We had an excellent stay at Maaike's Amsterdam apartment. Maaike was there to meet us, treated us to a bottle of wine and some dutch treats and helped us understand our way around the city.

The apartment is great, windows on both sides and a small dining alcove framed by a giant leafy tree.

Yes, the stairs are steep but that seems completely typical in Amsterdam flats and no problem for these two 50-year-old plus travelers.

Neighborhood great. Coffee and bake shop basically at the bottom of the apartment and a canal around the corner. We rented bikes from a shop down the street two blocks and were absolutely amazed by a place that puts bikes at the top of the hierarchy.

Congratulations Netherlands for getting that right. You lead the world and we got to see that first hand.

Great stay. We highly recommend the apartment and the host and hope you can enjoy your visit as much as we did!