INK Hotel Amsterdam - MGallery by Sofitel

Housed in an early-20th-century building that was once the offices and printing facilities of a renowned local newspaper, the INK Hotel Amsterdam is full of traces and references to its former tenant. Big printing press letters decorate the wall behind the front desk, and old typewriters and rotary phones are displayed in the lobby and the bar. Even the name of the hotel restaurant, Pressroom, is a nod to the building’s history, giving the property a slight boutique feel despite its size. Stylish and modern, the hotel combines an industrial aesthetic (dark floors, natural wood furniture, and exposed brick walls) with sleek touches such as brushed-gold accents, LED lighting, and plush seating in gray and blue hues. Most of the guests we saw during our visit were couples and young groups of friends, and service was casual and friendly, yet attentive, both at the front desk and in the restaurant. The INK is a great pick for travelers who want to stay in the heart of the action, but rooms are a tad small for the price. The nearby Kimpton De Witt Amsterdam has slightly bigger rooms and a similar trendy vibe, but rates are higher. Those seeking something more intimate may prefer Hotel Seven One Seven, a nine-room boutique with elegant rooms and a great Canal Ring location. Hotel Roemer is a good alternative closer to lively Leidseplein. It has lower rates, tastefully decorated rooms with great amenities, and bike rentals. 

The hotel is located on a busy thoroughfare in the Old Center, surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and shops popular with tourists. This location is ideal for travelers wanting to explore the city center on foot, as it is just blocks from Dam Square, the Old Church, Amsterdam Museum, and the Anne Frank House. There are also several public transport stops within two blocks of the hotel, providing access to over a dozen buses and trams. Centraal Station, the city’s main train station, can be reached in 10 minutes on foot. Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Vondelpark are each about 20 minutes by tram, while the ride to the Heineken Experience and Albert Cuyp Market takes 25 minutes. Amsterdam-Schiphol airport is a 30-minute drive from the INK. 

Formerly a mid-range hotel with dated rooms, the INK underwent full renovations in 2016. The hotel’s 149 units have gone from plain to stylish, and now feature a fashionable combination of dark, clean-line furniture with golden accents and funky hand-drawn-style mural maps of the city that makes them modern and appealing. Starting at 183 square feet (17 square meters), rooms are small for the price, with just about enough space for a double bed, a desk, and a luggage rack in each unit. Smart design touches such as open-layout bathrooms and round mirrors add some visual space. Signature beds get consistent praise from guests, and come with plush duvets and several pillows. Each room is equipped with a great array of amenities, including 40-inch LED TVs with international channels, safes, robes, slippers, Nespresso machines, and electric kettles. Mini-fridges are stocked with water only, and all rooms feature air-conditioning and good heating that can be adjusted individually. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property for all guests, while wireless speakers are available in Executive Rooms. Bathrooms are clean and sleek, with sink areas in the middle of rooms and separate cabins for the toilets and rainfall shower. Open layouts and frosted-glass doors may pose privacy issues for some guests. Hairdryers and an excellent array of CO Bigelow toiletries (Molton Brown in suites) are provided. Junior Suites have separate rainfall showers and tubs.  

Pressroom is the hotel restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a stylish space off the lobby. The morning buffet is varied and tasty, but it isn’t included in all rates. The all-day menu offers a great selection of international dishes, from grilled rib eye to quinoa salad and raspberry creme brulee, all with a delicious, contemporary twist. The adjacent bar draws locals and visitors alike with an extensive drink menu that includes cocktails, local beers, and wine by the glass or the bottle. Room service is available 24/7. The fitness room is basic but modern, with a handful of Technogym cardio and strength-training machines, yoga mats, and Pilates balls. Bottled water, towels, and apples are available free of charge. The hotel also has a boardroom, and casual meetings can also be held in the cozy Library Lounge, a separate area within the bar with comfy seating and a fireplace.