Picturesque canal-front setting in UNESCO World Heritage site
Inner canal ring location three blocks from Centraal Station
Quirky, Old Amsterdam atmosphere and design touches
Simple, clean rooms with views over the canal
Small elevator (in addition to charming spiral staircase)
Free Wi-Fi
Hotel does not accept credit cards
Interiors could use some sprucing up
Rooms are prone to internal and external noise
The Hotel Brouwer's quirky and unpretentious Old Amsterdam charm makes it easy to overlook its slightly dated and ramshackle elements. Its pretty canal-front setting is tough to beat, and the location is great for exploring the city on foot. Rooms are on the creaky side, and suffer from some noise issues, but are clean and comfortable and offer lovely canal views. Breakfast is simple and sufficient. Guests will be hard pressed to find a bed and breakfast in the area much cheaper, though the nearby Heren B&B has smarter style.
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Scene
Quirky Old Amsterdam canal-front hotel
Hotel Brouwer is set in a relatively large Amsterdam canal-front townhouse dating back to the 17th century, once the residence of a sea captain. It has been run as a hotel by the Brouwer family since 1917. The bed and breakfast has kept the ambience of an old-fashioned and slightly ramshackle Dutch home, from the faded, weatherworn sign outside to mismatched wooden furniture and creaky wooden floorboards. The general atmosphere is one of charming, quirky dishevelment. Adding to the Old Amsterdam ambience, traditional Delft-blue tiles adorn reception walls and an older stairwell, while a modern spiral staircase winds up through the building.
Location
Canal-front setting a few blocks from Centraal Station
Situated on a pretty street overlooking Singel canal (the inner ring of the Canal Ring, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site) the hotel is within walking distance of most of Amsterdam's tourist attractions. Centraal Station is just a few blocks away, while the bustling Dam Square is a five-minute walk. Trams are also available a block away to make the short journey to the Museum District and Vondlepark to the south.
Rooms
Simple, clean but old-fashioned rooms with canal views
All eight rooms are named after Dutch artists, and are decorated in simple old-fashioned styling with traditional wooden furnishings and works of their artistic namesake on the walls. Rooms are light on amenities but Wi-Fi is free and all provide fabulous views over the canal. Clean bathrooms are no-frills with simple tiled walls and generic toiletries. Walls are on the thin side, so some noise leaks between rooms, and floorboards are creaky.
Features
Free daily breakfast in traditional Dutch surrounds
A simple breakfast is included in the room rate and served in the surrounds of a traditional Dutch kitchen. Unusual for this type of property, there is a small elevator to the floors, though it can't be used after 11pm. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout.
