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“Unbelieveable Apartment Accomodations” 5 May 2013
We spent three wonderful days touring Amsterdam using Peter Boogaard's apartment as our base. The apartment was tastefully furnished with a very pleasant common area and two separate bedrooms. Each bedroom contained its own bathroom, which afforded each couple a degree of privacy. Peter went to extreme length to provide a variety of comfortable pillows and bedding for the weary traveler. The kitchen area was well stocked with soft drinks, beer, eggs, and other assorted breakfast items. Peter also provided wine and frosted chocolate brownies to mark our arrival in Amsterdam. While the B and B is located on a quiet street, it is centrally located to the central train station, the fashionable Jordan district, and many other attractions. While public transportation is nearby, we were able to walk to most locations.
Peter was a knowledgeable host, providing updates and advice on Amsterdam's many attractions, and making dinner reservations at memorable area restaurants. We greatly appreciated the directions he provided for reaching the B and B from the airport, as they left nothing to the imagination. Frankly, we have not previously stayed in an accommodation that even began to match the apartment that Peter provided for our three-day stay in Amsterdam.
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“Excellent accomodations in an ideal location” 29 April 2013
Visited Amsterdam for the first time in early April. Spent 3 nights at Boogaards and could not have been happier. Just a ten minute walk from the Centraal Station on a quiet street, Boogaards is ideally located for exploring the whole city on foot. We stayed in the 2nd floor apartment with sitting room, kitchenette, and two bedrooms, each with it's own bathroom. The fridge was fully stocked with sliced meats, cheese, beer , soft drinks, milk and juice. Bread and fruit were also on hand and best of all, homemade brownies! Beds were very comfortable.
Peter is a wonderful host who goes all out to insure his guests have an enjoyable stay.
Many thanks to Peter, Tomasz, Pepe and Curly for all that you did to make our stay such a wonderful experience |
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“Exceptional apartment stay with an exceptional host” 4 April 2013
We stayed in the two bedroom apartment with another couple and enjoyed a fabulous 3 night stay. This takes up one of the floors of the house with the B & B accommodation on the floor above. As other reviewers have commented Peter is an attentive and extremely helpful host who not only provides very useful travel advice but was able to recommend and even book excellent restaurants. We were provided with a fully stocked kitchen with all the breakfast ingredients we could wish for- and the chocolate brownies were superb! The apartment is very comfortable, tastefully decorated with two large double en-suite rooms with a living space and the kitchen area. It allowed us to enjoy our time with friends and yet have a space for ourselves. I would have no hesitation in recommending this option as it gives you complete freedom to set your own timetable and enjoy that late breakfast!
Boogaards is well placed to explore Amsterdam and is a pleasant 10 minute stroll from the Jordaan district which we wished we'd had more time to explore. We can recommend Restaurant Il Fiore on Lindengracht. The exchange rate wasn't great when we travelled and this restaurant was very reasonably priced and better value with excellent food.
We can certainly recommend a stay at Boogaard's apartment and we hope to return!
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"Apartment Rental Option is the Greatest!" 9 December 2012
Returned from a two week river cruise and three day stay in Amsterdam yesterday. BBB was most definitely a highlight of the trip. There were four of us and we like to have a kitchen so the 2 bedroom apartment made sense for us. We have NO reason to look anywhere else in the city for a place to stay. Peter is in a league of his own when it comes to hotel managers. He spent well over half an hour with us telling us about the city and how to do everything. From the fresh baked brownies and fully stocked kitchen to the fast laptop to his wonderful stories and fantastic restaurant recommendations. Just be aware, plan ahead and/or talk to Peter if you are unable to carry your luggage up the stairs. The treads are narrow and require good balance. Peter, thank you for making our Amsterdam stay so memorable!! |
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"This place is truly fantastic !!"
My partner and I were heading to Amsterdam for a few days, and I booked
this place as it was so highly recommended on Tripadvisor. So, I was
pretty confident that it would be good, but it totally exceeded my
expectations.
Peter was the most hospitable and accomodating host we have encountered
anywhere in the world. The facilities were top notch, beautiful room,
beautiful house, soft drinks and beers in the fridge, not to mention
Peter's wonderful baking, and the great breakfasts!
He was very helpful with restaurant and sightseeing recommendations so we didn't have to just plod the normal tourist trail.
I would love to go back and visit again some time and would not hesitate to recommend this place to others.
If I had to dislike anything it would the weight I've gained from all the gorgeous food!
Hug to great guys at Boogaard's from Nicola
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"Simply put, this is the most amazing place you could ever stay !!"
Hello Boogaard's
I cannot speak highly enough of our experience here. Every expectation
was greatly exceeded. If you're considering a trip to Amsterdam and even
remotely considering a B&B, you must stay here.
The living spaces are spacious and comfortable. Peter is interesting,
hospitable and kind. The location is convenient and accessible. Check
out Trip Advisor for more about this great Bed and Breakfast in
Amsterdam.
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“Memories for life”
Hello Peter, Tomasz and the Boys!
This was our first trip to Europe. I hailed from Mumbai, India while my
partner from Boston. After a lot of soul searching, we identified
Amsterdam & Barcelona as our preferred destinations.
We had heard of the legend Peter Boogaard from Trip Advisor and a couple
other forums, who ran the #1 B&B in Europe. We had never
experienced a B&B before, and despite countless assurances via
online reviews, we wondered if the service would match up to fine 4 star
hotels. Bottom-line, we had high expectations.
Our Amsterdam trip depended on securing accommodation at Boogaard's. My
partner mailed Peter, at first pass, nothing was available for the days
we had in mind. We switched dates and luckily Peter had an opening. Over
the next several days, he answered many of our queries. As it turned
out, we couldn't find a day flight out of Barcelona and were to land in
Amsterdam post midnight. We shuddered at entering anyone's place at
midnight, yet Peter reassured us it was fine.
Midnight, turned to quarter past one, but luckily we had no trouble
finding Boogaard's. It's conveniently located, a couple minutes from
Centraal Station. Despite the hour, Peter beamed at the top of the
narrow flight of stairs. He gave us a grand tour of the place, and
showed us the goodie boxes with tons of biscottis, fresh home-made
cakes. We really needed those for our midnight binge.
Peter's place reminded me of a museum. Each item on our floor was
hand-selected, and yet, despite the ornate atmosphere, it felt like
home. You know you are in a special place, esp. as you munch gourmet
chocolate biscottis at 3 am and admire the photographs & artwork in
the common living room.
The place is immaculately clean and stocked with everything you could
find in a 4 star hotel and more. There's also complimentary beer, tea,
sodas, all bathroom essentials, the works. Plus, an excellent and safe
cleaning service that keeps the room clean. We had some money, valuables
unattended, with no cause for alarm.
Breakfast is a special occasion at Boogaard's. All guests gather around
the feast that Peter lays out on the dining table, with lovely opera
music cooing from an iPod dock. On all 3 mornings of our stay, we
enjoyed something different. Peter is a gourmet cook. I'd recommend him
for a cordon bleu if he were interested, but Peter cooks from heart. We
enjoyed some delicious dutch pancakes, apple cakes, bacon, cinnamon
cakes, dutch cheese, plus a full breakfast spread, and tons of fresh
gourmet coffee. On a couple days, our 9 am breakfast, not to mention the
coffee & conversations flowed till noon. We loved our marathon
conversations with Peter and the many lovely guests. That's an
experience you rarely get in a hotel.
Amsterdam is a relatively small city, but for first-timers it can get
confusing, one canal looks like the other, and the names are as foreign
as something-gracht. We were lucky Peter was always willing to guide us
with excellent restaurant recommendations and directions. In fact, we
were surprised when he offered us a booklet of tram tickets (that's Eur
20 worth). There's much love in the Boogaard house, and privacy when you
need it.
Amsterdam sleeps relatively early in winter, and we had Peter &
Tomasz' 1000+ DVD's to keep us company on the sole night when we got
back 'home' by midnight. If you cannot choose, get Peter & Tomasz to
recommend their favorites. There's ample selection to give blockbuster a
run for their money, in multiple languages.
Peter is the reason you select a stay at Boogaard's. The man is a
legend, as confirmed by other B&B owners, with whom we also stayed,
since Peter's is a popular place, and you better book in advance. Peter
helped us find alternate accommodation when our 3 nights ran out. He
also did my laundry, folded it and had it sent to our room, and boy did I
have a huge load from my Barcelona trip. And when we were leaving, he
packed us a batch of his freshly baked cake.
This was one of the best trips of our sub-30 years on terra firma. We
definitely recommend the experience of staying at Boogaard's. Tomasz and
the adorable pups (Curly & Pepe) add to your experience. Give in to
Peter's recommendations, submit to the lure of his baked goods and
engaging conversations and you will preserve memories for life.
Peter, Tomasz, Curly and Pepe, you have become friends for life, and Del and I miss you much.
Sameer Khandelwal & Delna Bharucha ,
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Peter,
I belatedly sent this review to TripAdviser. Hope it helps - and that you like it.
Don (and Genelyn)
I live in hotels about nine months per year due to my job as an
international consultant. This is the first time I have ever stayed in a
bed and breakfast (with my wife on vacation). If other B&Bs are even half
as good as Boogaard's B&B, then I will never stay in a hotel again. We
were treated not so much as guests, but as treasured and pampered members
of the family. Peter did our laundry (for free), provided an exceptional
breakfast, and also free drinks (including wine and beer). Boogaart’s has
a good location, within short walking distance of most attractions and
convenient trams for the remainder. The street is quiet, but a five minute
walk away is a major gathering place for tourists and others to drink and
socialize outdoors. There are some VERY good restaurants at various price
levels within two blocks. Peter lent us his favorite guide book, a city
map, and gave his recommendations of what to see and when and how to get
there. The room and hall decorations are unique (as in your own home), the
bathroom/shower was so wonderful that I think my wife took additional
baths just to be in it. The stairs are steep as they are in almost all
B&Bs in Amsterdam and in many of the smaller hotels, but they were well
manageable for this 61 year old.
Above all, the reason to stay at Boogaart’s is Peter. He is magnificent.
In my travels I will make a special effort to stop off in Amsterdam just
to see him again. Actually, within reason, I will reroute my flights in
order to do so. So thank you Peter from both me and my wife and very much
hope to see you again.
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Hello Peter,
We just wanted to write and say "thank you" for such wonderful
accommodations and hospitality during our 2 night stay in Amsterdam. As
it was the end of our two week vacation, it was great to have some
comforts of home. The room was wonderful and just what we needed. Your
extra touches including allowing us to do our laundry and the mini bar
provided was more than expected. In addition to the immaculate room, the
breakfasts were to die for!!! Your dining suggestions each evening were
great and allowed us to get away from the "touristy" areas for a bit
and relax. Any visitor should consider themselves lucky to have found
such a treasure in this B & B. It truly made our trip to Amsterdam.
We will definitely return if we are back in Amsterdam!
Thanks again,
Penni & Brendan
Banff, AB, Canada
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Peter,
I want to thank you for a perfectly delightful stay at your wonderful
Bed & Breakfast on February 12-15th. Your beautifully and
tastefully decorated rooms made the experience sensuous to the eye and
to the feelings. Those crispy ironed sheets didn't hurt the situation
either. Your human warmth came through--- Whether you know this or
not, hospitality is a spiritual gift and not everyone has it. Those
that do have it usually take it for granted because it so easy for them.
Sweetheart, you have it!!
Also, you really exceeded my expectations with your fabulous
breakfast. Your table settings were impeccable with the candles and the
beautiful delft pieces. Most importantly, the food was delicious and
generously served. That part was the highlight of my two week trip. I
just loved it!!!
And, I want to especially thank you for your thoughtfulness in giving
me a burned copy of IL Divo. When I got back to the states, I shared it
with my daughter, and we cried together at how beautiful it was. My
daughter, by the way, is a gifted singer herself and has the same
appreciation for music that I do. How did you know that I would
appreciate that gesture so much?
Finally, I am already planning my next Amsterdam trip and I will be
bringing my daughter with me. I didn't plan enough time for Amsterdam as
I completely loved your city. This is not going to be in the near
future, but when I do come, I will hope you can save a space for us as I
would like to be a guest of yours again.
God Bless you ,Peter, and any of your future endeavors-
Sincerely,
kathleen
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Dear Peter,
Maurice, Monty, Sharon and I have been back home in Canada for a week
now and are still trying to absorb all of our experiences in Europe and
Russia. When we review all of the places we've been and all that we
have learned, we think of Amsterdam with the fondest memories and a
place to go where the people are friendly and easy-going and also a
place where there is lots to see and do. We have just submitted a
review of your bed and breakfast on trip advisor and just couldn't say
enough good things about our stay with you! Remember when we left and
we said all of our bed and breakfast's would have to measure up to
yours? Well, they did not. In Russia, language was a real barrier and
the bed and breakfast was more hotel style. In Italy, both Venice and
Rome, the hosts of the bed and breakfasts where we stayed did not even
live there, so we had no one to ask for directions,
no information was left for us and breakfasts were either cold cereal
and croissants and bread or, in the case of Rome, a card for free
breakfast at the cafe across the street which didn't open until 7:30 and
was stand-up cafe bar style! Our bed and breakfast in Brussels had a
good location and friendly people if we could find them. So, Peter, no
other place we stayed could even come close to the warmth and
hospitality and food that we received during our stay with you. Because
of you, our experience in Amsterdam was probably the best one of our
whole trip! Thank you again, and you can be rest-assured that we would
recommend your bed and breakfast to anyone that is thinking of going to
Amsterdam, and should we ever have the opportunity to go back, we would
only go if we could stay with you! Thank you again from the bottom of
our hearts!
Lori and Maurice Autet
Sharon and Monty Vanhouwe
November 2006
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I just wanted to take a few minutes to tell you how much my family
and I enjoyed Boogaard's Bed and Breakfast. We have been staying at
B&Bs throughout Asia, North America, and Europe for the last 10
years. Boogaard's is head and shoulders above the rest. Every aspect of
our visit was perfect; from the beautifully restored and decorated rooms
to the fabulous breakfasts. Many B&Bs serve the same breakfast over
and over, but not Boogaard's. Every morning I could smell something
different that made rush downstairs. In addition to coffee, tea and
juice there was fresh fruit and cereal every morning. My favorite
breakfast was the pancakes and bacon toped off with Dutch Syrup. Peter
and his staff kept the entire premises spotless, including the shared
bath. Towels linins and robes are all provided. Thankless water heaters
mean an endless supply of hot water whether you are the first or last to
get into the shower.
Our hosts were both knowledgeable and helpful. Every restaurant that
was recommended was wonderful. When our friends plans at another B&B
fell apart, Peter was able to help us find lodging with a fellow
B&Ber. They really saved our vacation from disaster.
We traveled with our pet dog, a female 5-year-old pug. Peter and Pepe
(the 3-year-old Jack Russell Terrier) gave Sawa the warmest welcome. I
cannot thank Peter enough that he baby sited Sawa when we went visit the
Museums where Sawa was not allowed. We stayed at the lovely Pug Room
where Sawa had her favorite spot on the leather chair, which she took
her afternoon nap.
It's conveniently located by the Leidseplein, you are less than a
3-minute walk from the tram line, 10 minutes from the main museums, and
15 from the Ann Frank house. The experience we had at Boogaard's B&B
was superior which made our vacation in Amsterdam a memorable one.
Boogaard's B&B will certainly be my first choice of place to stay
when we return to Amsterdam the next time.
Brad, Jill & Sawa
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We can't stop talking about our wonderful stay in Amsterdam at
Boogaard's B&B. Peter is an outstanding host. The room was
immaculate. The breakfasts were generous and delicious. We recommend it
highly!
Rob & Miao
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Having traveled and stayed in many different hotels, hostels and
B&B's all over the world, I can honestly say that our stay in
Boogaard's Bed and Breakfast was better than any hotel yet!
The beautiful rooms and cleaner than clean bathoom was nothing
compared to the personal attention we received every day of our stay. We
were treated more like old friends than guests, with unexpected
niceties such as candles and bath salts hand delivered by the owner
because he wanted to make sure that my bath was a luxurious one to the
offer of tea and snacks while watching one of the many movies available
in our our room, the stay was a pure delight and we hated to leave.
The apartment is situated on a nice quiet street within walking distance to just about everything, including the Museum area.
Breakfast was delicious (Dutch Pancakes) with a different menu daily
and more than enough food to last you well through the normal lunch
hour.
Peter, Tomasz and Pepe the Jack Russell were the most incredible hosts and we can't wait to come back!
Megan & Carlos Gallardo, USA
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Dear Peter,
I wanted to let you know how much we appreciated your wonderful B
& B. We can and will recommend it without reserve. It was really
amazing to find such a high quality accommodation with such large square
footage and at such a great price. The apartment was really a fabulous
space. The rooms were immaculately clean and so comfortable and quiet.
They are decorated so peacefully but with character. The bathroom was
spacious and bright and we really loved having the super washer and
dryer. It was really nice to have the self-catering kitchen (very well
stocked for breakfast and snacks, thank you very much) because we loved
shopping for and cooking our own food. Amelia and I loved coming in
after a cold, wet day in the city to these cosy surroundings. It felt
like home-away-from-home because we could just cook a nice dinner and
settle into a movie.
As fabulous as the apartment itself is, however, what really sets
your place apart is the personal service and the amenities you offer.
Having the laptop with the wireless internet was so convenient and
generous. Then, you go above and beyond by offering the cell-phone and
the incredible DVD library. You just really know how to pamper your
clients. Thanks. Our only serious regret is that we picked up a yogurt
and pancake addiction which will only be satisfied by frequent visits.
Thanks also for your recommendations on restaurants and routes and museums.
You were an invaluable resource.
Sincerely,
Diane and Amelia
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Dear Peter,
Thanks so much for making our stay in Amsterdam so enjoyable.
Boogaard's Bed & Breakfast is absolutely beautiful and so richly
comfortable. It exceeded all of our expectations. But even better as
your warm hospitality, your excellent cooking, and your tender loving
care when we came down with colds toward the end of our stay. The herb
tea and medicines were much appreciated. We both felt like cherished
guests in your home.
We were also delighted by the interesting variety of guests who stay
in your place, and the way you make everyone feel so welcome. We look
forward to our next trip to Amsterdam and to Boogaard's.
Most sincerely,
Kate Harrison
Pine, Arizona, USA
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In planning our visit to Amsterdam we researched the available
accommodations extensively. We chose Boogaards because the location and
accommodations looked fantastic on the web-site. What we found was a
great deal more. We had in mind a picturesque setting with a clean room
and a nice breakfast. Instead, we were thrilled to find immaculate
accommodations with a sumptuous breakfast. Every detail was perfect. In
life, one seldom gets more than they expect but with Boogaards B&B
you do. In addition to an experience of a lifetime, we left with new
friends, Peter and Thomas.
Joann Pope,USA
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Peter, Greetings from Boston. We are just back from Tanzania and had a
wonderful time. Beautiful country, lovely people, great food
(unexpectedly!), animals wonderful. We all had a great time and survived
camping very well. Wanted to thank you for my box and handles. It
followed me around Tanzania and came home to Boston packed with a few
trinkets in addition to my sleeping bag! Thanks for your hospitality.
We felt like we were leaving home when we left Amsterdam. You were
wonderful to us. I'll be recommending your B and B and hope I get back
myself sometime!.
Pat O'Brien
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