Located at the intersection of five canals, near museums and Albert Cuyp Market, this hotel is designed to afford tranquil views from all public rooms. The large, curvilinear complex is a surprisingly elegant find, providing a tranquil respite for business travelers tired of Amsterdam's more touristy neighborhoods. This hotel lacks the bold design of the Hilton, but it has a more intimate feel.
At the entrance to the hotel, a circular drive wraps around a lovely garden with a furnished area overlooking a koi pond. Inside, the elongated lobby shows a touch of panache in its fresh flowers and Oriental rugs over polished stone floors. A fireplace warms the spacious paneled lounge appointed with comfortable seating in pretty pastel fabrics. Guests can also relax with a drink on the sheltered terrace overlooking the canals. The hallway from the lobby to the older building is hung with art; the work of Ken Maryanski seems to win favor.
The restaurant, in what was once a pavilion for the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics, offers a wide range of seafood specialties, as well as numerous vegetarian and meat dishes. The bar features chic leather-upholstered seating. The modest fitness center is a nice place to work off calories.
The canal-view meeting rooms, with space for 200, are popular for parties and receptions, as is the hotel's boat, moored next to the private yachts at the hotel docks. All public areas and meeting rooms offer wireless high-speed Internet access. A beauty salon, shops, business center and a large inexpensive parking lot add to the value.
The air-conditioned accommodations vary in size and exposure. Most are spacious, appointed with yellow, green or blue color schemes, cheery floral fabrics, thick carpeting, comfortable seating, phones with data ports, high-speed Internet access (for a fee), TVs, minibars, coffeemakers, trouser presses, large beds and fine marble baths with hair dryers. Units in the older three-story wing are smaller but offer adequate baths and fine views through large windows. Superiors face the canal, and although some of the standard rooms take in views of the parking lot, the circular garden helps break up the monotony. While furnishings are in good condition, they are slightly dated, which may come as little surprise considering the hotel's facade. Nearly one-quarter of the rooms are smoke-free, and women and wheelchair-bound travelers have their own digs. Pets are unwelcome. Turndown service arrives nightly, and shoe shines are complimentary. Room service works round the clock.
The staff is well-trained, friendly and professional. Maintenance issues are few because upkeep standards are high. Tourists will prefer the more centrally located Crowne Plaza or Marriott.
