I’ve been travelling to Amsterdam for work for the past 4 years and despite being a hip city it’s hotels have lacked a modern vibe with choices being of the budget, conference variety or swinging to the 5 star glamour houses. This has always been a challenge as my work sets a clear and defined budget. However times have changed and in the last year Amsterdam has seen a number of hipster hotels pop up that offer the business traveler a budget friendly option alongside some hipster vibes and mid century modern furniture. Here are my top 5 hotels in Amsterdam.
The Hoxton. An extension of the London based hotel of the same name this version has a number of single bed rooms for the business traveler. When you enter the room the digital radio is playing smooth jazz which is a lovely way to return home. They also do a breakfast bag of granola, yogurt, banana and juice for the in room breakfast left at your door. I loved this as it meant I could just pop out when it suited me rather then having to listen out for a knock on the door. In the lobby area there are plenty of seats so if you are looking for a place to meet friends for a coffee before heading out get them to meet you at The Hoxton. I also just read that The Hoxton is expanding to Paris in the summer. Can’t wait!!!
The Ink Hotel. Set in a former printing house The Ink Hotel takes its decorative cues from it’s history with bundles of paper, ink wells and print presses dotted everywhere. In the rooms they have delicious bathroom treats from CO Bigalow and nespresso pods ready for the caffeine addicted among us. The bed is voodoo magic and somehow wraps itself around you as you fall into it! The restaurant has some yummy food and the peach/apple dessert is up there with some of the best I have had with a complete Heston Blumenthal experience.
Hotel V. There are three sites throughout Amsterdam and these rooms are of a generous size with many having baths, unusual for Amsterdam. Hotel V has similar mid century vibes as the previous two but is run by 12th generation Amsterdamers that can give you all the tips for a great trip. I tried the pizza flatbreads which reminded me of one that I ate when I was a teenager on the northern beaches of Queensland after a day body surfing.
The College Hotel. This has been my first point of call for many a trip to Amsterdam as they are a five star training hotel. So you get the same level of service as a five star, albeit sometimes a little slower but with a free welcome drink and biscuit! The restaurant isn’t too bad but I would recommend heading out to Zaza’s nearby, a walkable distance and high standard of food.
The Sofital. Ok, this is not budget and I have had only two occasions to stay here in the past few years! I was completely spoilt by the staff and came away loving the idea of staying in a five star hotel. The stand out here was the service. Nothing is a problem for the staff. They don’t know me but somehow know what I want before I do. The hotel itself has a number of areas to sit, eat and drink so even if you can’t afford a room here consider it as part of your culinary tour or a place to start your night.
Happy travelling. PF xo
