XO Hotels Blue Tower

Tinted-glass facades are true to the Blue Tower name here (formerly the Best Western Blue Tower Hotel), where 11 modern stories contrast nearby apartment blocks, which are less-than-scenic, unfortunately. Despite being outside Amsterdam's center, this property is popular on account of its attractive rates, 25-minute journeys into town, and 2017-renovated interiors, which are largely stylish. The lobby is average-looking with cream-marbled floors, pillars, and comfy couch seating in taupes. Monochrome London or Paris photography jazzes the place up, as do segmented Amsterdam murals near display bicycles. The nearby bar isn't unattractive, and bauble or studio lamps here are bright, but it's lacking an alcohol license. More atmospheric on account of mood lighting, jet-black walls, and conservatory layouts is the smart-looking restaurant, and its French and Chinese fusion dinners are well-regarded. Features are thin, but considering guests mostly spend their days out exploring, it fits the bill.

The hotel's Bos en Lommer location is suburban, somewhat rundown, and west of Amsterdam's center. It's still reasonable for reaching the city, as nearby busses and trams stop within a few minutes' walk of the hotel, and downtown journeys take around 25 minutes. This includes the famous canal ring, museums, Dam Square, Vondelpark, and Amsterdam Centraal train station. The hotel's quiet street shields it from noise, yet a decent range of restaurants are within a six-minute walk, as are Bos en Lommerplein's vibrant markets (open Tuesday through Saturday). A KFC and ATM are virtually right outside. RAI convention center and emerging business district, Sloterdijk, are within a 15-minute drive (twice that by tram). Schiphol Airport is a 20-minute drive, or 30 minutes by public transport.

Renovated in 2017, rooms here are comfortable and contemporary, outfitted in largely neutral tones. Beiges, browns, and creams dominate the oversized tufted headboards, patterned carpeting, and wooden furniture, while pops of bright orange are found in retro chairs. More spacious than downtown offerings, units range from Doubles and Twins, to Triple and Quadruple units. There's also an Executive category offering a king-size bed (others are two twins pushed together) and skyline views, including in the bathroom. Alternative vistas are of the street, nearby highway, or residential apartments. Although rooms lack mini-fridges, they have Nespresso machines, air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, desks, wardrobes with safes, and free Wi-Fi. Glossy bathrooms come with shower/tub combos, toiletries, and hairdryers. Wi-Fi is free, but it's reportedly weak in some rooms. Rooms are well-soundproofed from exterior noise.

Travelers won't find extensive features here -- there are no wellness, business, or child-geared amenities, but amenities are reasonable for the affordable rate. Many guests remain on-site for the buffet breakfasts offered, which are at a fee. Spreads consist of cooked bacon, sausages, scrambled eggs, a full continental spread, tea, coffee, and juice. They're served in the Restaurant Saffron, a smart, atmospheric space outfitted in black ceilings and a mix of booth and wooden chair seating. Chinese and French fusion dinners receive mostly positive reviews. The room also has a conservatory section, where wall inlays, semi-circular lamps, and egg chairs look trendy. Sadly, the venue doesn't serve lunch, and dinners are offered Tuesday through Saturday only. Also on the downside, the bar doesn't serve alcohol. Lobby vending machines sell drinks, snacks, and adaptors, plus tram and bus tickets.

Parking isn't officially part of the hotel, but the Bos en Lommer parking lot is next door, and guests can park there for a fee. Travelers with vehicles tend to be business guests, while leisure travelers find the bike rentals handy. Pets aren't permitted. Wi-Fi is free throughout. Fitness enthusiasts should be aware there is no gym available.