Agora Hotel, Amsterdam

Having visited Amsterdam several times we chose the Agora by it's locality - being on the Singel Canal and close by the Spui and Flowermarket. We were happily not disappointed in our choice. We stayed for 3-nights , and, having arrived on an early am flight we were able to check into our room at 1030 am. Reception was in English, friendly, efficient and secure, we had booked a double room with ensuite facilities (we did not pay extra for canal view) We were situated on the 2nd floor the stairs were very steep, and there is no lift (if you did have mobility difficulties this might cause a problem) but we soon became used to them, although did not sprint up them like the hotel owner did! We had a view of nearby offices, from the huge ceiling to knee height windows , these were screened by full length voile and long lined curtains allowing privacy. Our room was of average size with a huge wonderfully comfortable double bed, wardrobe with safe deposit box - at no additional cost - and bureau and chairs. The bathroom was immaculately clean, and modern with a massive walk in shower which had constant hot water every time we used it. (Much appreciated after tramping the streets in November!) There was a hairdryer & shaver point and large soft white towels which were changed daily.
We were given 2 card keys for our room and on the day we left they were happy to store our luggage until later in the day after we had vacated our room.
We found the hotel to be quiet, even allowing for its central location , you could faintly hear the tram bells but not enough to be a nuisance. The room was heated by an adjustable radiator which could be switched off and we were able to open the windows to allow additional ventilation. An extensive buffet breakfast was available from 730-10 . The Singel is a very pretty canal and the location of the Agora is very handy for Spui - right across the canal, with its cafes and bars and its Sunday Artists Market; the Flowermarket about 5mins. away ; the Leidesplein, Vondel Park and Dam square are about 10 mns. away and the Red Light area and Station about 15-20 mins walk. There is a wide choice of varying eteries all close by and plenty of shops to spend, spend , spend in! Just watch out on the walkways for the bikes and the trams!