First things first: Marlot is a Super Host for a reason. Far surpasses others in frequent communication, sending suggestions for restaurants, pubs, events, getting around, and anticipating your needs, checking how you’re doing. The unit is just as advertised, open plan, full bath, items you need already provided. If you travel much at all, you know what a benefit the washer and dryer can be. Now, the stairs; yes, they’re steep and winding, but double railed, I only see an issue if you have poor knees, and even then, probably not a deal breaker. And it’s part of the real Amsterdam you’re staying in, and the un-equaled location. Immediately outside your door are restaurants, pubs, and the fully active Jordaan neighborhood. Grocery and druggist steps away. Walks to the two most accessible tram stops are 5 and 9 minutes from Marlot’s place. Bikes available for your use.
Unit tip: When locking the door upon leaving, wait to hear the lock click twice, then gently push to make sure it latched.
Amsterdam Suggestions:
-If you want to see the Rembrandt and van Gogh museums, and the Maritime museum, the Museumkaart is a good choice to see 5 museums for one price.
-There are two types of tram/bus/train passes, each a chipped credit card size card stock. Passes can be bought for 1, 2, or 3 days of travel. The less expensive card is for tram/bus travel in Amsterdam. The higher cost one adds train travel within the region: Haarlem (recommended), Delft, the Hague, etc. If you buy online, you still need to go pick them up. If you fly in, best to pick them up at the airport, or later at the Central Transit Station. Before using the cards, LEARN how to check yourself in and out with the card, and study the free map to know which stop you need, or use the transit tab on Google maps, and/or Citymapper. Some transit drivers will take a moment to help you, but Not All. Some trams have green waist high gates to depart; push them open to exit, after swiping your transit card out.
-Bring comfortable walking shoes; you’ll do a lot of it.
-Look left, right, then left, right again before crossing any bike lane. Keep a steady path, don’t wander back and forth on the sidewalks. Bikes and scooters are everywhere, and are comfortable passing you close, often at speed. We never saw a crash in 9 days, but it’s a mystery.
-I found Uber to be as easy as the States, and less expensive than taxis.