If you're looking to experience Amsterdam as a local, look no further than Govert Flinckstraat 174. The flat is located in De Pijp - a quiet, yet hip neighborhood that is a 10 min walk to many of the museums and a short (3 blk.) walk to the Albert Cuyp tram stop, which will take you pretty much anywhere you need to go in the city. Of course, the big draw to De Pijp is the Albert Cuyp streetmarket for everything from fresh food to clothes and even kids toys! We spent an entire afternoon browsing the stalls and the shops behind them, as well as eating our way through the market.
The flat itself is fantastic - a home away from home with every comfort and convenience you could ever need. Ester has thought of everything to make sure you can enjoy your time experiencing the city. The kitchen is fully stocked, including the fridge (waters, beers, cheese, etc.), as well as plenty of coffee and tea - complete with a milk-frother! Wi-fi is very reliable and the beds were perhaps the most comfortable of any bed we've slept in (including our own!). It was so nice to come back after a full day of sight-seeing to a warm, inviting and comfortable apartment.
Ester takes great care of the property - everything is incredibly clean, modern and well-maintained. While we didn't have an issue, I'm sure that if we had, it would have been addressed immediately. She is also an excellent host, carrying our bags up the precarious spiral staircase and even offering to reserve us a cab to the airport on our last day.
She also provides great guides to the city, including some of her and her husband's favorite restaurants in the area and, when we had questions about the location of certain attractions or how to use the tram, she was incredibly helpful and knowledgeable.
While we love being tourists, we don't always like being in the middle of all the action. Ester's flat was the perfect solution - close enough to all there is to see and do in Amsterdam, but with the ease and calm of living like a local. We would happily stay again and can't recommend it enough to those wanting a home away from home.