Nevermind, I broke down and called from my Dutch mobile... still cheaper than doing the same thing with my US phone. But if anyone knows the best way to do this, maybe someone else might find it useful. I searched but still couldn't figure out how to dial the operator... lol. I didn't try calling AT&T as suggested though... I'm not a customer so didn't think they would be inclined to help me, right?
Anglofil wrote:
(Slightly off-topic) I always thought it was expensive to make a call from the telephone in the hotel room, but last time I stayed at the Rho (my favv hotel) I asked the polite man in the reception about how expensive it really is.
I said, given that a call back home to my folks would cost 1 euro per minute with my mobile phone, how much cheaper would you the Rho charged me if I use the phone in room 321?
He answered politely that, -Oh it is much cheaper so please go ahead and use our phone.
On my departure, I was slightly chocked as I was charged 50 euro för a 40 minute call! I protested and referred the promised 'much cheaper'. But, I had to pay.
That's shitty. I guess I just had an opposite experience... I stayed at the Hotel Sint Nicolaas (on Spuistraat, near Centraal Station) a few weeks ago and asked about using the phone in my room. They told me I'd have to pay a deposit and advised me that it would run out very fast, even for local calls, so basically discouraged me from doing it... how refreshing! I really liked this place... staff were very nice for the most part, lobby bar open until 4am or so and housekeeping didn't bother me once when I had the "do not disturb" up (if they do, it's a dealbreaker for me and is why I try to avoid staying in NH hotels e.g. Barbizon & Kras)... I was there a week. Free, fast wi-fi connection with a strong signal too. Would definitely stay there again.