I'd like to recommend two hotels if your travels bring you to Amsterdam. I've stayed at both recently and found them to be clean, safe, and very close to the main Red-Light action. You can book them on http://www.bookings.nl/ ... (prog)

Cok City
Dam Hotel

Given how open AMS is, there are many hotels in the RLD district. I've stayed at dives/pensions as well as really grand places around the Damrak area as well as in Jordaan.

I do not know what the policy is regarding guests as I did not do any outcalls in all my stays in AMS.

Hyatt,CrownePlaza,Marriott, GoldenTulip are all international chains and well represented.

As always, send email directly to the hotel asking if they have any unpublished specials that you should know about.

If you have not booked in advance, go to the tourist center outside Centraal station to get info on hotel rooms available. Please do not try this in the peak season when nearly everybody lands up in te small beautiful city.

Citydude,

Your last statement cannot be overstated. I've been to Amsterdam during Xmas/New Years and saw many travelers freaking out because they couldn't get a hotel near all the action. Believe me - Amsterdam, in the winter, is not a place to be left out in the cold (no pun intended). These poor soles usually end up staying in hotels and B&B far from the RLD. The trams close down at midnight so they would have to resort to cabs, which can get very pricey late at night... (prog)

I recently stayed at La Boheme and got a triple room (although only two of us) for 940 guilder for four nights (roughly $100 a night). We had a room with a bathroom in it.

It was near leidesplein and it is a bit of a walk to the RLD. I kind of like the walk as you get to see the city a bit. That said, i typically took a cab home at the end of night (about a 5 minute ride for about $10 US).

it is very difficult to get a decent room for a decent price over the weekend (even a month in advance). So, as the other posters say, make sure you book something in advance - especially if you arrive on a Friday.

Cok City sounds like my sort of place

Cok city is a nice place.Only problem with it is that it's very difficult to get a room on weekends .I tried booking a room there and they told me they're booked months and months in advance.A lot of people think it's nice I guess.AMS is party capitol for a lot of people all over Europe.It's really packed in the summer.Almost overrun really.Very difficult to get a decent room anytime then without reservations,at least near the city center.

Billcink,

True statement about Cok City. It's very tough to get in there. I stayed there last New Years but I booked 5 months in advance. You might want to try any of the hotels near Dam square. All would be within 5 minutes walking distance of the RDL. Check out the URL I posted above ( http://www.bookings.nl/ ). It allows you to see how close your hotel would be to the RDL. Just look for hotels that are within 10 blocks of "Centraal Station"... (prog)

Billcink,
What is the range you are looking at ? Also try the Tulip chain, as well as Ibis chain of hotels. They have two near Centraal. Do a google search to get the direct website for both of these chains.

Hotel prices around the RDL skyrocket during the Christmas/New Years holidays... (prog)

Citydude, I wasn't looking for a room/I was just responding to one of the other posts.Rio next on the agenda for me.Been there done that with AMS.Thanks for the info though.

Hotel holiday inn- crown plaza ( city centre )

Very american hotel 4 stars, situated between both main red light districts of amsterdam (singel,walletjes). didnt seem to mind "female guests" any time, or smoking of any kind. Rates are resonable for european standards, it being a 4 star its not cheap but i enjoy the safety and good location, ive never had to take a taxi when i stay at this hotel, near many coffee shops and restraunts. Bar, room service, IN room safe, etc.

Are there any issues bringing in guests to nice amsterdam hotels?

For the same price of a hotel you can rent an apartment. A great site to use is http://www.citymundo.com. They have a a few hundred apartments to rent and with many located close to the RLD.