I had a friend stay at the Rookies on his first trip. He had nothing but good things to say. If I remember correctly, it is above the Rookies Giftshop... and not the coffeeshop. He especially enjoyed it because they are definitely smoke friendly. The hotel I stayed at housed MANY Cannabis Cup judge's and employees... most of which received a note on their door by the second day, reminding guests about their NO SMOKING policy :wtf: Although, you could smoke with the door open on the first floor?? :wtf: Yeah, luckily we had some friends on the first floor :jointsmile:
- I guess that's what you get when you go to Amsterdam and stay in the American
Although, the hotel is really very nice, spacious, and comfortable in comparison to other hotel rooms in the city. I also can't complain about my digs since I had my trip paid for in full... judge's pass, plane tix, etc. I now FULLY understand the phrase "Once in a lifetime."

As for the Rookies coffeeshop...... :thumbsup::thumbsup:

It is one of the remaining numbers of coffeeshops that retains a license to serve alcohol in the same building as Cannabis. I don't drink, but for many it is extremely attractive. The Rookies was actually the very first shop I visited. I got off at Schipol, dropped my stuff at my hotel, and went to The Rookies for a "most amazing fresh squeezed orange juice I've ever had in my life," and around 2 grams of Pure Power Plant :jointsmile: They have pool tables and bar seats. Not a ton of actual seats and tables in comparison to others, but it is more of a social bar than a relaxing joint. It is a really good first stop, in my opinion, because it is very welcoming and thorough. Nice menus and staff... and, like most other shops, has a seriously elaborate sound system. I also seem to recall that you don't need to pay for the restroom... but I can't be certain. It also attracts celebrity smokers like Dan Akroyd and Willie Nelson (although shops claiming favor by celebs is common... The Grey Area has a laundry list of famous customers)

Oh, I just remembered about the Sensi Museum coffeeshop too. That was pretty interesting. At least during the cup, there was a long haired, bearded dude constantly rolling joints and loading vaporizers with Jack Flash upstairs. There were a bunch of mats/pillows to sit on indian style... and it forced everyone to become friends with their neighbor. It was really awesome.

Also, continue doing research before you go. I had almost no idea what to expect... and admittedly walked right by "celebrities," without batting an eyelash. Both during the judge's expo in a big warehouse. I noticed this guy holding like 4 foot long buds with a cheesy hat and sunglasses on getting pictures taken of him, and some skinny dude next to him. I honestly asked them to move for a second so I could get up the steps to go judge. Yeah, it was Arjan and Franco from the Greenhouse. I learned this after I got home and watched the DVD that the Greenhouse gave away during the cup. IDIOT!!
Second one, about 10 minutes later... I was at the front of the line to receive my ballot for voting and the guy handing them out was busy rolling a joint and ignoring me completely. I stood there, frustrated, and close to saying "Yo, can I get my ballot now?" He finished rolling up his huge cone... looked at me... and said, "Here you go, enjoy!" He handed me the joint and a ballot. He wasn't doing that for everyone, but I'm sure he was assuming that I would spark it up and pass it along in the voting area. Long story short, I get home and buy the Cup edition of High Times... and find out that "that guy" who gave me a joint was Senior Editor Bobby Black... and he was actually staying in the same hotel as me :wtf:

Damn, didn't realize I would write so much... I guess I can sum it up with this:
"You will never forget the times you have in Amsterdam." :hippy: