I loved staying at Monique's apartment - with views over canals from one side of the flat and of a leafy central courtyard from the other it really is a light filled, serene place. The area is quiet but also walkable to good restaurants, bars and the lovely Vondelpark. It's easy to rent a bike locally to get around or you can hop on the trams that also run nearby. Monique wasn't around but she arranged for her friend to check me in which was nice and had a left a welcome note and Dutch cookies - much appreciated.