Also - most of the Amsterdam Escape apartments are on/around Nieuwmarkt. Very cool/quiet part of town. Walk around the temple and you're in the red light district. Good restaurants and Basjos is just a block away. If you have the chance try New Years at Nieuwmarkt - absolutely AMAZING!!!! Screw the party at Dam square. Fireworks so close they fall on you - it just rocks!!
http://www.panoramas.dk/new-year-2007/amsterdam.html
http://www.panoramas.dk/new-year-2007/amsterdam.html