/08/10

We had a great time staying here! The apartment is spacious and has a beautiful interior, it is quiet and we slept very well. The owner is very nice, and I would say this is one of the nicest parts of Amsterdam to be in, and also close to Central Station, nice restaurants(the mexican one on the street right in front of the apt. is OK),supermarkets,etc. We had our own bikes, which is always the best way to get around in Amsterdam. We would definitely like to stay here again! We strongly recommend this apt. to other people especially for families like ours, two adults and two kids, four adults as well of course.

Recommended for:Families with young children, families with teenagers.

Outstanding Family Apartment in the Jordaan

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 07/05/10 Review Submitted: 08/07/10

Our family of four spent six terrific days in this comfortable two-story apartment in July 2010. Lynn is a warm and welcoming host. Of the five different apartments we rented this summer in various European cities, this one was by far the largest. With two large light-filled bedrooms on the upper level in addition to the largest full bathroom I've seen in Europe (with a large shower/bath and a double vanity!), the sleeping accommodations were very comfortable. Downstairs, the large open kitchen/dining/living area provided plenty of room to spread out and relax. The light-filled solarium was the perfect place to search our guidebooks for our next Amsterdam adventure. And, the downstairs powder room (toilet) provided extra convenience. The apartment is tucked away in a very pleasant residential area of Amsterdam, but only blocks from all of the action. And, the cozy, friendly cafe across the street (Cafe Lowietje) served as the perfect evening meeting spot. Public transit is convenient, but we walked nearly everywhere, while our two grown sons rode rented bikes all over town. There are plenty of restaurants in the immediate neighborhood, plus a well-stocked grocery store and excellent gourmet merchants (butchers, patisseries, etc.). Lynn was great to deal with regarding all of the booking details, responding promptly to our emails and providing us with all of the info we needed regarding public transit, etc. What more can I say? Lynn's place is the perfect family home in Amsterdam. Thanks Lynn!

Owner response:THANK YOU so much, I and this wonderful house feel appreciated ! You are a lovely family, friendly, happy, respectful, and it was a pleasure to have met you all. Thank YOU for your reservation and for the great review !

Recommended for:Tourists without a car, families with young children, families with teenagers.

Great Apartment, great location, great getaway

Guest: Curt and Jenny and Tom (California, USA)
Date of Stay: 03/30/10 Review Submitted: 04/13/10

My wife and graduate student son spent a happy week here early in April. It's a wonderful location. We were walking home (you can walk everywhere) and passed the Anne Frank house, with a line around the block. We were able to come home, sign up on line (50 euro cents surcharge) and go back in a few hours. Really was nice to relax at home. Lynn was out of town, but we were well taken-care of by Dianne. We had stayed in three VRBO apartments prior to this one, and our son said this one was "Ridiculous!" That means it was very good in teen speak. Thank you again for making us feel welcome and cozy in your home. We would definitely rent here again. It was great to have grocery stores and a laundrette nearby. Don't miss the street market on Saturdays.

Owner response:Since I have no teenagers of my own,, it's a welcome bit of information to know "Ridiculous !" is a good thing ! You made me laugh and laughing is the best gift I could receive. Hope to meet you on a future visit to Amsterdam and I will pass on the compliment to Dianne. Thank You ~ Lynn

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, families with teenagers.