Cozy home ambience...
In the center, only minutes away from the museums and within walking
distance from all major sights and nightlife spots, yet in a quiet
residential area: Maes Bed and Breakfast.
The private house, dating from the eighteenth century, has recently
been renovated.
The guest rooms, located on the first and second floor, are quaint
and comfortable. They are decorated with an accent n a cozy home
'ambience.'
Awaken to the smell of fresh croissants, which are part of the
extended continental breakfast. Complimentary coffee and tea are
available throughout the day in the guest kitchen on the first floor.
We're located in a quaint street between two canals which are the
Herengracht and the Keizersgracht.
We are conveniently near major tram-lines and only steps away from
the Anne Frank House and the Jordaan, which is famous for its variety of
shops, restaurants and galleries.
The major museums that are within walking distance are:
- The Stedelijk
- The Van Gogh
- The Rijksmuseum
As well as the street markets the Albert Cuyp, Noorder Market, the
trendy shopping street PC Hooftstraat and numerous nightlife spots.
We are only steps away from the Anne Frank House and the Jordaan,
which is famous for its variety of shops, restaurants and galleries.
Rooms:
The rooms are decorated with a character of their own. Both the
Yellow and Red Rooms are located on the street side and have bathrooms
ensuite. You can enjoy the view of the boutiques and shoppers during the
day and the serenity of the city at night.
The rooms are famous for the king size beds. After a wonderful
nights' sleep, awaken to the sound of birds and the smell of fresh
coffee and croissants.
Apartments:
Apart from the Bed and Breakfast accommodation, we can also provide
an apartment for you. We can offer a choice of an apartment in the
Herenstraat, where the bed and breakfast is located, or in the
Reguliersdwarsstraat alternatively.
Nicolaas Maes:
We have named the place after Nicolaas Maes, one of the famous Dutch
painters from the 17th century and a pupil of Rembrandt. Some of his
work can be seen in the Rijksmuseum.
Your Hosts:
Ken Harrison, who grew up in Hawaii and California, has been a
European citizen for more than 17 years. He is a professional chef, with
pastries as his specialty. Ken will be your host for most of the time.
His partner, Vladimir Melnikov, a Russian living in Holland for over
5 years. He is a professional modern dancer and an atlas of information
on the performing Arts here in Holland and Europe. You will see him
quite often in the house.
Directions:
By Car:
- From A10 (Ring Zuid) take exit S103.
- Take a right at the bottom of the exit.
- Pass the first stoplight and keep following the route S103
Centrum. (You are on the Haarlemmerweg).
- You will come to a large crossing with a city Port on the left
across the bridge, here you need to cross the bridge and turn left
behind the city Port and again right.
- Continue straight on over the flyover, at the stoplights you need
to take a right onto the Singel, continue down the canal until you
get to the Blauwburgwal.
- Here turn right and at the end turn left over the bridge and
immediately turn right over the other bridge into the Herenstraat.
- We are at #26.
Please note: There are parking meters in the street, everyday 9 am
and 11 pm.
From Schiphol Airport:
- Take the train to the Central Station (approximately 15 minutes).
From the Central Station:
- Take tram #2, 5, 13,or 17 departing in front of Central Station.
- Exit at the the first stop and cross over the street to the right
into the Korte Lijnbaanssteeg.
- Walk straight on until you see the Singel canal, cross over the
bridge and continue along the Blauwburgwal.
- At the end cross the bridge (corner Herengracht/Blauwburgwal) and
continue into the Herenstraat.
- We are at #26.
Some Tips On Public Transport:
The not-so-wonderful system of strippencards (Dutch: strippenkaart)
pays your way on the bus or tram. We will not try to bore you with the
system, but this is what you need to know if you travel this way to buy
a strippencard at the railway station (other typical places where you
can are newsstands and Albert Heyn supermarkets). It is much cheaper
than if you buy individual tickets on the tram. Get a stamp from the
yellow machines you find in the tram, or from the driver. If you travel
from Central station to Maes Bed and Breakfast stamp two strips per person.
Please: watch out for pickpockets
Even though Amsterdam is very friendly and safe, we do have our
share of pickpockets. The professional ones know where most visitors
arrive and concentrate their 'business' on just those stations and in
those trams which we just advised you to use. So please keep all your
important stuff out of sight and out of reach!
