As I promised a few weeks back, the USMNT has officially announced a March 3rd friendly with the Netherlands in Amsterdam. With many of you now scrambling to put together travel plans for this one, I have the first of a few posts offering help to travelers.
– I have been informed that U.S. Soccer will indeed be selling a block of tickets for this game. You can expect an announcement on that soon.
– I will repeat this in each of these posts because it cannot be stressed enough: renting a car in Amsterdam is not just unnecessary, it is actually far more cost/headache than it’s worth. One can find full day tram/bus/metro tickets for €7 at the GVB office across from Central Station or even just rent a bike (usually around €10-15 per day). The city is small and very walkable.
– I am not yet sure what sort of meet-up I’ll be putting together, but there will be one on gameday. I might even organize a park kick-around, if it looks like the weather will be okay and people are interested. In the next post of tips, I’ll ask everyone interested to email me, so I know how many to expect. I can already tell you that the stateside travelers will be joined by some U.S. soldiers based in Germany that have become USMNT nuts over the last few years, so it should be a healthy American contingent in town.
– For the earliest hotel bookers, I have some initial recommendations for all budget levels. These are act-fast quality places that fill up quickly, so don’t hesitate.
- Hotel Hortus: The favored destination of Ajax-USA members, this relaxed-vibe hostel is located on the east si-yeede, between a park and the Artis Zoo. If you’re traveling with a small group, this may be your place. Shared rooms are €20 per person, and they even have a few singles for €35. The converted house has free Wi-Fi throughout and a sweet lounge with comfy couch, pool table, satellite TV, soccer memorabilia covering the walls, free coffee and a machine with €1 cans of Heineken (which, like Amstel, tastes far better here than it does in the States).
- Hotel Linda: With single rooms usually around €50 and doubles generally in the €70-90 range, this place is a good mid-level choice with a great location and some decent services. Located near the famous Albert Cuypmarkt (a daily mile-long outdoor market), plenty of public transport runs nearby.
- Hotel V Fredriksplein: If you want something a bit more deluxe, this place is for you. Rooms generally run about €80-115 a night, but they give a better rate for stays of at least three days. Located just a skip and a jump from Hotel Linda, the V is also close to just about everything.
For all the places above hostel status, I would advise checking through Hotels.nl before booking because they will often have exclusive specials. And trust me on this, you do not want a hotel in the ArenA area. You want one in the city proper, preferably away from the Damrak/Red Light District.
– There are always a few interesting events going on in town. The Dutch Resistance Museum (located very close to Hotel Hortus) has an interactive exhibition called Season ’40-’45. Football during WWII. You will also be able to tour the Royal Palace to inspect the interior renovations. I’ll surely have more such events to mention as the game approaches.
– Greg Seltzer