Amsterdam Tropen Hotel

Amsterdam Tropen Hotel was originally built in 1963 to house students and volunteers at the adjacent Royal Tropical Institute (KIT), a non-profit institution aiming to promote socio-economic development through intercultural and international interaction. The hotel was given a makeover in the 1990s, but it still maintains its international design elements. Although the exteriors are dated, the interiors are tasteful and fresher. Geometric cut-outs in the walls, large black-and-white photographic prints, a wood-paneled front desk, and colorful plush chairs gives the lobby a fun, retro-1960s vibe. The hotel's location near the Royal Tropical Institute makes it popular with business travelers. 

The hotel is situated next to the beautifully green Oosterpark and a five-minute walk to one of Amsterdam’s canals, in an area with plenty of dining options. It's outside of the hubbub of the city center but still close to popular cultural attractions. Next door is the Royal Tropical Institute and the Tropen Museum. Natura Artis Magistra zoo is about a 15-minute walk away. The inexpensive, international, and popular shopping market, Dappermarkt, takes four minutes to reach by foot. A tram stops in front of the hotel and can take guests to the city center in about 15 minutes. Using public transportation, the Van Gogh Museum is about 22 minutes away, and Anne Frank House is 23 minutes away. The airport is a 25-minute drive away. 

Rooms are decorated in shades of brown and some have a splash of color in the form of red bedskirts or pillows. Standard Rooms have one double or two twin beds, while Superior Rooms have one queen or two twins. All rooms are spacious and have flat-screen TVs, safes, and kettles. However, they lack air-conditioning (though the hotel can provide electric fans in the summer months). Some rooms have entire walls of windows with views of Oosterpark or the city skyline, and some Superior Rooms have small outdoor terraces. The white-tiled bathrooms aren’t very spacious and lack counter space, though they include walk-in showers, botanical Sundari toiletries, and hairdryers. 

Amsterdam Tropen Hotel has eight meeting spaces, a hall, and an auditorium, all of which are wired with audiovisual and IT equipment including TVs, projectors, and microphones. A computer workstation is available in the lobby, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. Bikes can be rented from the front desk, although the rates are on the high side. Other features include an attractive outdoor terrace with woven furniture, striking sculptures, and lovely plants. The hotel’s Brassier and Bar serves a breakfast buffet in the morning (for a high fee) well as drinks and small meals throughout the day, with an emphasis on local and organic ingredients.