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Train - tickets and prices

Why not considering traveling by train when coming to A'dam?
It is a nice and relaxed alternative and you don't have to worry about parking lots or driving in a crowded city. At central station you can take a tram, bus or metro which will bring you where you want. When you don't have a lot of luggage, renting a bike and biking through Amsterdam would also be a possibility (and is for sure a fun experience!).

Some practical info:

National train (departure @ Weert):
* travel time: 1h 40; transfer: 0.
* one-way journey (economy class): full fare 19.90 euro; discounted fare 11.90
* same-day return journey (economy class): full fare 37.50; 22.50 euro
(you can buy a ticket with discount when you have a valid "voordeelurenkaart". This card costs 55 euro and gives you (and 4 other passengers traveling together with you) the right to travel for 1 year at a discounted rate after 9 a.m..

International train (departure @ Antwerpen-centraal):
* travel time: 2h 06
* one-way journey (economy class): full fare 29.60; discounted fare 20.00 euro (only valid after 9 a.m.)
* same-day return journey (economy class): full fare 59.20

International train (departure @ Brussel-centraal):
* travel time (intercity): 2h 48
* one-way journey (economy class): full fare 37.80; discounted fare: ?
* same-day return journey (economy class): 75.80; discounted fare: ?

Websites:
www.ns.nl
www.nmbs.be
www.thalys.com

Hotels

For those still looking for a place to stay, I will list some hotels below. They are situated near the party place, or easy reachable by public transport. I talked to the hotel managers and they are willing to give us a discount (up to 10 euro/night) when we book multiple rooms. If one of the following suggestions sounds interesting to you, please let me know asap.
But of course don't feel obliged to arrange your accommodation this way,there are plenty other hotels in the city which you can choose.

Stayokay hostels

+ relatively cheap (+- 35 euro/night/per person, breakfast included)
+ nice area (situated in the famous Vondelpark in the centre of A'dam)
- no private room
- no direct tram line (you need to take at least 2 trams to get there
www.stayokay.com

Victorie hotel (**)

+ 10 min walking from the party place (or a few tram stops, direct line)
+ reasonable price (80 euro/night/double room, breakfast included)
- small rooms (basic accommodation)
- it takes +- 20 minutes to get to leidseplein (=city centre)
www.hotelvictorie.nl

Hotel Sarphati (**)

+ cosy, small hotel in front of Sarphatipark (Pijp area)
+ easy to reach (tram 25)
+ family rooms
- only a few rooms available
- price (120 euro/night/double room; 170 euro/night/family room, breakfast incl)
www.sarphatihotel.com

Aalborg Hotel (***)

+ price (85 euro/night/double room; 129 euro/night/family room)
+ easy to reach (tram 25)
+ nice area (sarphatipark)
- breakfast not included (9 euro p.p; 7 euro for children up to 10 y.)
www.aalborg.nl

Novotel (****)

+ a lot of facilities
+ nice rooms
+ reasonable price (+- 130 euro/night/double room)
- reachable, though you should count on 2x10 min walking (and 15 min metro)
- situated 4km from the city centre
www.novotel.com

Hotel Savoy (****)

+ nice rooms
+ easy to reach (tram 25)
+ family rooms (4 persons)
- rather expensive (+- 150 euro/night/double room, breakfast included)
www.savoyhotel.nl

VU university

I was in Amsterdam this week to attend the thesis defenses of Ana and Lucienne (two colleagues). They did a great job, congrats!

I suddenly realized that I am the next one... brr.

Welcome

Welcome to the website about my PhD defense. This way I would like to help you in making your stay in Amsterdam as smooth as possible so that you can fully enjoy it.
Here you will soon find practical information on itineraries, suggestions on sleeping accommodations (according to your budget) as well as cultural tips on places to visit.
Besides, I will keep you updated with the latest news and you can have a look behind the scenes of this event.
Feel free to come back!

xo,
Veerle