Amsterdam has always been a popular destination for European tourists, but in recent years the arrivals have increased at an impressive pace. The city welcomes more than three and a half million guests each year. Most of these tourists are, of course, European and many of them are businessmen.

In fact, business is one of the most obvious reasons why tourism in Amsterdam has grown so rapidly over the past decade. The city is now home to several of the world's largest businesses, which attracts thousands of corporate clients each year.

As you might expect, increased travel has been a blessing for the hotel industry in Amsterdam. At present, two-thirds of these hotels are located in the central area. The only problem or concern is that there may not be enough of them. In less than a decade, hotel occupancy rates in Amsterdam rose from 70 percent to 80 percent. This has resulted in a sharp increase in prices and a need for Amsterdam apartments.

Why stay in a rental or vacation apartment? There are a number of good reasons. For starters, a vacation rental offers more privacy and more value for the money. On average, the price per night is about twenty percent less than in a comparable hotel room. There is also more room for large families and groups of travelling young people.

Another important feature of the apartment rental is the kitchen. Since they are really nothing more than ordinary furnished apartments, they come with a kitchen. This simple feature can save guests time and money if they grow tired of eating out every night.