Amsterdam (Rough Guide) - Martin Dunford [97]
NH City Centre Spuistraat 288 020/420 4545, www.nh-hotels.com. Tram #1, #2 or #5 from CS to Spui. This appealing chain hotel occupies a sympathetically renovated 1920s Art Deco former textile factory, and is well situated for the cafés and bars of the Spui, and the Museum Quarter. Rooms vary in size, some have canal views, and all boast extremely comfy beds and good showers. There are often deals available, but doubles generally go for around €150 in high season. The buffet breakfast is extra (€18), but will set you up for the day.
Rho Nes 5 020/620 7371, www.rhohotel.com. Tram #4, #9, #16, #24 or #25 to Dam Square. Built as a theatre in 1908, the lovely, high-ceilinged, fin-de-siècle lobby gives a slightly misleading impression: the rooms are on the small side and have been unimaginatively modernized. Still, it’s pleasant enough, and in a good central location just off Dam Square. Doubles from €115, including buffet breakfast. Daily bike rental available.
Rokin Rokin 73 020/626 7456, www.rokinhotel.com. Tram #4, #9, #16, #24 or #25 to Rokin. This conveniently located three-star family hotel has small, modern doubles with exposed beams, some singles, and two triples. Breakfast (included) is served in the pleasant basement room and free wireless is available. Lift access to three of the four floors. The private car park is a handy bonus. €115–155.
Sint Nicolaas Spuistraat 1a 020/626 1384, www.hotelnicolaas.nl. Five-minute walk from CS. With more character than many of the other budget hotels in the area, the Sint Nicolaas’s cosy downstairs bar-reception gives way to around thirty smartly refurbished rooms, all with baths and flatscreen TVs, which are around €180 in high season. Very conveniently located, too.
Victoria Damrak 1–5 020/623 4255, www.parkplaza.com. Two-minute walk from CS. This tall, elegant building opposite Centraal Station has been one of the city’s best hotels for years, but really needed its recent renovation to revamp the fusty decor. The bar has been done up and the rooms are well on their way, all to be able to compete with the crop of sleek options that has appeared in recent years. Its location couldn’t be more convenient, and there are often bargains to be had in its nicely decorated rooms; amenities include a fitness centre and pool. The cheapest doubles are about €200–300, not including breakfast.
Vijaya Oudezijds Voorburgwal 44 020/626 9406, www.hotelvijaya.com. Ten-minute walk from CS. Right in the heart of the Red Light District, next door but one to the Amstelkring, this is a warren of rooms spread over a couple of old canal houses. It’s rather threadbare, but not bad for the €85–110 price for a double. No lift.
Winston Warmoesstraat 129 020/623 1380, www.winston.nl. Ten-minute walk from CS. This self-consciously young and cool hotel has funky rooms individually decorated with wacko art, and a busy ground-floor bar that has occasional live music. It’s a formula that works a treat; the Winston is popular and often full – though this is probably also due to its low prices: €80–100 for a double, with breakfast, for the cheapest rooms during the week and €120–160 for triples and quads. Rooms are light and airy, some en suite, some with a communal balcony. Erotic images abound in some, so if you’re travelling as a family you might want to check first to prevent any embarrassing questions. Also dorm beds from €29. Lift and full disabled access.
Accommodation | Hotels and B&Bs |
Grachtengordel west
Agora Singel 462 020/627 2200, www.hotelagora.nl. Tram #1, #2 or #5 to Koningsplein. Handily located, small and amiable hotel near the flower market and close to the Spui. The guest rooms here, of which there are just sixteen, are kitted out in simple, basic style and vary greatly in size. As well as doubles, three- and four-bed rooms are available, and there’s a large breakfast