Set in quiet side street in heart of Amsterdam
Just off Dam Square and within walking distance of major sights
Beautifully ornate Art Deco reception area
Free breakfast buffet each morning
On-site parking and bicycle rental
Hotel lounge bar with soft seating and piano
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Generally lacking in atmosphere
Bland and uninviting rooms
Weak Wi-Fi signal
The RHO Hotel's location is hard to fault -- it's just off Dam Square but on a relatively quiet side street, making it ideal for tourists who want proximity to Amsterdam's buzzing center and minimal noise disturbance in their rooms. However, despite the beautifully ornate reception area, much of the hotel is lacking in atmosphere with many of the rooms, though clean and fairly modern, in need of a style upgrade. Still, they're adequate for a mid-range property and prices are fair, particularly given the central location, though it may also be worth considering the nearby Best Western Dam Square Inn.
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Scene
Cavernous yet beautifully ornate Art Deco lobby
The RHO Hotel opened its doors in 1989, but occupies a building dating to 1908 and originally used by an Amsterdam gold trading company. The elegant-yet-imposing grey stone facade points to this past, and the lobby's previous incarnation as a theater is also unmistakable -- it's a cavernous space bathed in light from huge windows set in a beautiful arched ceiling, brimming with Art Deco touches and stained glass. Despite some comfy couches and armchairs scattered about, the reception area's impressive size does make the mood feel a little cold and empty, especially during less busy times. This atmosphere extends to the hotel's cold and slightly shabby hallways.
Location
Relatively quiet setting right in Amsterdam's throbbing heart
Set in a small, quiet road just off Dam Square, the hotel is located within easy walking distance of almost all of Amsterdam's central sights. Despite being situated right in the heart of the city, its side street location means the hotel is sheltered from most of the hustle and bustle. Convenient transport links include Centraal Station, which is a 10-minute stroll away, while bus and boat trips leave from just around the corner. This is the historical center of the city, and is also within the boundaries of Amsterdam's famous Red Light District (De Wallen).
Rooms
Functional, no-frills rooms lacking in warmth -- but just fine for the price
Rooms at the RHO Hotel are best described as functional, with little emphasis on stylish decor or interesting touches. Picture plain light wood furniture, clean white bedding with beige throws, blue carpets, and pink curtains; some do have attractive wallpaper accents, though the overall look feels hodepodge rather than deliberately styled. Though generally clean and modern, many of the Internal Rooms suffer from lack of atmosphere and poor lighting. External Rooms are better, with large windows overlooking the street, but even the suites lack a certain warmth. Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, mini-fridges, and hairdryers. The ceiling panels found in many rooms are reminiscent of a '90s office building. All in all, they're adequate considering the location and the price.
Features
Free buffet breakfast and piano bar
The hotel serves up a hot and cold buffet breakfast each morning free of charge, while Le Bar provides evening drinks, soft seating, and an upright piano. Internet points are available in the lobby, and there is free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, though the signal is weak in places. Hotel parking is available on-site, and bicycles can also be rented from the 24-hour reception.
