Seeking accommodation advice - can anyone help?

Hi, I am going around the world, leaving in a few months and one of my stops is Amsterdam for a couple of weeks. It is my first time there and I want to stay in a 3 or 4 star place, preferably. The area I am thinking is somewhere on or slightly west of Damrak St, so I am close to the red light district but not in it and also sort of close to leiseplein. I would like to be near a good fashion shopping area, and if possible not in too loud a spot but still close to lots of fun people and travellers.
Other criteria include:
-Under 2000 euros for the two weeks (if possible I would like to pay a lot less), the exchange rate for my country means that 1 of my dollars is worth half a euro. This is the most expensive destination on my whole trip as I have family most other places I am going to on my global expedition.
-Somewhere with good hygiene standards (no dead rodent smell please)
-Not too many stairs to climb up (if possible)
-A place that wouldn't kick you out for smoking pot in your room if somehow they knew (I would be discreet).
-Good chance of meeting young single females staying there and nearby, and cool travellers.
-Preferable serve breakfast at a reasonable price or even better, included in the price.
-Safe to purchase over the internet.
-Own bathroom
-Internet Access.
Some of the places I had in mind were The Greenhouse Effect (probably too noisy?), the Old Quarter, Hotel Singel, St Christophers at Winston Hotel, Chic & Basic, Hotel Jolly (NH Carlton), RHO Hotel, and Hotel Jolly. Has anyone stayed in any of these or can someone recommend something even better value for money?
I have been researching for ages, and getting tired of the process, I can't make up my mind because I don't want to make a mistake, I don't usually spend this amount of money in one go! I need to book soon as they will become booked out, please help.

 

I've stayed at the RHO, it's a great place, very clean and friendly. Breakfast is included (as in just about every hotel in Holland-- most of Europe actually) It is centrally located, just south of the RL (very close walk, but not on top of it by any means) and just steps from Dam Square --from which you can get any tram or go anywhere in the city. Just book it, don't worry so much. If you find you don't like it and find something else, just move! PS- pvt bathrooms are available!

 

Hello Mate,

Been there twice, 1st time with the lads and we stayed 30 sec walk from the 'red lights'. Very cheep and basic but you get what you pay for.
Link : www.hotel-theglobe.nl/

Also been with the misses and stayed at Nadia Hotel. Its a 10 min walk from the main strip but perfect if you wana go sight seeing. As you leave the hotel you have about 6 main attractions just minutes walking distance. The only downside is as you enter you are greeted with stairs about 50 to be precise. Not good when you has a smoke and drink

Link : http://www.nadia.nl/

Only bit of advise I can give you is stay away from a place called ‘The Grasshopper’, they charged me almost 26 Euros for Soco and lemonade.

 

I've stayed at the Nadia as well, very friendly staff and clean. The rooms are EXTREMELY SMALL and the stairs at the front are steep and not fun!! Further from the RL than the RHO and the breakfast is not as extensive as the RHO. It is cheaper, though. But I will never stay there again b/c of those stairs!!

 

iggy:
I stayed 5 days in a single superior room. The room was small by US standard but all you needed. The staff was real nice and the place was quiet and had a small bar. Its real close to the museums and Voldel-Park. http://www.hotelpiethein.com/

 

Go expat forums, here is a feed site to a few expat forums. Best os to come when people from Here might be going on Holiday - you could also Swap?
http://www.jurango.de/category/european-cities/amsterdam-holland/