NH Collection Amsterdam Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky

The NH Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky is huge for an Amsterdam hotel, and its lobby is constantly buzzing with tourists, business travelers, and locals, just as the streets and square outside are teeming with foot and automobile traffic, day and night. The hotel was built in 1866, but renovations from 2014 to 2016 gave outdated public areas and rooms a sleek, modern design. However, those wanting to take a trip back in time to the more formal 19th century can head to the striking Winter Garden. Set in the center of the property, the atrium-style breakfast room has greenery, checkerboard marble floors, and soaring skylights. Other dining areas are more contemporary, from the cozy, tailor-themed bar to the marble-filled and brass-accented cafe. The overwhelming character of the hotel makes staying here a sought-after experience, but the lack of wellness facilities and noise issues are notable downsides.

The NH Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky is right on Dam Square, jam-packed with people 24/7. The square is ringed with bars and cafes, filled with street performers, and even a Ferris wheel in the spring and summer months. The Royal Palace, Madame Tussaud's, the National Memorial, and other points of interest share the square with the hotel, and Amsterdam's famed Red Light District is about five minutes away on foot, and the Van Gogh Museum is about a 15-minute walk away. Buses and trams are nearby, but business travelers might want to choose a location closer to the RAI Convention Center and the World Trade Center. Amsterdam Centraal station is a seven-minute walk away, while transfers to Schiphol Airport take 30 minutes both by car and public transport.

The 451 rooms here were updated in 2014-16, giving them a sleek, modern style. Decor varies a bit between categories, but expect wood floors, neutral walls with one historic photo panel, comfy beds with white linens, and minimalist wood furniture. Some rooms add red accents in rugs or walls. Additionally, many rooms have lovely views of the adjacent square (especially those on higher floors), plus a limited number have terraces. Standard amenities consist of big desks, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, minibars, kettles alongside tea and coffee, ironing facilities, and laptop-sized digital safes. Straightforward bathrooms have shower/tub combos, dual sinks, hotel-brand toiletries, and small wall-mounted hairdryers. Larger Premium Rooms add Nespresso coffee machines, rainfall showerheads, and higher-quality hairdryers. Suites have open-plan lounges and bedrooms, separated by desks. A number of two-room apartments are also available. Note, however, that some guests have complained of noise issues due to the adjacent bustling square.

Surprisingly for a hotel of this caliber, The Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky lacks wellness facilities of any kind -- there are no gym, spa, or pool. However, dining options are excellent and extensive, headed by a chef with three Michelin stars. Earning a Michelin star of its own, the White Room is a fine-dining eatery open for lunch and dinner, with an elegant Belle Epoque design of white-clothed tables, gilded wall accents, and chandeliers. The palatial 19th-century Winter Garden is available for breakfast buffets, which are varied but pricey. The Grand Cafe Krasnapolsky serves coffee, cake, and light meals all day, and has views of Dam Square. Tailor Bar is a cozy, colorful space with gold-brown leather curved couches and blue-velvet chairs, plus tailor-themed decor such as framed prints of colorful ties and and canvas mannequins. An outdoor terrace is available in warm weather. Several meeting and event spaces are available on-site, and free Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the property. On-site parking is available, but it's pricey and most guests opt for public transportation.