Whatever brings you to the Dutch capital, whether it’s an epic stag night or a romantic couple’s getaway, we’ve got the list of the best hotels in Amsterdam. 

If you’re looking for affordability, a luxury stay, or a unique experience, finding a hotel in Amsterdam can quite a task. With over 500 hotels in and near Amsterdam’s city centre, choosing the perfect one can be a challenge. 

Luckily, as Amsterdam locals, we’re here to spare you the time. Here are nine of the greatest hotels in Amsterdam! 

1. The Alfred: In Amsterdam’s ‘little Paris’

Located in the charming Oud Zuid district of Amsterdam, The Alfred offers you the perfect mix of city hustle and relaxation. Though located in a quiet area, everything your heart may desire is right at The Alfred’s doorstep: a gym, little shops, cafés and restaurants.

If you want to delve into some of Amsterdam’s tourist hotspots, the stunning Vondelpark and the big museum square are just a 12-minute walk away. Don’t feel like walking? Easy, just rent one of the hotel’s bikes, or opt for public transport.

READ MORE | 33 best things to do in Amsterdam in 2024 [UPDATED]

The Alfred Hotel was recently renovated, and now sports modern, clean, and spacious rooms in various sizes, from the classic double to big family rooms.

2. Zoku: For business and co-working

A hotel that functions like an office-away-from-home, Zoku is a relaxed place to live, work, and socialise while you work in the city (and do a little bit of exploring while you’re in the Dutch capital!). 

Zoku offers shared dorms, private rooms, and even personal lofts, so there’s sure to be a way to stay in comfort while getting that remote work done. 

Want to make it feel a bit more personal during your stay? Zoku offers to add a finishing touch to your room by choosing your preferred artwork from their art swap, making it really feel like home. 

3. Aparthotel Adagio Amsterdam South: Enjoy your own studio

If you’re staying in Amsterdam, but prefer to have more of your own space, then Aparthotel Adagio in Amsterdam South is just the place to go! 

With comfortable studios and one or two bedroom apartments on offer, these flexible living spaces just outside the city centre are perfect for longer stays. 

READ MORE | Aparthotel Adagio — have a long-stay in luxury (at an affordable price)

Each studio or apartment comes with an equipped kitchen, including an oven, hob, and counter space for meal prep, as well as a comfortable bed and free Wifi. They also have a private car park, a 24-hour reception, and an onsite gym.

4. ClinkNOORD: Affordability and fun

ClinkNOORD in Amsterdam is a youth hostel offering a budget-friendly solution to staying in the city, but with the added bonus of having built-in exploration buddies extra of easy socialisation. 

Stay in a shared dorm of up to ten people and make some new besties, or choose a private room and bond over dinner in the canteen.

Prefer the bottom bunk? At ClinkNOORD, you have to option to book ahead of time, and make sure you’ve got the right bed for your stay. 

READ MORE | 5 Reasons to try ClinkNOORD Hostel for a long stay in Amsterdam

Love unique experiences? Well, this hostel is located in a 1920’s converted laboratory in Amsterdam Noord, a gratis (free) five-minute ferry ride from Amsterdam Central Station.

5. Boat&Co: A hotel on the waterfront

Boat&Co is an apartment hotel right on the water of Amsterdam. Each apartment has a fully-equipped kitchen, a living space, a dedicated work area, bathroom, and, of course, comfy beds! 

Want to hit the bike paths like a real Dutchie? An added perk of booking directly with Boat&Co is that you can get free use of a bike during your stay. 

READ MORE | Long-stays in Amsterdam: hotels you can call home

Even better, because popular Amsterdam areas like Westerpark and Jordaan are only a few minutes cycle away, you’ll be all the more grateful for your speedy wheels.

6. Marriot Leidseplein: For stunning views

If you’re a lover of high-rise views, the Marriot Leidseplein is the best choice to see across the city. A 5-star luxury hotel, your stay here will be nothing short of fabulous. 

Within walking distance of iconic museums such as the Anne Frank House or the Rijksmuseum, it is in an ideal location. The Marriot also has a 24-hour fitness centre and a sauna for extra comfort. 

The hotel offers a range of different room types, from the classic double to the huge family room.

7. Hotel Wittenburg: Jet back to the 18th century 

With a grand 5-star rating on TripAdvisor, Hotel Wittenburg is a modern hotel with contemporary Dutch interior design.

Situated in the Plantage district, a great area for tourists who like to be close to the city, and built into an 18th-century building, you’re sure to feel the rich history of Amsterdam during your stay.

READ MORE | At home (in a hotel): why we’re loving a long-stay at the Wittenberg

The hotel has a minimum stay of seven days, so if you’re planning on packing up and getting away for a week or more, it’s a perfect choice. Plus, the hotel has a 24-hour reception, a gym, a garden, courtyards — and is even dog-friendly!

8. Faralda Crane Hotel: Stay in a… crane?

When you started searching for hotels in Amsterdam, we’re sure staying in a renovated crane wasn’t the first idea that came to mind, but even so, the Faralda Crane Hotel has completely redefined the meaning of five-star accommodation. 

READ MORE | Amsterdam from a different perspective: Architectural hotspots

With three luxurious suites inside the crane, you’ll feel (quite literally) on top of the world during your stay. The hotel also offers a tonne of luxury experiences: private dining, private boat tours, and even a champagne breakfast!

9. SWEETS hotel: Discover Amsterdam’s bridge houses

At SWEETS hotel, you can actually stay inside Amsterdam’s bridges — another unique hotel concept in Amsterdam. 

These bridge homes once housed the city’s bridge keepers, who opened and closed the bridges for passing traffic. Today, 28 of the homes have been converted into short-term stays for tourists in Amsterdam, each one with its own quirks and design features. 

READ MORE | 10 hidden gems in the Netherlands: unique places you wouldn’t think to visit

The bridge houses are best suited for couples or stays for friend groups, as only those over the age of 21 are allowed to stay. Inside each house, you will find a comfortable bed and bathroom, alongside a mini-fridge and safe for security keeping. Some even have kitchenettes!

10. Kimpton DeWitt: Sleep in at a boutique hotel

Kimpton DeWitt is a luxury hotel in the centre of Amsterdam. The hotel has over 250 rooms, and as a five-star hotel, the amenities in their luxury rooms can’t be beaten. 

Each room comes with a Nespresso Coffee Machine, bathrobes, a smart TV, and even a Bluetooth speaker. 

READ MORE | 9 unique places to spend the night in the Netherlands

With a cocktail bar on site, you can end a night out with a few final drinks with friends, and collapse into a soft bed before you start all over again the next day. Or, if wine is more your style, check out one of their hosted wine evenings. Cheers!

Found your hotel in Amsterdam? Great! While you’re here, make sure you check out some of Amsterdam’s iconic sites, or even take a short day trip to one of the Netherlands’ many beautiful cities. 

Do you have a favourite hotel in Amsterdam? Tell us in the comments below!

Are you planning a move to Amsterdam? Or perhaps coming to the city for a long business trip? With incredible amenities, modern design, and excellent long-stay rates, the Aparthotel Adagio Amsterdam City South is the best choice for you. 

If you’re at all familiar with the housing market in Amsterdam, you may also be aware of the challenges that go along with house hunting and moving houses in this city.

Due to new laws, many landlords and investors are selling their properties, making rental apartments harder and harder to find. As a result, the process can take much longer than you might anticipate.

So, why not save yourself some stress during the transition period and settle into a nice comfy place in the meantime? 

If you want lots of space, all the comfort, a great location, and a fabulous price, then Aparthotel Adagio is the place for you. 

Stunning, modern apartments

Aparthotel Adagio offers 151 spacious, contemporary apartments in a range of sizes. Whether you’re travelling solo or with your family, they’ve got a fully-serviced apartment for you to settle into and relax in style. 

For the individual or couple, you can kick up your feet in a cosy standard-size studio or stretch out in a roomy junior one-bed apartment — which includes a full kitchen and bar counter. 

One-bedroom apartments provide even more space, and the two bedrooms are expansive enough to settle in with your family of four. Aparthotel Adagio even offers a whopping 123-square metre two-bedroom apartment that includes a bathtub and a breathtaking terrace.

You can whip up a home-cooked meal, crack open a bottle from your own wine fridge, and enjoy a spectacular view. 

Convenient location

Located in Amstelveen, just a quick tram ride from Amsterdam’s city centre, the hotel’s lovely, quiet neighbourhood is easily accessible. It’s a peaceful area for walking and cycling, and groceries are just a five-minute walk away.

Need a break from the concrete jungle? No problem, Aparthotel Adagio is close to the largest city park in Europe, the Amsterdamse Bos, as well as the beautiful Amstel Park.

The location is particularly handy for business travellers, only four tram stops away from the nearby business district (Zuid). From Amsterdam Zuid Station, Schiphol Airport is only 10 minutes by train.

Adagio will even arrange a pick-up service from Schiphol Airport to and from the hotel.

READ MORE | Public transport in the Netherlands: the complete guide

To get to the city centre, it’s an easy 25-minute tram ride, while popular attractions like the Rijksmuseum are even reachable by bike.

All the amenities

Anyone seeking out a long-stay property will agree that one of the most important things is comfort.

Well, get this: The name of Aparthotel Adagio actually comes from the Italian expression “ad agio” — which translates to “at ease”. And that’s how these stunning serviced apartments will have you feeling!

Each room includes all the amenities you’d expect and more. You’ll have a fully equipped kitchen, along with the comforts of a high-quality mattress, separate living area, bedroom, bathroom, and private toilet. 

The apartments also include air conditioning, a smart TV, and complimentary WiFi. In higher-end rooms, you’ll even have the luxury of a rain shower and double sink.

To top it all off, guests also have access to fitness facilities, laundry, luggage storage, and weekly housekeeping (all huge perks for a long stay!). 

For mornings when you don’t feel like cooking, enjoy the hotel’s delicious continental breakfast buffet. After work, grab a drink or a snack at The Circle, the hotel’s communal lounge and bar. 

Last but not least, drivers take note: Adagio offers a very special bonus that anyone who has searched for parking in Amsterdam will understand the beauty of — private parking. 

Competitive rates

Along with the extensive selection of rooms and endless amenities, you’ll find competitive monthly pricing. You don’t have to be Dutch to appreciate a good korting, and long-stays benefit from a discount of up to 40% off regular rates.

For a month-long stay, apartments start from €99 per night, with a minimum stay of 28 nights.

Another highlight of a long hotel stay during a transitional period is that, unlike a regular apartment, you won’t have to worry about the cost of extra bills for things like gas, electricity, internet, and water — it’s all included in the rates.

Oh, and because it is located at the border of the city, your city tax will be significantly lower! All in all, when compared to other long-stay hotels, Adagio offers you the most bang for your buck: more space, more luxury, more comfort.

Plenty of flexibility

Aparthotel Adagio can easily accommodate your needs and wishes. From rooms that are just the right fit to flexible bookings and cancellations, they’ve got you covered so you can focus on the more important things (like work or that laborious house hunt).

If you opt for a long stay, you’ll even be able to use the address to register with the municipality for your BSN.

READ MORE | What to bring when moving to the Netherlands: a checklist of 10 important documents

Plus, while we may be raving about Adagio’s long-stay options, unlike many Aparthotels, there’s no minimum length of stay — apartments can be booked for as little as one night up to a year or even longer. 

For another added bonus, Aparthotel Adagio is a part of the Accor Hotel Organisation. Guests can earn points to use for future holiday bookings within Accor (which has locations all around the world!).

Get in touch

No matter what brings you to the city, if you’re planning for an extended stay in Amsterdam, a hotel with long-stay options is a great choice.

Whether you’re a new expat moving to Amsterdam, a digital nomad who wishes to explore a new city, or you’re just passing through for work or play, a long stay at the Aparthotel Adagio will feel like home.

It’s a top choice for luxurious, convenient accommodations at a competitive price. 

Would you go for a long stay at Adagio Aparthotel? Tell us in the comments below!

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in April 2021, and was fully updated in November 2023 for your reading pleasure.

More and more, hotels and hostels in Amsterdam are offering their guests long-stay options at lower rates. It’s great news for anyone who’s moving house, on a temporary work assignment, or having a nice long holiday.

Seeing as many of our dear readers often fit into those very categories, we wanted to find out more. So we learned all about this new shift toward more affordable temporary housing, and we’re excited — we think you will be too.

Long-stays: a new trend in Amsterdam

Anyone who has lived in Amsterdam has experienced the challenging house-hunting and moving process. Finding the right home in the right neighbourhood at the right price can be an overwhelming and drawn-out process, not to mention the chore of the physical move itself.

In fact, moving house is frequently listed as one the top most stressful experiences a person can go through in life, right up there with divorce and the death of a loved one. It’s hard! 

One thing that can make a world of difference is having a comfortable place to stay while you’re getting the details sorted. This is where long-stay hotel options and short-stay apartments in Amsterdam can be your golden ticket. 

What to look for in long-stay accommodation in Amsterdam

While you’re shopping around for the right short-term home, there are just a few important questions you’ll want to ask yourself. 

• Location
  • Do you want to be centrally located, close to public transportation, near the neighbourhood where you hope to live, or a new part of the city you want to explore?
• Affordability 
  • What’s your budget? Would you rather spend a bit more for your creature comforts, or is it more important to save money and live simply?
• Amenities
  • Will you need parking? Are you hoping for a gym? Do you want to fully unpack into a closet or are you comfortable living out of a suitcase? Think about what you can and can’t live without for a month or two.

The beautiful thing is that this isn’t your long-term home, so there’s no need to agonize over the details. If you find a place that ticks these boxes, you should be all set. Just go with your gut and don’t look back.

The best long-stay options in Amsterdam

Aparthotel Adagio

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The Aparthotel Adagio Amsterdam City South is located Amstelveen, not far from the Amsterdamse Bos and Amstel Park. The quiet, safe little neighbourhood is easily accessible by public transportation and it’s just a quick tram ride from Amsterdam Zuidas (the main business district). Parking your car is easy too (a rare find).

The beautiful four-star Aparthotel Adagio is an excellent choice for business travellers or people moving to the city who want to experience a home away from home. Solo travellers can enjoy the roomy 52-square metre Superior Studio, while the whopping 123-square metre two-bedroom apartments comfortably sleep a family of four (and include a gorgeous top-floor terrace).

Each apartment has a fully-equipped kitchen and separate living area, which is ideal for long-stays. A few more great perks include free use of fitness facilities, smart TV, laundry facilities, and weekly housekeeping.

ClinkNOORD Hostel

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ClinkNOORD Hostel is an excellent, budget-friendly option for folks new to the city. The fantastic location in hip Amsterdam Noord gives you easy access to all the city centre has to offer, without the hustle and bustle of it.

Many great restaurants, cafes, bars, and museums are within close walking distance, and a free, five-minute ferry takes you right to Amsterdam Centraal. 

Room choices range from a basic dorm with a shared bathroom to a private “Ultimate Study Suite,” perfect for people working or studying from home. A large, shared kitchen allows you to cook all your favourite meals, and an on-site cafe and bar mean there’s delicious hot food and cool refreshing drinks available when you feel more like taking it easy.

Another big bonus: if you stay for three months, ClinkNOORD will even help you register in the Netherlands.

Zoku

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Whether you’re in Amsterdam for business, home, or holiday, Zoku’s ultra-chic lofts are an incredible option. For people new to the city, the convenient location in the heart of Amsterdam is great for getting oriented, and the inviting social spaces make it easy to build new connections.

Zoku is all about comfort, style, and convenience. The aparthotel offers intelligently designed spaces that you can personalise to your own tastes — even to the degree of selecting your favourite artwork for the walls.

The home-office hybrid lofts offer a relaxed environment for all your work-from-home needs. The lovely apartments are large enough to entertain guests and equipped with all the amenities you could hope for. You can prepare meals in your own kitchen, or enjoy delicious food and drinks with a view from Zoku’s Living Kitchen.

Wittenberg Aparthotel

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The historic Wittenberg is a lovely boutique aparthotel located in the Plantage neighbourhood, a peaceful area just east of the city centre. This dreamy, quiet location is conveniently close to all the action in Amsterdam and has easy metro access. 

Wittenberg’s modern, fully-furnished apartments will have you feeling at home right away. A full kitchen, washing machine, and Apple TV are just a few of the amenities that make your life easier. With apartments ranging from studio size to three-bedroom, it’s a great choice for individuals, couples, and families. 

Working professionals are in luck; some apartments have a separate office, where you can close the door and get right down to work. For those who prefer to get down to business outside the home, a welcoming community working space is available, espresso and all.

Why opt for extended-stay accommodations? 

Settling into a temporary home while you’re transitioning to your permanent home is all about making your life easier, particularly if you’re moving from abroad. It alleviates the pressure of rushing into an apartment you don’t really love, just because you need something fast.

Now that more hotels are meeting this need, there are more affordable options for a range of budgets. There’s no sense in paying a high nightly rate at a hotel, wishfully thinking you’ll luck out and find your dream home right away. It’s much less stressful to take comfort in a short-term landing pad while you grapple with the reality of Amsterdam’s difficult housing market. 

Plus, throw in this year’s coronavirus pandemic, and moving has an extra layer of complexity. You may have a slower time finding available real estate agents or properties, viewings may be complicated due to social distancing measures, and if you’re working from home, good luck managing all the live-in moving distractions. 

But while it may be extra challenging to move during this time, it may also be necessary. That’s when long-stay accommodations are key, especially in a city like Amsterdam. You’ll have a peaceful little oasis, separate from the relocation drama.

Short-stay, long-stay, extended-stay — what’s the difference?

Strangely, the terms “short-stay” or “long-stay,” are generally referring to the same thing. The difference tends to be in the business that’s offering it. For example, an apartment complex may refer to a one-month stay with the term “short-stay” to differentiate from the longer leases they normally offer.

Conversely, a hotel will probably describe a stay that’s longer than a week with the term “long-stay” or “extended-stay” because their guests typically only come for a quick visit. There’s no hard rule — the businesses are simply using terms that will make the most sense to their audience. 

Good to know when moving to Amsterdam 

When moving to Amsterdam, it’s a good idea to hope for the best while you plan for the worst — it can be tricky. But there’s a lot you can do to make it easier on yourself — like getting to know the city from a long-stay hotel before having to sign a long-term lease. 

If you’re planning to stay in Amsterdam for an extended period, you may be interested in choosing the right neighbourhood, how to get a mortgage, and how to register in the Netherlands.

Have you stayed at an extended-stay hotel, or do you plan to? Tell us about your experience in the comments below!

Feature Image: Burst/Pexels 

Wittenberg isn’t your average hotel or your average apartment. It’s an aparthotel, intentionally designed for long stays in Amsterdam. It’s the perfect home-base for people coming to work or visit Amsterdam for a week or more and is especially ideal for new expats moving to the city. 

Nearly every expat moving to Amsterdam has a period of transition while they’re looking for their permanent housing. It can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. Rather than stay at a basic hotel or settle for a permanent home you’re not totally happy with, it makes sense to relax into somewhere comfortable in the meantime. I personally stayed at Wittenberg for a month when I first arrived in the Netherlands and would do it again in a heartbeat.

So if you’re in the market for a short-term home in Amsterdam or work in the global mobility sector, Wittenberg may be just what you’re after too. They provide all the amenities you need to really feel at home, combining the attentive service you’d expect from an upscale hotel with the comfort and convenience of having your own personal headquarters. With an outstanding location, modern, tastefully appointed apartments, exceptional service, and all the comforts of home, you may never want to leave.

A prime location in De Plantage

Wittenberg is situated alongside the Nieuwe Keizersgracht canal in the heart of De Plantagebuurt. This charming old neighbourhood is just east of the city centre. It’s close enough to all the action but far enough away for a bit of refuge. The area is quiet yet vibrant, full of gorgeous green spaces, with an excellent selection of cafes and restaurants — an ideal landing pad in Amsterdam.

Wittenberg is as close as can be to the stunning Hortus Botanicus gardens, and it’s just a stone’s throw away from the Artis Zoo. Other popular destinations like the famous Waterlooplein market, the Jewish quarter, Carré Theatre, and the Dutch National Opera and Ballet are all within easy walking distance. 

One particularly nice thing about De Plantage is that it’s just a 15-minute walk to the city centre, so it’s simple to venture out to hustle and bustle too. You can easily walk to many Amsterdam hotspots, but if you prefer public transportation, the Metro is just steps away. You can hop on and be in Zuidas, the business district, in no time.

READ MORE | 31 things to do in Amsterdam in 2020

The historic building with a modern twist

Bright, spacious, contemporary — Wittenberg has all the things on your list and more in a centrally-located Amsterdam hotel. They offer urban comfort in a historical setting, lending to an unpretentious boutique feeling.

When you first approach the stately 18th-century building, it’s clear it’s always been a place for people. With a welcoming courtyard and windowed brick facade, the building is brimming with stories of the past. Formerly called Lutherhuis, it was established in 1772 as a nursing home, built by the Lutheran church. Over the years, it’s welcomed people through its doors as an orphanage, kindergarten, and refugee home. 

The historic building preserves its original character, with tasteful modern updates. The interior is now sleek and fresh with historic charm, while the outdoor area hosts a lovely shared garden. Particularly helpful during these times of stay-at-home restrictions, you can enjoy a bit of fresh air and respite. 

Another great design feature is the indoor social working space, perfect for getting some independent focus time, having a meeting, or playing board games with the family. Plenty of natural sunlight and plants brighten the space, while coffee and tea are always at the ready to keep your batteries charged. Also important, the staff monitors the capacity of the space to ensure proper social distancing.

Full-service apartments

Wittenberg has 115 tastefully restored and stylishly furnished apartments. They’re incredibly open and bright, sparkling clean, and ultra-comfortable, designed to give you everything you need for a comfortable long-stay. It’s easy to unpack, settle in, and feel right at home. Wittenberg offers a range of room styles, so whether you’re looking for a studio for yourself or a three-bedroom for your family, they can easily meet your needs. 

To accommodate more people working from home during this time, Wittenberg has transformed some of their apartments into office suites so you can work from home in comfort. These apartments have a separate office with a desk and office chair (plus other bells and whistles) where you can close the door and easily tune out any distractions. They’re ideal spaces for individuals looking for a change in scenery or for companies as part of a corporate travel programme.

Each of the apartments has a fully-equipped kitchen, and you’ll find plenty of grocery stores within easy walking distance. With everything you need to cook your favourite meals, you won’t have to rely on take-out or delivery while restaurants are closed for seating. But if you do, that’s no problem either — the staff at reception will kindly deliver to your room.

The apartments come equipped with all the basics you’d expect, plus great extras like:

• Apple TV
• Dishwasher
• Laundry
• Wardrobe and dresser
• Toiletries

But the best part of all, the apartments start at 85 euros per day with a minimum stay of seven nights — an astonishing rate for everything that’s included. 

Prioritising wellbeing

Since Wittenberg specialises in longer stays than a traditional hotel, they take extra steps to ensure your physical and mental wellbeing. Their extensive wellbeing program is accessible through a handy website. You’ll obviously find yoga and the best running routes, but there’s a surprising number of other resources as well. Wondering where to find nearby playgrounds, or how to make a classic Dutch pea soup? They’ve got all the answers you seek.

In normal times, Wittenberg hosts a long list of group activities, from morning coffee and mediation to boot camp and kids art parties. Of course, during coronavirus these are scaled-back, but they’re constantly searching for creative ways to meet your wellbeing needs, especially in these challenging times. They’re even expanding their online streaming offerings of group classes, so you can still stay fit and well from the comfort of your own apartment. 

Wittenberg also has partnerships with nearby health and wellbeing studios. You can keep your mind and body in top working order with specialised training like spinning, or even a day at the spa — they’ll be happy to assist you in setting it up. They even offer deals on some class packages.

When you feel like staying closer to home (or when the government requires you to) the on-site gym allows the freedom of working out from home. During coronavirus times, it operates via sign-up to ensure it’s never too crowded. 

So many extras

Wittenberg offers all kinds of other perks to their guests as well. Small gestures like a twice-weekly cleaning of your apartment, bikes available for hire, and wheelchair accessibility make all the difference. They also have 24/7 guest support — “house hosts,” as they call them, who are friendly and helpful, and also give you plenty of space and privacy. They will assist you with any questions you may have, offer local tips, or help with any other needs that may come up.

House hosts can even set you up with special arrangements like high-end nanny and concierge service or arrange for a bottle of locally distilled gin. And Wittenberg maintains partnerships with some excellent nearby businesses, so you can get discounts all over the neighbourhood — anything from a special meal at a nearby restaurant to a custom-made suit.

Another bonus is that since the aparthotel is designed for long-stays, guests are staying a minimum of one week. This means there’s very little commotion at the reception area with other guests checking in and out. When you come and go, you truly have the feeling that you’re at home.

Also good to know: Wittenberg is a part of edyn — the serviced apartment and aparthotel group including Locke design-led aparthotels, SACO serviced apartments and the elegant, boutique apartments of The Moorgate. edyn maintains a commitment to social responsibility and is continuously working to improve recycling and energy-saving and minimise the use of plastics as part of its environmental responsibility policy.  

How Wittenberg is managing coronavirus

Wittenberg is taking steps to be COVID-19-safe. They’re closely monitoring the advice of the government and health authorities, and making sure their practices are up to the highest standard, with enhanced cleaning procedures and appropriate social distancing measures. They’re prioritising the health and safety of their guests and employees while also providing reduced rates and more flexibility with booking.

If you’re coming from abroad and need to quarantine upon arrival, the staff will make sure you have everything you need. They will safely deliver all of your meals while you relax or work from the comfort of your home office.

Whether you’re coming to Amsterdam for business, leisure, or a new home, the charming and friendly Wittenberg will make sure you do it in style. Contact them via email or check out their website to arrange your future home away from home in Amsterdam.

Would you enjoy a stay at Wittenberg? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.

Feature Image: Wittenberg/Supplied

Life is full of transitions, and one of the trickiest is when you’re moving houses. A short-term home is sometimes necessary, and if you ever need one in Amsterdam, save yourself hours of Google searching, and head to ClinkNOORD Hostel.

If you’re moving house to or within Amsterdam, we feel you. House hunting in this city is brutal. Finding something that fits within your desired budget, neighbourhood, and style can be a serious feat, and when you do find something you like, it’s a mad dash to lock it down before someone else does. You certainly don’t want to enter into this dramatic competition from a place of desperation. So in the meantime, ClinkNOORD is a great place to stay; you can take your time and do it right. 

ClinkNOORD Hostel’s long-stay options allow you to settle in for a month or more while you get your situation sorted. You’ll get the same great experience you would staying for a weekend, only with extra perks, discounts, and the comfort of calling it home.

An ideal location in Amsterdam Noord

Amsterdam Noord has recently become one of the trendier neighbourhoods in the city, and many people don’t realize just how conveniently located it is. It’s essentially right in the centre, only across the water. So you get all the convenience and access to the city without the constant hustle and bustle. 

The neighbourhood is home to the largest flea market in Europe, the A’dam Tower, THE BUTCHER Social Club, the Eye Filmmuseum, and the brand new NXT Museum. It’s quiet, but still vibrant, with plenty of nice places to eat and drink just steps away from the hostel. 

To get to Amsterdam Noord from Central Station, you just hop on a ferry. And it cannot be emphasized enough how easy, quick, and free this ferry is. It takes less than five minutes to cross the water and departs from directly behind the station. You just walk or bike right on, and in no time you’re in Amsterdam Noord. Once docked, it’s just a few hundred metres to the hostel.

Commitment to community

If you’re moving to Amsterdam for the first time, finding some kind of community is essential, and at ClinkNOORD you can easily meet other people new to the city. Sure, some other hostel guests may be just passing through for a quick stroopwafel, but others are in transitional situations just like you. 

In regular times ClinkNOORD hosts a whole slew of events and activities for their guests, to help them meet and mingle. They’ve got everything from Bingo to yoga (of course, in corona times these are scaled way back). They also have a special Facebook group just for their long-term guests to help folks stay in touch, so you’ll be making friends in no time. 

Incredible space and amenities

Games and entertainment

You’ll never be wanting for something to do in this spacious, kitted-out hostel. You can hit the pool table, play foosball, or wear out your wrist with free-to-play ping-pong. The vast range of games and shared space supports their intention of building community — it really couldn’t be easier to socialise and stay entertained. 

For chiller vibes, relax with a book from their darling library, or focus in at one of the low-key working spaces.

The ambience

It doesn’t really matter what you do though, you can just enjoy being there. You’ll see interesting and varied artwork all over the walls from artists they’ve hosted from around the world. Their special blacklight room called “The Box” is a real showstopper. Pop by the bar on your way in and have them whip you up a special glow-in-the-dark beverage to enhance the otherworldly experience.

The awesome food

Then there’s the food, the delicious, impossibly convenient food. Breakfast is served every morning for a steal — just €3 for long-term guests. Their on-site cafe offers all the sustenance you need to make it through a day of working from home, so you can grab a sandwich and espresso and get cracking. 

Into the evening, when you don’t feel like cooking but want a hot, cheap meal, you can opt for their “lazy dinner.”  Every night, the kitchen offers its guests this five euro option — a fresh, hearty meal for next to nothing. Pair with a glass of wine, then roll yourself up to bed.

The rooms 

The rooms themselves are fresh and clean, with all the basics. Let’s be real, they are pretty basic — it’s a hostel after all, not the Waldorf Astoria. But if you’re between houses, keeping it simple is the name of the game. Your room probably won’t be big enough to unpack your whole life and settle in for good, and that’s not really the point here. But you can get comfortably nested and maximise your space by utilising their handy luggage storage.

Students and professionals working from home will appreciate the “Ultimate Study Suites.” These rooms have more space, a double bed, en-suite, and a personal study area. Not to mention a stunning canal view for your daydreaming delight.

The kitchen

If you feel like cooking, it’s easy to whip up whatever you’re in the mood for in their fully equipped kitchen. Store your food in one of the large refrigerators, and you’ll be feeling right at home. And bonus: the Albert Heijn grocery store is right around the corner.

Jaw-dropping value

ClinkNOORD’s long-stay options start at €340 a month for four-person dorms, perfect for making those new friends we keep talking about. From as low as €750 per month you can have your own private room. Higher-end options can include a double bed, canal-view, and en-suite, and each offers truly great value. 

Plus, you won’t be bothered by utility bills, contracts, or deposits. ClinkNOORD also provides free WiFi, bed linens, and even weekly cleaning. With the cost of living in Amsterdam at an all-time high, these savings are huge. 

But the best part of all: the discounts. You don’t have to be Dutch to appreciate a good discount. The hostel offers 50% off all food to long-stay guests, and 15% off drinks. You can even gain popularity points with your family and friends when you hand them a 20% discount off their own stay when they come to visit.

ClinkNOORD has the details covered[td_smart_list_end]

Looking out for your comfort

The hostel is determined to make your experience the best possible. If you’re staying in a dorm, ClinkNOORD will take care to pair you with someone compatible. Students with other students, professionals with other professionals, night owls with other night owls. 

Making your life easier

For guests moving to the Netherlands from abroad, ClinkNOORD even offers to help you register in the Netherlands. This means, once you’ve stayed in the hostel for three months, you’re provided with a permanent home address to use when applying for your BSN number. So for all you international movers, there’s one huge burden already relieved.  

The little things

To simplify your stay, ClinkNOORD has bikes available for hire, laundry on-site, 24/7 reception, a travel shop, and even small things like hair dryers. 

The specifics

How ClinkNOORD is managing coronavirus

Finally, how they’re handling coronavirus. The building is incredibly open and airy as it is, and the hostel is operating at 50% occupancy. Everything is squeaky clean and sterile, with appropriate social distancing. They track visitors, provide hand sanitiser, and follow all of the other recommended guidelines.

Get in touch

Contact ClinkNOORD by email or phone, and check out their website. Keep in mind that because they’re operating at half-capacity, it’s wise to reach out sooner than later to secure your spot. 

If you love the ClinkNOORD Hostel as much as we do, you may also want to check out their other smaller, eco-friendly, boutique locations in the city centre, Ecomama and Cocomama.

Would you have a long-term stay at ClinkNOORD? Let us know in the comments below!

Vacationing in 2020 is weird: officially, we can fly (but really don’t want to because, well, corona). So all these touristy places like Venice and Barcelona aren’t as filled up with tourists as they usually are. There’s an upside to this as well, as our own touristy Amsterdam is also nice and tranquil — and we can finally be typical tourists in our own capital.

This year was going to be the busiest year ever for visits to Amsterdam and the hotel business was properly prepping for it. Sadly for them, this isn’t the case. But good for you perhaps, because you can enjoy Amsterdam on the (relatively) cheap.

Many hotels are offering great deals at the moment, and if you’re an international living in Eindhoven or Maastricht — this might be the year to properly visit Amsterdam.

Where to stay: Boat and Co

One of these hotels is the fresh Boat and Co in the newly developed Houthaven quarter, it just opened up in autumn of 2019 and everything obviously feels and smells new. It’s a bit away from the centre though — so either get a bike (the hotel has some!) or just plan ahead.

Boat and Co does hotel things a bit differently, things that make it an excellent spot for a staycation. For starters, it’s more of an apartment than a hotel in the sense that there’s a kitchen and a little living room. Staying in one of these for a few days feels more natural than a compact hotel room. I also loved how they designed it with colours and some attitude instead of the regular white-industrial-minimal look that we usually encounter.

They also throw in rental bikes, which really is the way to go and explore Amsterdam. And they’re open to you bringing your kids, and are fully prepared with little kiddy beds and such and so a staycay with the whole family is also a possibility.

Oh, and how can one resist this view?

They also built a pier in front of the hotel for swimming. It was already a lively scene on a chilly day — must be a buzzing thing on a warm day.

The whole corona situation is sad, but it does mean that there’s the option to get the breakfast delivered to your room – we thoroughly enjoyed this socially distanced breakfast.

Yes, it was as good as it looks!

Where to eat: Vessel Amsterdam

This hotel features both a splendid hall with all the decor you could wish for and an outside terrace with swooping views of the river IJ and some modern architecture.

It was above 15 degrees, so as true Dutchies we opted to go outside and enjoy the last rays of sunshine. The menu has something for everybody and you can go for the regular three courses or share anything with anybody. A big plus is that it’s mostly locally sourced food coming from a low waste kitchen.

And yes, you’ll be happy to know that there were good cocktails with a nice platter with finger food to enjoy as well in case you’re not up for a full dinner.

We were up for a full dinner though, and it was good with grown-up portions. In fact, we opted for the shared Cote d’Boeuf and I’m happy to report that the only reason we could finish that massive piece of meat was that it was so excellent (ask for another sauce though too, mix it up)

A staycation in Amsterdam during corona times — what to do?

It’s Amsterdam, but without the insane crowds of tourists, so what should you do? Well, the answer is obvious — touristy things!

Obviously I mean the good things, not the getting ripped off in the red light district-things. I never saw the Van Gogh museum so this was my chance. We booked ahead and enjoyed a tranquil museum, even spent some time alone with some of these famous paintings (no pics allowed, so no pics here).

Most museums are working with a reservation system, and for the most well-known ones like the Rijksmuseum and the Anne Frank house, it’s advisable to book a week in advance. But yeah, this is the time to see these hotspots.

What else can you do?

Bring your kids, the city is a bit more easygoing now. You can also cycle through the town without the cycle paths being full of stoner tourists or bachelor parties.

Go for a Dutch pancake! Normally I would never do such a thing, but we now enjoyed a nice classic pancake at the pancake bakery (which is normally crowded with tourists).

Go for a boat ride in Amsterdam, it’s way better since there aren’t that many other peeps on the boat with you and there are generally fewer boats on the canals.

Go to the centre or the negen straatjes, beautiful areas that are actually accessible and enjoyable these days — we might as well enjoy the beautiful city in this fudged up year of 2020.

What are your plans for the summer of 2020? Let us know in the comments!

Feature Image: Chait Goli/Pexels
*We teamed up with Boat and Co for this article (and a great stay!), but no payment was involved

What if I told you that there was a time travel ship docked in Rotterdam that would take you back to the glamorous Sinatra-era days of the fifties and sixties (with WIFI of course). Well, you probably/hopefully wouldn’t believe me because such a thing doesn’t exist, but what does exist is a gorgeous steamer docked in the up-and coming neighbourhood of Katendrecht. Join me for a cruise on everything that the SS Rotterdam has to offer!

What is the ss Rotterdam and where is it?

The ss Rotterdam is a cruise ship from the golden days of the ‘Holland-America’ line. After a life of sea voyages and renovations, it is now in use as a swanky hotel, restaurant and meeting place. It’s permanently docked at Katendrecht in Rotterdam, which is an up-and coming neighbourhood and certainly worthy of a visit by itself if you’ve never been there.

If you don’t have the time for a proper dinner or staying a night on board the ship, you’ll be happy to know that it’s open for drinks at its rear deck as well – which has slowly but surely gained status as an Instagram hotspot.

The history of the ss Rotterdam

The ss Rotterdam was built in Rotterdam itself in 1959, and was the fifth ship by this name to sail for the famed Holland-America Line. If you’re thinking – “hey, I read about this before, DutchReview!” –  then it was probably in this article about the equally iconic Hotel New York.

Back in the sixties and seventies, the ship saw it all and then some. People dressed up every night to dine like royalty while the ship steamed up to New York. Once ashore in the Big Apple it would host the great entertainers of that era, with even the voice himself, Frank Sinatra, singing on the ss Rotterdam.

If you go on a tour through the ship the veteran tour guide has some truly rich stories about their past times when they worked aboard the ship.

It experienced the last decade of the transatlantic line and cruise ship service between Rotterdam and New York. Then the ship sailed a bit into a period of, well, less extravagant times, and its future didn’t look too much like smooth sailing water (sorry for all the seafaring puns, there will be more though). Lucky for us it has been completely renovated in the style envisioned by the builders, that style we now all love.

Here’s the Captain’s cabin:

Staying a night on the ss Rotterdam

You’ll be happy to learn that booking a night on board the SS Rotterdam is actually pretty affordable. When I checked you could even get one under 100 euros per night. The reason for this fair pricing is, well it’s on a renovated ship, so yes there’s a lot of swag but be aware that the windows are a bit small and the rooms are snuggly – if you’re a sucker for high ceilings then this might not be for you… and perhaps staying there for weeks on end would also be a bit too much for the claustrophobic among us.

Nonetheless, the rooms come with endless amounts of atmosphere and were beautifully renovated, so perfect for staying for a weekend or midweek break.

Fine dining at the ss Rotterdam

There are actually a few spots on the ss Rotterdam to get your fix when it comes to food and beverages. There’s the Lido, which is the regular area for your breakfast and casual dinner. There’s the Ocean bar for your cocktail needs on the weekend, and there’s also the Captain’s lounge for all your other drinking desires.

And then there’s the Lido Terrace (aka the Deck) which comes with all that swag you could possibly want for your insta photo:

Dinner at the ss Rotterdam’s Club Room

But for that real fancy feeling onboard a ship you’ll have to reserve a table at the Club Room. It was easily the fanciest dinner I ever enjoyed in Rotterdam and has all that splendour of a bygone era we all miss from series such as Mad Men.

There’s jazz playing, the staff knows their stuff and can recommend some excellent wines and the service is of a non-Dutch level (which is good).

But of course, you want to know about the food. Dining at the Club Room is not a fast experience, the chef and his staff take their time to get you some very refined dishes. There’s the option to go a la carte, but perhaps you should just go with the flow and order a 4 to 7 (!!) course menu.

Because I can promise you, every dish is a little trip for all the senses. They look pretty, are creative and taste like a special night out is supposed to taste. Also, just look at this dessert:

Pro-tip: have them pair your wines with your dishes, we tasted some excellent and original stuff that night, they know their wines.

The Swag of the ss Rotterdam

But in the end, the decisive reason why you should want to visit or stay overnight at the ss Rotterdam is that this ship has plenty of sauce. It’s not just that it’s a ship (but it surely makes it better) that’s docked in the quintessential port town of Rotterdam – talk about immersion. But the ship is just loaded with artsy details and gorgeous art-deco interior design decisions.

From the bars to the staircases, from the dining areas to the old captain’s bridge: it’s either super nautical or has loads of charm and character. Especially when going on a guided tour by one of the ship’s veterans or when you’re going for dinner at the Club Room you can almost taste the vintage years, the Sinatra era, the many journeys the ship made to New York. It’s the closest thing you can get to feeling as though you’re part of Mad Men in Rotterdam or the Netherlands for that matter. (P.S: If you know of more venues like this one, please comment because we love them here at DutchReview!)

Grab a bike and explore the neighbourhood

The ss Rotterdam is docked in Katendrecht – an area which has seen a huge transformation over the past few years. Katendrecht was once Rotterdam’s gritty and dirty neighbourhood – the home for sailors and the red light district. Now it’s the perfect spot to grab a bite to eat or have a beer overlooking the Maas river while still retaining loads of the charm from the old days.

All of this is best discovered by bike, which you can conveniently rent from the ship. Besides getting the quintessential Dutch experience of cycling you also get to see more in less time while still being chill.

Katendrecht is not far from the the ‘Kop van Zuid’ and the centre of Rotterdam, and sports all that great Rotterdam architecture that we love, minus the crazy inner-city rental prices and tourism that you get in Amsterdam. There’s also lots to do in and around Katendrecht, which means you’re close to foodie hotspots like the Fenix Food Factory and the Foodhallen and also some of Rotterdam’s highlights – such as Hotel New York and the Erasmus bridge.

Or even better, take the Watertaxi from the ss Rotterdam

Last tip is the best one! If you ever wanted to feel like James Bond, the SS Rotterdam has its own station for the Watertaxi. These yellow speedy boats take you to almost everywhere the water goes in Rotterdam and it’s such a cool way to go from A to B.

What makes coming and going from the SS Rotterdam with a watertaxi such a special experience is that, well, it’s a boat that arrives at another bigger boat! Splendid views and it’s your own little adventure – and frankly the quickest way in many cases for moving around town.

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Have you been to the ss Rotterdam? Share your experiences in the comments! And also, we mean it, recommend us some of that other vintage era experiences of the mid-century!

Feature Image: Abuzer van Leeuwen

The guide to taking the (direct) Eurostar train from Amsterdam and Rotterdam to London in 2019: 8 things to know

We’ve finally taken the direct (-ish) Eurostar train from the Netherlands to London! Only fair that we share what that is all about. So take a train seat and all aboard for an extensive article on our experience with the direct Eurostar train from Amsterdam to London. But we went from Rotterdam (in this case) to London.

Will it be quicker and cheaper than flying to London? How’s the customs process? How is the food on board the Eurostar train? How’s getting to and from St. Pancras International like? How are the Eurostar hotels? How is the channel tunnel? (spoilers: dark and boring).

Yes, you guessed it, it’s time for the ultimate:

Everything you always wanted to know about taking the Eurostar train from Amsterdam or Rotterdam to London

First of all, let’s get us some tickets! ALL ABOARD

#1 How to get tickets for the Eurostar train, what kind of tickets do you need to get and how much do they cost?

It’s 2019, so obviously going online for your tickets is the way to go. It isn’t a surprise as well that tickets get cheaper once the departure date is further ahead or when things are slow. No drastic changes there and it pays off to book your ticket well in advance to get the best price for the best times.

The Eurostar train to London (or Amsterdam/Rotterdam, depends on where you’re reading this ) has 3 different classes with different price-tags. What is good to know is that all come with decent legroom and they’ll allow you to bring luggage.

Standard is well, standard. This is between € 59 – € 220 for a one-way ticket. Standard Premier is the regular upgrade and Business Premier is the high-life with swanky meals on the train and the business premier lounge. Standard Premier is € 99,50 – € 274 and Business Premier is € 360 for a one-way ticket.

Life is just a tad bit better in the Standard Premier and it comes with some flexibility and snacks. So check the prices, sometimes it’s just a few euros more than standard – well worth it.

Oh, once you get the e-tickets, download the Eurostar app. This one will load you the tickets and all really easily – never had such a tranquil experience with any air travel.

#2 Getting on board the Eurostar train and how about the custom process?

Eurostar and common sense highly advise you to be present well in advance before departure time. They generally don’t stop that long, so don’t expect the train to be standing there on the platform for a while.

Here’s the Eurostar train arriving at Rotterdam Central Station:

Once that train pulls in, you know it’s going to be different than your ordinary NS ride. They’ve got pursers helping you out there and helping you towards your seat, it’s a thing when you’ve never internationally traveled by train. Oh yes, there’s a designated seat – that’s a good thing!

The custom process, well, it’s a custom process – that’s never going to be fun (and god knows what #Brexit has in store). But it’s way more relaxed than any airport in the world and it doesn’t take up much time. So it’s barely a nuisance.

Check-in times are different for the classes (premium gets you later check-in) and there’s a boarding call for your train about 10 minutes in advance, you can’t miss it.

#3 How long does the Eurostar from Amsterdam to London really take?

The journey from Amsterdam to London St Pancras varies from around 5 to 6 hours, so for a faster journey pay attention to train times. The journey from London to Amsterdam is a bit shorter at under 4 hours. Not too bad!

#4 Is it really directly to London?

Customs is apparently also what’s making you get out of the train and still doesn’t make it a direct trip from Amsterdam or Rotterdam to London. Because both Amsterdam and Rotterdam Central Station don’t have any room for the whole custom process, this is done in Brussels. So in Brussels, you have to leave the train, go through customs and then check in again, which is no matter how you put it a disturbance of what is otherwise a pretty tranquil travel experience. This could be solved once authorities finally handle things, which could be in April 2019 but nowadays the end of 2019 seems more realistic.

The way back though was one of the nicest travel experiences I had in life – EVER. Its a direct journey from London to Rotterdam or Amsterdam, customs are done in London. And I don’t know, it was a bit surreal to just hop on a train in London and then exit in the Netherlands at your train station. Way better than flying in or out – but we’ll get onto that bit somewhat later in this article.

#5 Travelling to St. Pancras International London, what’s that like?

Another straight up-side to taking the train to London with Eurostar is that your arrival point isn’t some wretched cheap-ass airport 50 km from Londen center. The Eurostar train stops at the nicely located St. Pancras Station – right next to Kings Cross station in the north of London with access to tons of tube-lines. When we arrived we opted for a UBER, forgot how murderous traffic was in London at any time of the day (start biking you Brits!)

The station itself has a bit of that turn-of-century-splendor you’re looking for when internationally traveling on a train and it’s far more decent than most railway stations on the continent.

The Eurostar lounge at St. Pancras was also more than okay, with a complimentary cocktail area – can’t go wrong with that!

#6 What was our experience on the Eurostar train connection from Amsterdam/Rotterdam to London? What’s it like?

Right off the bat, no matter which class you’re seated, it’s better than any plane or train. The amount of legroom is spectacular, there’s a nice train magazine, a railway carriage with a bar, in certain classes you get free drinks and snacks. Or even champagne and a proper meal when you’re traveling on Premium:

Stowing away all that luggage is no problem (you can take a shitton of luggage, another upside) but sadly the same can’t be said for the wifi. On both journey’s the wifi on the Eurostar train was lacking at best, or non-existing at all – other passengers had the same problem. So this is something they need to fix, fast.

The staff on the trains were extremely helpful, notably better than on short cheap airliners: really another plus for Eurostar there.

The trip itself and the passing landscapes were pretty relaxed. It was nice to see a bit of the English countryside, the journey through the tunnel was dark and full of nothing (no stops there) and coming into any station went super quick – no delays!

#7 Staying with a Eurostar hotel, the Draycott – that was just awesome

Eurostar offers a thorough experience and can also set you up in a hotel. They’ve got agreements with numerous hotels throughout London, which works out pretty nice for all involved.

We went for the quintessential British experience and got set up at the Draycott in Kensington. And boy oh boy, did that hotel deliver. See if you’re going for that train journey anyways – you want it to be a special trip, and their hotels and especially the Draycott were a great choice.

The Draycott – it was so good that we need to talk about this

It doesn’t look big from the outside and on the pictures, it looked a bit, well, old-British. But inside the Draycott hotel takes you back to a London that I’m sure only exists in our fantasies. All of their rooms are beautifully styled in pure Britannica; stylish classical music playing, portraits from grand old Britain on the wall – all done with class and respect for past times – but nowhere outdated.

All rooms are named after writers instead of having an arbitrary number. The rooms are all different themselves as well, so no one room is the same. I was also pleasantly surprised by the stylish desk and the grand bathroom.

Two big plusses of the Draycott, besides its epic scenery and pleasant service, number one:  the moments in the day where they served complimentary tea, champagne (!!) and hot chocolate in the beautiful drawing room.

Not just because it’s nice to get free delicious stuff (those homemade biscuits!) but also because they got the atmosphere really right there. It’s the closest you’ll get to your Downton Abbey Fantasy.

The other big upside for the Draycott was their serene garden; beautifully styled and a nice getaway from the hustle and bustle of London.

All in all, I can wholeheartedly recommend booking one of the hotels with Eurostar, more-than-pleasant experience!

#8 When leaving from Rotterdam or Amsterdam. Flying from Schiphol to London or taking the Eurostar train to London?

The million dollar pound question, what’s better? Flying to London or taking the Eurostar train? Well, as you might expect, the answer depends on your situation.

First of all, if you can book a bit in advance, want to visit the center of London and live closer to Amsterdam Central or Rotterdam Central than you live to Schiphol or any other London-connected Dutch airport then the Eurostar is probably your best bet. Tickets are decently priced when booking in advance and I found it way better than traveling to any London airport (Bar London City, which can be expensive). Most of London’s airports are so far away that reaching the city center will take plenty of time as well, not to mention the money that the transit will cost you. I’d rather spend less and get a decent trainride right in to the city like we did with Eurostar.

When it comes to service and experience in general, the Eurostar is also better in my opinion. There’s legroom and actual service, something which you won’t find with many aircraft companies nowadays. Personnel also makes you feel genuinely welcome, instead of like cheap cattle when flying with something like Ryanair.

If you’re looking for a one way trip from London to Amsterdam/Rotterdam, then the Eurostar is a no-brainer with its direct journey. But of course, it isn’t all champagne-life, the interruption in Brussels when taking the train from the Netherlands to London is something which isn’t pleasant in any way. And it might still take a while when this is solved, with Brexit and all that happening. So that’s something to take into account when one makes the decision between the plane or train to London.

But overall, when living near a station and booking ahead? Choo choo! All aboard for that direct Eurostar train from Amsterdam to London! ( Or Rotterdam ) And luckily, in June, Eurostar will be expanding the train service from London to Amsterdam to three times a day, instead of two.

Have you ever taken the direct Eurostar train from Amsterdam to London? Or from Rotterdam to London? Let us know your experiences in the comments!

It’s literally one of the iconic postcard images of Rotterdam. Hotel New York is that lovely turn-of-the-century hotel with Rotterdam’s modern highrise buildings behind it and one of those rare old beautiful buildings in Rotterdam. Ever since I was a little Rotterdam boy I always wondered what was behind the beautiful facade, in case you are wondering too – take a walk with me through the rich history and beautiful stories (and rooms) of Hotel New York!

What’s this hotel New York in Rotterdam then?

Not familiar with the city or the mesmerizing building, well you should. Right on the far side of the ‘Kop van Zuid’  is where you can find the hotel. It’s far more than a hotel though, there’s a big and equally iconic restaurant there with another stylish and upmarket fine dining establishment opened up just underneath the hotel; the NY basement. Then there’s the terrace with a splendid view of the passing river traffic and numerous meeting and party rooms with a historical grandeur that you don’t see that much anymore in Rotterdam.

The history of Hotel New York in Rotterdam

But what really sets Hotel New York apart and ensures its place in the heart of every ‘ Rotterdammer’ is that through all the rocky times of Rotterdam the building was there and remained a recognizable landmark for more than a century.

It was originally an office building when it was built back in 1901, the location wasn’t just for its sweeping views of the Rotterdam waterways; it was the headquarters of the ‘Holland-Amerika lijn’, which operated the shipping connection between Rotterdam and New York. Just like in the old days, ships still depart and arrive next to the Hotel.

It’s a grand story; more than a million European immigrants went to Rotterdam to get on the one-way tour to the new world. You’ll see plenty of paintings and other memorabilia in the hotel to remind you of this central part in migration history the hotel played. The last ship to New York set sail in 1971, soon after the building stood vacant until the early 1990’s when it was reinvented as a hotel. After the completion of the Erasmusbridge in 1996 the area quickly became the hip and stylish ‘Kop van Zuid’ we know now, Hotel New York being it’s classy vintage signature.

Fun fact, the founders of Hotel New York also founded the ‘watertaxi’ in Rotterdam. You’ll see these little boats everywhere around the Hotel and it’s by far the most fun way of getting around Rotterdam.

How’s a stay at the Hotel New York?

Enough about the history, time to venture inside and sleep a night there! All the rooms are unique, which is always a welcome relief from hotels that have 300 rooms that are all the same. The rooms are spacious too and as far as I could see most of them sported a nautic, turn-of-the-century art deco theme – which it does extremely well.

Don’t worry that the hotel is stuck in the past; Nespresso machines, flatscreens and luxurious beds are present. Furthermore, most rooms sport high ceilings and a balcony of some sort. If you’re lucky your balcony also has a luscious view and a binocular ours, which made the little Rotterdam boy in me totally happy.

The Hotel has a few doormen for your convenience, if possible they’ll tell you all about the hotel, the history and the original rooms. These friendly fellas really do add to the atmosphere, they took us to two rooms which are really worth saving up for. Check out the ‘torenkamertje’ and the ‘director’s room’ (which are still affordable for a night or 2)

Going up the stairs of the ‘tower room’, check out that view!

So besides a classic night of sleep, what else is there at Hotel New York?

The restaurant and terrace of Hotel New York are Rotterdam classics

Often when I take visitors to Rotterdam and see the sights, a visit to Hotel New York is part of the program. The restaurant of the Hotel is big, has a great decor and a tasty and affordable menu – the classic to enjoy over there are the oysters. But don’t worry, there’s an epic pie assortment as well and Dutch classics like bitterballen.

If the sun is shining then be sure to grab a drink on the renowned terrace of the hotel, it’s just perfect to sit there and watch the ships go by. The terrace boasts both regular seating and these nice deck-chairs, together with the grand building and its epic modern back-drop it makes for the perfect Instagram shot as you can see:

 

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Woohoo! It’s one of those things thats on a lot of bucketlists of #Rotterdammers. Staying at the iconic @hotelnewyork – it was everything we hoped it would be. Awesome #vintage #design rooms, that #turnofthecentury vibe, the most #newyork like neighborhood of the Netherlands and epic stories from its iconic past. Oh and don’t worry, we slept like babies after filling up at the brand new #foodhallen right next to it. If you’re not able to catch a night at #hotelnewyork then make sure to grab a drink from their lovely terrace or swing by their restaurant! ??? Review is coming up!

Een bericht gedeeld door DutchReview (@dutchreview) op 17 Aug 2018 om 9:59 (PDT)

And then there’s ‘NY Basement’, a stylish restaurant slash cocktailbar all done in the style of New York in the roaring twenties. We’ll talk about that one later, it kind of is deserving of its own article, but here’s a little sneak peek:

What else is there to do around Hotel New York?

Don’t worry that it’s not right in the city center of Rotterdam, this area – de Kop van Zuid- has plenty going on and many rate it as the best part of Rotterdam. First of all, the whole area is a showcase of modern architecture and urban redevelopment. There are new architectural icons such as the high-rising New Orleans and the gigantic ‘De Rotterdam’.

And then there are shining examples of urban redevelopment done right with the newly opened Foodhallen and the Cruise terminal. Plenty of more good stuff coming to the area as well in the future:

Looking for stuff to do? Well, those new foodhallen are surely worthy of a visit and so is the beloved Fenix Foodfactory – both just a stone throw away.

You can go for an awesome gaming experience in the pinball-museum or get a classic men’s haircut in the stylish NY barbershop which is located in the same building as the Hotel.

Just like so many other things in the area, all of these wouldn’t be around without the beating heart of this city that is Hotel New York – a must see in Rotterdam.

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The Euromast: one of the most iconic Rotterdam highlights. Also, so ingrained into the Rotterdam skyline, that it just wouldn’t be the same without it. I finally ventured up there to check the view and tell you if it’s worth it (spoiler: yes!)

What is the Euromast?

The Euromast is a ‘mast’ 185m above ground – making it the tallest building in the Netherlands. It’s located in the modern and vibrant city, which is Rotterdam (the best city of course). Its current main purpose is to serve as an observation tower (which makes perfect sense, considering it’s the tallest in the Netherlands). It was constructed in 1960 and was built to mark the first ‘Floriade’, which was the international flower and garden exhibition.

The Euromast was named – ‘euro’ purely because Rotterdam was at the heart of the European Economic Area, and ‘mast’ because it is a word that is widely understood in many different languages.

The Euromast was never always this tall though. In the sixties, it stood at 101m tall. At this point, it was by the far the vocal point of the Rotterdam skyline, but as Rotterdam became more modernised, the other architecture soon caught up. One of these was the Erasmus MC building, which stole the top spot for the tallest building. The Euromast wasn’t going to let anyone else have a piece of the pie. In 1970, a ‘space tower’ (the euroscoop) was added, taking the height of the Euromast to what it is today (185m). The Euromast then regained its status of being the tallest building in Rotterdam and the Netherlands. It’s also part of the World Federation of Great Towers, joining the likes of the Eiffel Tower and the Empire State Building – impressive!

So, what makes the Euromast so worthy of a visit?

Since this time, the Euromast has undergone a lot of changes. The restaurants have been revamped, a hotel, an additional tower, and many other features have been added. Therefore, the Euromast is unique in so many different ways.

For a start, you get to reach the highest point in the Netherlands (which is already pretty cool in itself). You get to the top of the first tower via an elevator which takes you 4m per second (in 30 seconds you are taken 100m up)! Then you’re already impressed by what you see. You have the freedom to wander around and take lots of pictures (your Instagram is going to blow up).

Then, when you’re already satisfied with the view, you have the opportunity to go up the ‘Euroscoop.’

This is basically a circular dome, with seats all the way around, which spins slowly as you ascend up the tower to 185m. This may sound scary, but trust me, it’s really not. As you are spinning around merrily, you are greeted with a voice over the speakers telling you all about the history of the Euromast and Rotterdam. Important and interesting sites are pointed out to you and you come away knowing almost everything you need to know about Rotterdam.

Cool, huh? For me this was an absolute top-notch experience. So what else is there to do at the Euromast.

Three top things to do at the Euromast:

Enjoy the view

We need to talk about this a bit more just because the view from the Euromast is spectacular. No matter the season or the weather, the view will always blow you away. You have two choices of either sticking to the main platform, where you can walk around at almost 100m up or going up with the Euroscoop. The best bit? You don’t have to pay extra to go higher up, like a lot of other similar attractions out there do. On a clear day, you can see as far as places such as The Hague, Moerdijk and Antwerp. The thing about the Euromast is, even if the weather isn’t that great, Rotterdam still looks amazing from above.

Eat delicious food

There are two places to eat at the Euromast. Firstly is the Deli on the ground floor, where you can find a selection of delicious pastries, snacks and coffee. It’s free entry too!

The second is the main restaurant on the first platform. You are guaranteed that this will be the best restaurant-view that you will have in the whole of the Netherlands! You can dine for lunch, for dinner, go for high wine or high tea (literally ‘high’). All of this, whilst looking down at the beautiful Rotterdam skyline. You’d think that you’d be out of pocket by dining at a place like this, however the prices are really good and the food is great too. For example, their chief can surprise you with their choice of a 3-course meal and it’s only €36,50pp. That’s an amazing deal, especially with the view!

We were there at lunch-time, so we opted for the Euromast clubsandwich. We weren’t disappointed:

For those that have been there a few years back, the restaurant has been completely revamped a year ago (quite an improvement) and all in all it’s quite the dining experience up there.

Sleep amongst the stars

Just when you thought the Euromast had it all, you realize that it really does have it all. On the platform just above the restaurant are two luxury hotel rooms, equipped with all the essentials such as champagne (definitely the biggest essential), a Jacuzzi or rain shower, a minibar and an amazing view of the city (basically the Euromast IS your balcony). A delicious breakfast is also included in your stay (and you can have it served to your room)! What more could you want.

That’s not all – there are many other things to enjoy at the Euromast. These include extreme things like abseiling and zip-lining. An adrenaline junkie, or looking for a cool present for someone to love? These are your go-to!

As you can see, the Euromast is more than just a pretty view (which is good enough already). There is lots to do there, so if you’re stuck for something cool and fun to do if you are in Rotterdam, then the Euromast is worth a visit.

Address: Parkhaven 20, 3016 GM Rotterdam

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