My goal in looking for apartments in Amsterdam was a) to feel as though I *actually* lived there, and b) to be able to walk to all of the sights and sounds that Amsterdam has to offer (i.e., not just the city center)--and, for five all-too-short nights, this well-appointed, cozy apartment exceeded my expectations. What can I say? Great location just north of Le Pijp neighborhood (great restaurants, open air market, etc.) and east of the museums (Van Gogh, Rijk, etc.), and just south of everything else (walking distance along picturesque canal streets), this was literally everything I could have wanted in my accommodations. It also had great "extras," like washing machine, bathtub, and a very well-furnished kitchen for all you cooks out there. Impeccably clean, bright and cheery, with window-views to the towers of the Rijkmuseum and a beautiful canal below and vases with fresh tulips--well, you throw in a couple bottles of "welcome" wine and snacks, and I really could not have been more pleased!

I spent five incredible days mapping out all-day walks to various parts of the city, and I rarely retraced my steps. To come home to Jan's place at night and enjoy an exceedingly comfortable and peaceful night's rest was icing on the cake. (I also highly recommend the nearby coffee at nearby Two for Joy or De Koffie Salon--I miss them so much already...) I unfortunately didn't get to meet the owner (Jan), but he was very prompt in responding to every one of my e-mail inquiries, and even arranged to have his brother meet us at the apartment when we got there.

In sum, perfect location, perfect lodging, great host.