Radisson Blu Hotel, Amsterdam

Radisson Blu Hotel, Amsterdam blends in with the neighboring brick canal houses -- beyond the fact that it has a glass roof. Inside, the design gets a bit more modern and creative. It blends the remnants of an 18th-century merchant house, paper mill, and a 19th-century vicarage with the ultra-sleek decor of the modern era to create a wholly unique design. The hotel is divided between two buildings. The reception area, restaurant, and some rooms are in an 18th-century building that once housed a renowned grocery story, while the remaining rooms are located in a neighboring building. The hotel’s glass atrium is remarkable and looks down upon a bottom floor that contains reception desks on blue and gray patterned carpet, lit by a charming Asian-inspired lamp post. A colorful rubber duck display in the business center and a second floor sitting area with colorful chairs and funky tables speaks to the sometimes playful nature of the decor. While the restaurant has a rustic, but modern, brassiere style with wooden floors, brick accents, and mod chairs, the bar has an Old World charm with leather and wooden furniture and antique chandeliers. The trendy design attracts mostly couples, but with a central location, business travelers stay here, too. 

Set on a picturesque canal, Radisson Blu Hotel, Amsterdam has a prime location in the center of Amsterdam. It’s quite easy to reach most attractions on foot or bike. Dam Square takes eight minutes to reach on foot and it’s a five-minute walk to the Rembrandt House Museum, multiple dining options, and the closest tram and bus stop. Anne Frank House is a 17-minute walk away and the Van Gogh Museum is a 25-minute walk from the property. Amsterdam Schipol Airport takes 25 minutes to reach by car. 

Rooms at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Amsterdam provide an upscale range of amenities and decor. The rooms and suites are divided among four different designs, but they’re far more similar than different. Elegant patterned carpet or laminate wood floors really make the white beds pop. Some rooms have stylish statement walls in navy or gold, while others rock circular decorative elements like mirrors. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, minibars (free among the Suites), coffee- and tea-making facilities (Nespresso machines for upper-level rooms), and safes. Most bathrooms are simple with white tile, black sinks, and shower/tub combos, while some Suites have jetted tubs. Toiletries and hairdryers are provided. While some rooms have lovely canal views, guests have reported that street-facing rooms and those that face the foyer can be noisy.

This stylish urban hotel is packed with upscale amenities. Restaurant De Palmboom, a restaurant that serves Dutch and international cuisine, is popular with locals. So is Pastorie Bar, an Old-World style bar with a cozy fireplace. There’s a free grab-and-go breakfast bag available in the morning which includes fruit and cereal bars. An extensive European and American breakfast buffet with hot and cold items is free for most guests, apart from some Standard Room bookings. Room service is available 24/7. Guests can stay fit in the hotel’s fitness center, complete with Precor cardio and weight equipment, free weights, and a sauna. Business travelers have plenty of work space and services that includes nine meeting rooms and a business center. Bikes are available to rent for a fee. Garage parking incurs a charge, too. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.