NH Amsterdam Noord

Formerly the NH Galaxy, this hotel became the NH Amsterdam Noord after 2010 renovations while retaining its distinctive '60s modernist facade and contemporary glass-crown portico. The brightly lit lobby is a minimalist swathe of gray and yellow, finished in blond wood, and with little much in the way of charm -- though it is all adequately clean and well-maintained. Seating areas are modern and minimal while retro swivel chairs allude to the property's decade of construction. The vibe is largely professional and efficient with an unpretentious and unfussy atmosphere, appealing to mostly business guests, as well as a good share of flight attendants, who make up the clientele. 

The hotel is located in a quiet and mainly residential area in Amsterdam-Noord near the road leading to the IJ tunnel that runs into the center of Amsterdam. There are a few local shops and amenities in the immediate vicinity but it’s far from a touristy neighborhood -- though some parts are becoming increasingly trendy. The hotel offers a free shuttle to and from Amsterdam's Centraal Station, while nearby buses are also available and take around 12 minutes. Alternatively about a 15-minute walk from the hotel visitors can catch the ferry that frequently makes the crossing into the tourist center. The striking EYE Film Institute Netherlands is also 15 minutes away on foot. 

The hotel's 290 rooms are spread across six floors and are decorated in fresh, contemporary styling with simple modern furnishings and wooden floors. Standard in-room amenities include free Wi-Fi, minibars, and flat-screen TVs with pay-movies, while Superior Rooms include coffee machines and a separate lounge area. Clean, contemporary, and well-lit bathrooms are finished in matte-black tiling and include wall-mounted hairdryers and telephones. While all Superior Double Rooms have king-size beds, Standard Doubles are usually two twin beds pushed together -- a choice of pillows, however, is available in all categories.

The hotel's Travelers Restaurant -- a large, pleasant, and light-filled space -- serves a breakfast buffet-style each morning, though it's not included in the standard rate and evening meals are not served. The atmosphere of Bar King William III is very different to the rest of the property, being decorated in a traditional Dutch "brown bar" style, creating a cozy, traditional vibe that doesn’t feel like a chain hotel. There is also a small Coffee Corner where guests can grab and go or sit down and surf the free Wi-Fi. A spacious fitness room is open around the clock and those arriving by car have access to free on-site parking.