We are staying just outside Amsterdam.  We had a choice of staying in a nicer hotel and driving to Amsterdam or staying in a worse hotel and not driving.  We decided to stay in a nicer hotel that is quiet and close to the city rather than staying in Amsterdam.  I think this will be a lot more relaxing.  Our hotel backs on to a bird garden.  The garden itself is huge and beautiful and needless to say peaceful and quiet.  I think we chose well – and this is a view from our balcony.