Zoku Amsterdam

All of Zoku Amsterdam's public facilities are spread out across the top floor of the building in a sprawling open space, which has been cleverly divided for different functions, though the smell of freshly brewed coffee pervades throughout. Bright, work-friendly lounges face windows overlooking the city, with stovepipe fireplaces amid bookshelves, designer chairs, and comfortable couches. Another social workspace has tables and cube stools lining the walls, with a huge communal table in the middle. The rooftop garden, which has a greenhouse and offers excellent views of the city, is a top pick among locals and the young business travelers who flock here. 

The hotel occupies the top floors of a vast commercial building that takes up most of the block on a wide boulevard in Amsterdam Oost (East). The road gets a fair amount of traffic, and while it isn't a touristy area, many shops, bars, and cafes can be found within walking distance. Several cultural attractions can be reached on foot, too; the Koninklijk Theater Carre, Hortus botanical garden, the Artis Zoo are all less than 10 minutes away. Tourist sights like Rembrandtplein and Waterlooplein are a bit farther, but can be reached in a 15-minute walk or less. Major destinations like Dam Square and the Museum Quarter require taking public transportation, and there's a tram stop within a four-minute walk of the hotel. Schiphol Airport can be reached in 30 minutes via public transportation.     

Most of the hotel's 133 guest rooms are filled with natural light and minimalist, custom-built furniture. The partial exception are the Bootstrap Rooms, which are cramped, affordable options designed for budget business travelers on short stays. Windows are small and high up on walls, limiting views and sunlight. They have bunk beds and small work desks, along with open shelves and tall, white storage lockers that provide space to hang clothing, but they lack TVs. Tiny, black-tiled bathrooms have open walk-in showers, and pump dispenser soap. 

The standard rooms are still small at 172 square feet, but fit double beds, 32-inch smart TVs, and larger work desks facing windows that overlook the street. The stylish Zoku Lofts, and larger XL versions, are what make the Zoku Amsterdam a standout, with custom furnishings by Danish designer, Muuto. Tables for four, designed for work or dining, dominate the living areas, which also have loveseats. Retractable stairs pull out from a wall without disrupting storage space and 32-inch smart TVs, allowing access to small lofts with king-size beds. The kitchenettes are well-equipped with two-burner stovetops, mini-fridges, microwaves, dishwashers, and pod-style espresso machines. The hotel provides art work that can be used to tailor the decor of any room, accessible from shared closets in the hallways.

The hotel's main feature is its large, open-plan communal workspaces, filled with handy office supplies and access to 3D printing services. One of the large working tables turns into a ping-pong table, and there are punching bags hanging from the ceiling for added stress relief (though that might add stress for other guests). More private meeting rooms are available behind glass doors or curtains, off the main space. There's also a music and game corner with a video game console and musical instruments (all in view and earshot of everyone else), plus a communal kitchen and pantry, and a 24-hour convenience store.

Another highlight among features is the rooftop garden and a greenhouse, which produces some of the vegetables and herbs used in the kitchen, and the views of the city from the picnic tables are excellent.

The restaurant and lounge bar has large, communal tables. Breakfast (fee) and lunches are served buffet style, and nightly dinners include meat, fish, and vegetarian dishes, plus specials. Long stays of more than five days are valid for food discounts (stays longer than 30 days get 20 percent off in the restaurant).  

Housekeeping comes every other day for short stays. There's a single treatment room for on-site massages, and though there's no fitness center, guests can access an unaffiliated one within the building for a discounted fee. There's free Wi-Fi throughout, and rental bikes and self-parking are available for an extra charge.