Maria was fabulous! Welcoming, charming, and more than generous with her morning breakfasts, usually consisting of an open variety of fruits, pastries, breads, spreads, meats and yogurt. There's plenty of room in the back where I stayed, and Maria was always happy to offer useful suggestions about where to go and what to do. The neighborhood of Brouwersgracht was an amazing suprise to me, surrounded by cafe's but none of the tourists bustle of hostels near the Dam--not to mention it's right above Jordaan and just a two-minute bike ride to Westermarkt (area of the Anne Frank house ), so it's very central. The canal houses are too unique to pass up, and Maria's is no exception. If you're looking for a central yet quiet location with a sweet hostess (and cute cat), this is a great place to be.