Hotel Fita in Amsterdam

In Amsterdam, Hotel Fita (Jan Luykenstraat 37 1071 CL Amsterdam, Holland; phone [020] 679 09 76, www.hotelfita.com) may be the best value in Europe!

It’s only one block from the Van Gogh Museum, one block from the Steldelijk Modern Art Museum and three blocks from the Rijksmuseum and Concertgebouw. A parallel street, Pieter Cornelisz Hoofstraat, is lined on both sides with elegant clothiers for men and women, from Armani to Zegna, plus attractive cafés and restaurants.

Hosts Hans and Loes de Rapper provided a homelike, informal atmosphere. The rooms are welcoming and nicely furnished, and the spacious, sparkling-white tiled bathroom comes with its own rubber ducky.

On my most recent visit, June 7-10, 2010, rooms cost €105-€165 (near $136-$214), including what I think is the finest breakfast buffet in Europe — fresh fruit juice, strawberries and pineapple; really hot, fluffy scrambled eggs; sausage; cereals, and pancakes made to order.

Lastly, you can catch the Connexxion Shuttle to Schiphol Airport at the door for only €24.50.

DAN LEVINE

Tampa, FL