ScoobyDaz

I want to take my missus away for Valentines weekend, however I've never been to either, which would anyone suggest

Cheers

Daz

ScoobyDaz

PS - I'm looking for a romantic weekend - not a perv round red lights etc

Cyberevo

iTrader: (1)

amsterdam is a bit pervy... and full of stoneheads, I've been there 7 times (in my younger days) ;-)

Kieran_Burns

iTrader: (1)

The French are (IMO) arrogant and unhelpful

The Dutch are amongst the friendliest people you will ever hope to meet and EVERYONE speaks perfect English.

Oh, and sod the red light district... diamond jewellers? I've been to both places and AMS gets my vote every time.

IanWatson

Amsterdam would be fantastic (I lived there for 3 years and still have property there) - the seedy bit is really only the very centre of the canal rings below Centraal Station and can be completed avoided if necessary! This time of year it's very cold, but the brown cafes (NOT the dope ones - they're coffeshops!) are very cosy and great places to cuddle up together over some hearty dutch winter food.

Stay in the Ambassade or Blakes if you're feeling flush, or find a place in the Museum Quarter (South West) or in the Jordaan (North West). To find good restaurants in advance try http://www.iens.nl (great site that can be trusted) and click on the union jack for the English version.

Wrap up warm!

555wrx

Paris is very similar to London, except for the lingo obviously.
Holland wins hands down.

andy1505

Went to Amsterdam with the wife last year. Superb 5 day break. Flew with Easyjet and booked the Marriot for £45 a night through priceline. Red Light was interesting the Museum's etc superb. Gets my vote over Paris.

what would scooby do

Paris, 'cos Amsterdam is full of brit w4nkers

ScoobyDaz

Cheers for the replies, I think it may have to be Amsterdam, has anyone got any opinions on the NH Barbizon Palace, its right in the centre and is 5*, and quite good prices at the moment?

Cheers

Daz

Baby Sel

Paris i would have to say, and travel by Eurostar.

Sel

Daryl

For a romantic break you can't beat Paris, can't for the life of me think why anyone would think it's like London

Paris has history and culture on it's side, Amsterdam has drugs and ****!

alcazar

iTrader: (2)

Absolutely!

Been to both, MUCH preferred Paris, more to see and do, far fewer stoneheads, easier transport.

AQnd yes to Eurostar, city centre to city centre in about 3 hours with views and comfort in between!

Alcazar

Stueyb

I went out with a girl who lived on the outskirts of amsterdam for a few months and ok, it really does depend where you go in Amsterdam as to the type of experience you want. The proper ***** houses are not actually in amsterdam, a little town nearby for that and it was, cool, seventeen rooms for partying. each with a different theme, the dungeon was cool too.. erm anyhow.

Rotterdam is a very nice, romantic and lovely place to go, nowhere near as many drugs and cafes although it does have a few. Subliem is a good place to visit if you go there, if you get my drift. Its like Amsterdam without the filth

Stueyb

You can also get a train from Schipol all the way there IIRC. Doesnt take that long either

Daryl

I should point out that I have first hand experience of Amsterdam, I sampled the delights on offer there on numerous occasions when I was in the merchant navy!

Paris is definitely better for the romantic getaway, unless your wife is up for a threesome

Scooby96

Banana Bar all the way mate, she'll love it!

willy

I visited Paris for the day 2002 boxing day.
Wow, I was really impressed at what a nice, clean place it was.
I also proposed to my girl on the Eiffel Tower...
So yes, try to speak French and it will get you a long way.
The French people I spoke to where great, I think because I tried to speak their language.
Even though I cant speak French fluently, the Gendame(Police) were helpful when we needed pointing in the right direction.
I got some pointers off a friend who lived in Paris,
and ate at a place just off a main street, it was must cheaper and excellent.
Beware of the huge perfume shop on the Champs-elysee...££££ LOL

*****

TheBigMan

Paris is just like London yeah.

Jerome

If you are English and/or don't speak good French, don't go to Paris. Even the non-Parisian French don't like Parisians. They make London look like the friendliest place on Earth.

Amsterdam wins hands down IMO.

dtriggs

Paris gets my vote out of the two - but given a wider choice I'd go to Rome - went there last Jan with the wife and it was the best trip we'd done - previous trips have been to Paris, Amsterdam, Seville, Munich, and New York.

fatherpierre

Paris SOOOOOOOOOO expensive.

I it's nothing at all like London - London is very cheap by comparison, much, much busier and has more going on. We went to the recommended area for nightlife and it was dead.

I'm used to London prices which are higher (in general) than the rest of the UK, but Paris stunned me with how expensive it was. The Mrs and I went into a cafe, ordered 2 beers (not even fooking pints) and were hit with a bill for over £10. We thought we'd been done, but that was the norm.

Food wasn't much cop in most places and it was about 30% more than its equivalent(or better here) and the streets were littered with dog crap.

It's a nice place with loads to see but I won't be rushing back.

And with the Euro being strong against the £ you'll be hurt in the pocket.

MJW

I agree - its more like Leeds than London.

Chip

Why not look a little further afield ,ie Barcelona, Nice or Monte Carlo. All really nice places to go and a fair bit warmer at this time of year as well.

Chip

ScoobyDaz

Cheers for the replies guys, have just booked a 4* hotel in Paris, I really fancy Amsterdam but I suppose Paris seems more romantic.

Hopefully pennies permitting I may be able to do Amsterdam in the warmer weather

Thanks for all the help

Daz

Jerome

You big romantic you!

Watch out if you visit any bars or restaurants (especially on the Champs Elysee) in terms of being ripped off. Make sure you see a price list before you order anything - even a coffee.