Hotel Arena has reinvented itself from an orphanage in the 1890s to an old folks home, to a youth hostel, and today, it's to a hip and modern 3-star hotel. Its 127 rooms are all done in minimalist style - with wooden floors and warm colors. In 2004, 6 split-level suites were added. The hotel also has a restaurant, a cafe and a club! Truly an in place to be. Check out Hotel Arena's current Special Offers here.
2. Van Onna Hotel
Address Bloemgracht 102-104 and 108 Phone 020/626-5801
Some Amsterdam hotels were originally canal houses and the Van Onna is one of them. Prices are very reasonable. Rates may vary but last time I booked here, a single room was EUR 45 inclusive of continental breakfast. The Van Onna was named after Loek van Onna, who has been living here since he was a little boy. Since these are canal houses, you can't expect to have uniform rooms. Each has its own charm and simplicity.
Call to book. Most of the time, it is Loek who answers and will be happy to have you! No credit card payment. Pay cash on arrival. Proceed to Van Onna site.
This Amsterdam hotel has an excellent location, right at the start of the Damrak AND it's conveniently located right across the Central Station so arriving by train is no problem at all! Rooms have recently been renovated and if staying on a busy street sounds horrifying because of street noise, no need to worry as the room windows are double-paned.
Dam Square is just at the next corner and so is Madame Tussaud. There are lots of restaurants, and shopping is just a few minutes walk away! With top location and 5-star status, prepare to pay the price. For more info, click here.
What? this used to be a prison? Well, those days are far behind. This hip Amsterdam hotel has rooms and rates from 1-star to 5-stars! All the 117 rooms are simply G-O-R-G-E-O-U-S and come in different sizes and styles (all beautiful contemporary designs). The Dutch designers really know how to define and design "hip"! For more info, click here.
5. NH Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky
Address Dam 9 Phone 020/554-9111
This hotel has the most famous location in Amsterdam! Not only is it's neighbor the Royal Palace (ahem), it is also just across from De Bijenkorf Department Store! Now that's where I tend to spend like royalty! Rooms ofcourse match its 5-star rating but be sure to get the renovated rooms. Some of the rooms may be in dire need of renovation so be sure you still have a chance to change rooms.
6. Best Western Eden
Address Amstel 144 Phone 020/530-7888
Part of this Amsterdam hotel was once a chocolate factory and several merchants' houses from the 17th century. Staying here is be a delicious experience because of the atmosphere and location :-). Rooms come in various sizes... remember, the building dates back from centuries ago but not to worry, rooms are bright and have modern amenities. If you do choose to stay in a room with a view of the river, it will cost you.
7. NH Schiller Hotel
Address Rembrandtplein 26-36 Phone 020/554-0700
Forget the modern style when you walk through the doors of the Schiller Hotel. You will be greeted with a beautiful blend of Art Deco and Art Nouveau. Not surprising, this Amsterdam hotel get its name from painter Frits Schiller, whose paintings grace the public areas. it was Schiller who built the place around 1912. Shops, the Flowermarket and Dam Square are all within walking distance! I had a few groups stay at this hotel and the Dutch hospitality was part of the hotel experience.
8. Acacia
Address Lindengracht 251 Phone 020/622-1460
Now this Amsterdam hotel is triangular in shape. Expect the rooms to be of interesting angles, too. The rooms are clean and cozy and can accommodate up to 4 people. There are a couple of houseboats you can try out for that unique experience. Locationwise, it's in the Jordaan district where you find one-of-a-kind shops! Rates start from EUR 80 a night inclusive of breakfast.
9. Clemens
Address Raadhuisstraat 39 Phone 020/624-6089
One of those rare hotels that are attentive enough to have budget rooms and deluxe rooms! A mother and daughter team run the place and will just be too glad to serve you. They even rent laptops if you need one! Rooms from EUR 60.
't Hotel has eight double(twin beds fixed together)rooms, three with a view of the canal (the Leliegracht) and five at the back. All rooms have their own private bathroom. Some of them are equipped with a bathtub/shower, some with a shower. On request in some of the rooms the two twin beds can be made into one big 2 x 2 meter double bed. In most rooms an extra bed can be added. The top floor room on the garden side (room # 8) can accommodate up to five guests. The rooms are provided with coffee and tea making facilities, TV, telephone, central heating, refrigerator, radio alarm clock, safe deposit box, fan, hair dryer and other bathroom amenities. All our rooms also have a free wireless Internet connection.Guests can make use of the fax at the reception, where also ironing facilities are available from. As the hotel is housed in the historic canal house from the 17th century major structural changes are not allowed, therefore 't Hotel has no lift.
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