Last Updated on May 21, 2024

AFFORDABLE LUXURY IN CENTRAL AMSTERDAM

A few steps from the Amstel River that runs through central Amsterdam, citizenM Amstel Amsterdam is a four-star, concept hotel that delighted me. Invited to review for an overnight stay, I found the designer touches and cosy room much to my liking. The group has 36 hotels internationally – there are two others in Amsterdam. The name derives from the idea of a mobile citizen which they define as the sort of person who takes the train into town but orders champagne or wears a Gap t-shirt with an Armani suit. While I thought the hotel might be full of hipsters and digital nomads, I discovered a wide range of guests some of whom were middle-aged and, like myself, young at heart.

A good location is a plus on a short visit to any city and while Amsterdam is not that large, it was great to be so centrally positioned. From the Eurostar terminal at Amsterdam Centraal Station, it was a mere four stops on the metro to reach the hotel. There was also a tram stop directly outside the hotel door. In truth, I walked everywhere which is the best way to get around this dynamic city. I only used the metro to get to the hotel and back to the Eurostar on my return.

Conceived as a hybrid hotel – a space to sleep, of course, but also to work and relax, citizenM Amstel Amsterdam Hotel has 24/7 food service and inspiring areas in which to hang out or work. The citizenM hotels provide what the brand calls ‘affordable luxury’ and sets out to provide everything you need and nothing you do not. The bedrooms are small while the common areas are generously sized. The hotel provides things one might need while managing to reduce waste considerably. Forgotten your toothbrush? Just ask a staff member. Want to iron a shirt? There is an ironing room on every floor. Anything you need is available via the iPad (known as a MoodPad) in your room which even controls the lights, blinds, aircon and so on. For those of us who grew up doing these things manually, I was pleased to find plenty of light switches.

Since the hotel is situated on a main road, I was very pleased to find you cannot just walk in even during the daytime. You ring a bell or use your card key. This made me feel safe at all times. There is no Reception desk but rather a self-check-in at computer terminals but staff are on hand to assist should you require. The lobby has eight large floor-to-ceiling windows over the street and sun streams in all day. There is a sizeable lounge area furnished with generous, comfy and colourful, Vitra designer sofas and an array of attractive artefacts and artwork. The lighting is contemporary and varied. For lovers of designer furniture citizenM Amstel Amsterdam Hotel is a joy. A pair of Eames chairs in the lounge had me wishing these were in my own living room. Local artists have created bespoke murals in the hotel and a stunning ceiling by artist duo Pinar & Viola is found in the living room. Artworks are found in every room. Curated by Foam Editions, the gallery of FOAM Photography Museum which I highly recommend for visitors with an interest in photography.

I happily whiled away a few hours in the lounge, people-watching through the windows onto the street and browsing through the intriguing collection of art and style coffee table books. I kept hydrated with a pot of fresh mint tea but you could order a wide range of beverages throughout the day. A central bar area doubles as a 24/7 café and breakfast area. After midnight people were still eating and a few guests loaded up trays to take up to their rooms.  You can order room service on the iPad and pop downstairs to pick it up. In the mornings this area is where guests gather for breakfast. Just in case you need any further sustenance, there is an excellent bakery right next door where they serve wonderful potato focaccia, cheese toasties, fab pastries and light salads. Good coffee too of course.

Alongside the café area is a well-set-up work area with desks, computer terminals and a printer. It all overlooks a small, plant-filled terrace. The hotel also has two meeting rooms that accommodate 14 people so you could base yourself here if in town for business purposes.

The rooms – of which there are 88 including three singles and three accessible rooms – are all identical. They take bijoux to the next level. Designed like a cabin on a boat, I imagined myself floating away on a yacht. The XL king-sized bed with plenty of space for two fitted into the space between the large window and the bathroom wall. This wall and the back wall were padded to the ceiling. I thought it would feel claustrophobic but once in bed I actually felt very contained and fell asleep immediately.

Underneath the bed, there were two drawers that pulled out for storing your luggage. Across from the bed was a small table which doubles as a desk with a Vitra desk chair upholstered in red. Books from The School of Life (I found an Amsterdam branch in the trendy De Pijp neighbourhood) were stacked on the table, supported by designer bookends one of which was a red, Jeff Coons balloon dog. All these desirable items – along with the bath products – can be purchased in the small shop at Reception. The desk also had an iPad to control the room’s environment and to provide lots of information about the city.

The bathroom had a surprisingly spacious rain shower (considering the overall dimensions of the room) and a loo. The stylish basin was in the room itself, in a white unit with lovely curves. It sported a Hansgrohe tap and citizenM products. A drawer pulled out of the unit to reveal a tiny fridge should one wish to store cheese or a bottle of bubbly. The colour scheme of the room was black and white with splashes of red on the headboard, desk, chair, tissue box, hairdryer cover and lamp switch. Wall lamps were designer tops. There was a small hanging area. The room was very light thanks to the large window, dressed with a sheer, white blind. At night you can activate a blackout blind that descends from the window frame. For anyone missing their stuffed toys from childhood, the bed had a citizen doll to keep you company.

In the morning we enjoyed a hearty breakfast. There certainly was everything we needed, even a good quality croissant which is not something to take for granted on a hotel buffet – even in France. Yoghurt with granolas or muesli with fresh fruit was on hand alongside a dinky chia seed pudding which I enjoyed. A selection of breads, cheese and charcuterie, hummus, smoked salmon and salad vegetables were plentiful. Hot food was available too – bacon, scrambled eggs, boiled eggs, roasted tomatoes, balsamic glazed mushrooms and poffertjes – Dutch mini pancakes. jams and Nutella. Of course, all the sprinkles one finds in Dutch homes were on offer to create a sweet start to the day. There was plenty to drink with an array of juices and teas plus coffees.

The citizenM Amstel Amsterdam Hotel is a relaxing and playful space filled with gorgeous designer furnishings, good artworks and artefacts. The staff are young and very welcoming and available throughout the day and night. They are well-trained and multi-task from assisting with check-in to making a cappuccino in the middle of the night should you want one. There are no sleepy desk staff here. In the early hours of the morning, guests were still checking in, eating and drinking. It made the communal area a fun place to hang out and certainly, I would feel very safe and comfortable staying here alone whether for work or pleasure.

citizenM Amstel Amsterdam Hotel, Saphartistraat 47, 1018 EW Amsterdam