Heleen is a prompt communicator and while she couldn't be there to welcome us, she made sure to connect me with her friend and neighbor Birgitta who met us at the apartment with keys and a notebook with her personal suggestions on restaurants, neighborhoods and museums to visit.

We didn't think we'd love Amsterdam as much as we did and have to say that Heleen's flat had a lot to do with it. The description and photos are accurate but don't adequately convey what a lovely retreat it is. Located on a quiet residential street in the De Pijp yet within walking distance to great food (Albert Cuypmarket and surrounding eateries), cafes, shops (Gathershop is a lovely boutique of handcrafted clothing and accessories and just around the corner), parks, and the major museums. Do stop by Hartog's Volkoren, a bakery that specializes in whole grain breads, cakes, crackers and cookies (just an 8 minutes walk)!

We slept well with my husband and I in the master bedroom in the back, our teenage daughter in the bedroom facing the street and our preteen son on the sofa bed.

If we have a chance to visit Amsterdam again, we wouldn't hesitate to try and book Heleen's flat!