Hotel V Nesplein

A dramatic golden chandelier that drops nearly to the floor adds spectacle and glitz to the lobby's aged, dark brown decor. The effect is impressive, with a mid-century modern take on an industrial interior that gives way to low lit halls with bronze walls and stairways wallpapered with copies of vintage black and white show posters. Stage lights and velvet stage curtains add to the clever design harmony with the hotel's neighborhood. The hotel's bar and eatery, The Lobby, whose open kitchen spreads tempting aromas throughout the ground floor, is a popular hangout for locals and guests alike, lending the hotel a lively atmosphere.

The hotel is situated on a small square off a narrow, residential street just down the road from Dam Square, within easy walking distance of almost all of Amsterdam's central sights. Public transportation to the rest of the city can be accessed within two minutes of the hotel, and the Red Light district, canal district, and countless independent boutiques, bars, and cafes are all within walking distance. The major transportation hub, Centraal Station is a 13-minute walk while Schiphol Amsterdam Airport is about a 25-minute drive south out of the city center.

The loft-style rooms come in two varieties -- Superior Rooms are much larger than the more compact Comfort Rooms -- but both have the same upscale, mid-century-inspired industrial vibe, with wood-block floors, dark leather accents, and a touch of ornate gold wallpaper. Open scaffolding-style wardrobes, made of pipes and stamped metal stools, mix with mid-century furniture and faded oriental rugs. Nespresso machines, electric tea pots, and snacks are stocked in every room, but there are no mini-fridges. The bright modern bathrooms have matte black sinks, Pharmacopia toiletries, and rainfall showers, some in frosted-glass walk-in stalls. Views vary, with some facing an all-glass office building that detracts from privacy, and the rooms at the back of the hotel are naturally the quietest.

The heart of Hotel V Nesplein's action is its lively bar and restaurant, The Lobby, which stays busy at all hours as a local hangout, complete with a small stage for the occasional event. It serves modern Dutch food with international flair, including a top-notch à la carte breakfast that's not included in the rate, but can be included (at a savings) when booking a room through the hotel. There's a small library area tucked away in one corner, with leather sofas and bookshelves nestled around a central wood-burning stove that hangs from the ceiling. The outdoor terrace is adjacent to a small square, but has a secluded feel with a large canopy of umbrellas. The tables all have candles and blankets for the chilly Amsterdam evenings. There's free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.