This is probably the best Air BnB experience I've had.
Unless I stay with my family at Elizabeth's place again, I do not expect to have as good an experience again.
The apartment is excellently located. There is immediate access to everything excellent about Amsterdam - a short, pleasant walk to the Food Hallen, a quick walk to some beautiful neighborhoods, basically on a canal, almost immediate access to a tram, two - 2! - good restaurants merely steps away, and on and on. It's a 30 minute walk to the Museumplein, but it's such a wonderful walk. It's a perfect distance to the Vondelpark for those who like to run, and so on.
The apartment is so lovely. It is perfectly suited for 2 couples and a kid, or something comparable (2 couples, 1 couple and a kid, 1 couple 2 or 3 kids, etc).
We brought our 15 month old with us. She loved it there. In fact, it made me feel bad about my house because she liked Elizabeth's way more than our place!
The basic design is a pretty straightforward Northern European modernist style but there are all these excellent Texas accents. The art is lively but not obtrusive. The layout is nearly perfect, with a well sized living room space and a well-sized kitchen, all in a big open plan on the main floor. We spent a lot of time there, relaxing on the couch, sitting at the really attractive, heavy wooden dining room table, and just enjoying the very satisfyingly pleasant vibe of the place.
Both bathrooms are nearly luxurious, in my book. The main bathroom on the first floor has this great bath in which our daughter had a great time. The shower is excellent with very good water pressure.
The other bathroom is also perfect, with a big shower.
The master bedroom was excellent and comfortable. The second bedroom is more of a guest bedroom and it was also very comfortable.
It is hard to overstate how helpful and welcoming Elizabeth was to us. She left our daughter a Christmas gift that has become a favorite toy. She communicated well with us and was very thorough. She left us a little gift of snacks for when we arrived. She was helpful and understanding with everything and gave us AMAZING recommendations for what to do, especially with a kid.
Most importantly, though, Elizabeth was understanding and totally present in our communications. She really is the best Air BnB host I've ever encountered - and most hosts with whom I've dealt are just excellent people!
This place is really excellent. It's light filled, full of life and you can feel a sense of joy in it.
Thank you Elizabeth!