Bob and Cathy Smith

Manhattan is one of our favorite places.  For many years we've enjoyed going there, walking the streets, shopping, eating at little out of the way delis and cafes, seeing the Broadway shows, riding the subways, visiting the landmarks, catching some jazz and soaking in the sounds, sights and smells.  Wow!  I think I just talked myself into a desire to go right now!

It is not cheap to stay in midtown Manhattan.  We've stayed in some of the finer hotels and payed the fare.  However, in recent years the power of internet searches can really pay off!

One such case was our last trip there.  The two of us were going with our adult daughter who had never been there.  We searched the internet researching availability and rates and the more we researched, the better rates we found.  Finally, we found a hotel location and rate we simply could not believe.  You won't believe it either until  you research it yourself.

If you are familiar with Manhattan and the theater district, you would know the corner of 50th St. and Broadway.  Just one-half block west of Broadway on 50th on the south side of the street is THE AMSTERDAM COURT HOTEL.  A room for 2 is $189.00/night.  Yeah, you heard that right :-)

When we saw this on the internet we were thinking it probably was a rat-infested hole in the wall until we looked at the pictures, read the reviews and thoroughly checked it out.  We booked it and had that exciting little feeling in the pit of our stomach when you're taking an adventuresome risk.

When we took the taxi from LaGuardia to the hotel, we were pleased with the exterior of the building and absolutely astonished at its location.  As luck would have it, we had planned on seeing the musical "Wicked" and it was playing at the Gershwin Theater which is directly across the street!

The Amsterdam used to be an apartment building and in recent years was converted to a hotel.  The entire hotel has a 1930s ambience because it hasn't been redesigned.  The '30s feel, however, is not one of those crusty, dusty, stinky feelings which give you the creeps.  It's 1930s CLEAN and respectable.

The room we had was big enough for the three of us with a queen bed and sofa bed our daughter slept on.  There was storage space for luggage and clothing and a modern, clean bathroom.  The view from our window was rooftops and fire escapes.

Bottom line, we LOVED staying here.  The real calling card for this hotel is its location.  You are smack-dab in the middle of the theater district and surrounded by restaurants, cafes and interesting shops.  Just a few blocks south on Broadway is Times Square with all the flashing neon and exciting hustle and bustle.  You can walk to catch an airing of Good Morning America or the Today Show.  The closeby subway terminals will get you anywhere in town easily and quickly.

We love the Amsterdam.  I want to go back.  Now.