De Bedstee Boutique Capsules

Formerly the upscale Heemskerk Suites, the property took a 180-degree turn in August 2017 when it reopened as a hip, contemporary capsule hotel. Despite the extensive renovations carried out, the historic building retains many of its original architectural elements -- including the handsome herringbone wooden floors, steep staircase, and delicate stained-glass accents -- some of which were beautifully restored to bring back their former shine. The rest of the property, however, has a striking combination of old and new that makes it stylish and modern. Prints of the old Dutch masters in ornate golden frames stand out against the bold wallpaper designed by local artists, while velvet couches in navy and bottle-green hues combine with strategically placed LED lights and big windows to create sleek, appealing spaces full of character and tasteful details. Also of note is the strict no-parties policy.

The fully equipped apartments have been replaced with long rows of private, handmade capsule-style sleeping quarters in shared rooms that are a modern take on the traditional "bedstee," the closet-like rooms where Dutch farmers slept back in the day. While unique, fun, and surprisingly comfortable, this sleeping arrangement is not suitable for everyone (especially not for families), so those seeking a more traditional hotel in this price range may want to compare rates at Hotel Arena, a stylish, upscale property offering easy access to the city center. Travelers on a tighter budget may want to check out Hotel Mevlana or Quentin Arrive Hotel, both of which are centrally located as well. The Royal Amsterdam Hotel-Restaurant and Amstel Corner are two solid alternatives for those with a bit more cash to spare. CityHub offers a comparable experience to De Bedstee, but is located a little farther away from major attractions. 

De Bedstee Boutique Capsules is centrally positioned, within a six-minute walk of the Museumplein, home to the Van Gogh Museum, The Royal Concertgebouw, and the Rijksmuseum. The beautiful and expansive Vondelpark is an eight-minute walk, or three-minute bicycle ride (a common mode of transport for locals and tourists alike), while the charming Canal Ring area can be reached in about 10 minutes on foot. Dam Square, Central Station, and Anne Frank’s House are each about a 20-minute bus ride away. For nightlife within walking distance, a string of clubs can be found in the Leidseplein area. Alternatively, the Nine Streets -- a picturesque part of Amsterdam built along the canals and chockablock with bars and shops -- is an 11-minute drive from the hotel. Schiphol Amsterdam Airport is a 20-minute drive away, or 35 minutes via public transportation. 

The property has 30 handmade capsules divided into three rooms decorated in a cute, modern style, with mural paintings made by local designers, beautiful wooden floors, and big windows. Capsules, or "bedstees," are like large closets outfitted with plush mattresses, warm duvets, and comfortable pillows, and are outfitted each with a unique colorful mural photo of an Amsterdam scene. Though there is no room for large suitcases, each pod has storage space big enough for two carry-on bags, and there are small shelves for smaller items, as well as hooks for coats. Capsules offer a high level of privacy, with thick curtains and wooden doors that can be locked from the inside. While pods are not big enough for guests to stand up inside, we found them pleasant and not too compact. 

Though only a few pods on the ground floor have windows, spaces are kept airy and fresh with hot and cold air vents that can be individually regulated. Additionally, they come equipped with a good array of convenient amenities, including mood LED lighting, two power sockets and two USB chargers, robes, and bath towels. Guests are given personal modems on check-in, which provide free Wi-Fi on-site and across Amsterdam. Each room has two sleek, squeaky-clean bathrooms -- one for men and another one for women -- each with several showers and toilet cabins, a number of sinks, big mirrors, hairdryers, and eco-friendly toiletries.  

It's worth noting that there are no elevators, so travelers with limited mobility should request a ground-floor unit. Additionally, no slippers or flip-flops are provided.

Located on the ground floor, the restaurant and bar is a cozy spot for either a meal or a nightcap. All-day breakfast is served (for a fee) in a stylish room with several tables, a charming, greenhouse-style sunroom, and a small patio with plants and tables, while a short but tasty menu is available throughout the day. All dishes available on-site are vegan or vegetarian, MGO-free, glutamate-free, and free of refined sugars. Gluten-free options are available as well. The bar offers a good array of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks until late in the evening, including fresh fruit juices and coffees. 

Reception is open 24/7, and each guest is given a microchipped wristband for access to both the building and their capsule.