Sarphatipark 106, Amsterdam, Netherlands | 3 (120) 676-0310
Situated in a safe residential area near a park and shopping
Guests can buy tickets to museums, canal cruises, and pub crawls in the lobby, as well as arrange transportation to the airport
Hotel offers bike rentals to guests to navigate the area
Some rooms feature small private balconies
25th Hour Lounge is convenient for on-site entertainment
Mac Cafe features three computer work stations
Reception and bar both open 24 hours
Free Wi-Fi
Rooms feature few amenities; some have older tube TVs
Continental breakfast isn't free
Visible water stains on the ceilings in parts of the hotel, including the rooms
Away from the city's center in the De Pijp neighborhood, Aalborg Hotel offers 36 small yet comfortable rooms with a modern style. Each room looks different; for example, the Graffiti Room has cool black and blue graffiti art stenciled on the walls and ceiling, while others feature black-and-white framed photographs. However, amenities such as ceiling fans and tube TVs are older and could do with replacing, space is tight, and storage space is insufficient. The on-site 25th Hour Lounge sounds stylish and trendy, but it looks more like a glorified sports bar. Guests can grab a continental breakfast (for a fee) at the breakfast buffet, but it's quite small and the seating is minuscule. Off of the bar is the Mac Cafe, a computer cluster with three Mac desktops that guests can use free of charge during their stay. The hotel definitely has a sense of humor about it that resonates with the staff and the guests: no one takes themselves too seriously at this laidback, youthful hotel. A cool vibe is strived for, if it is not always delivered. The quiet and pretty location may be an upside for some; it's far from main attractions, but close to tram stations that will get visitors through the city quickly and efficiently.
Location
Close to tram stations and restaurants, but most attractions require public transportation to reach
Aalborg Hotel is located in the De Pijp neighborhood, directly south of the Canal Ring neighborhood. It's home to several popular tourist attractions including the Albert Cuyp Market and the Heineken Experience (at the former Heineken brewery), but for attractions in the city center, guests will have to take a tram.Marked by cobblestone roads, street-level canals and an abundance of coffee shops (which are most often known for something other than coffee), Amsterdam is both a quiet and lively city without the pretention of European metropolises.In the summer, visitors can enjoy live music at the Openluchttheater, an open-air venue at the Vondelpark, or the Roots Music Festival. The Gay Pride parade also takes place in the summer, and the city's many museums -- including the Van Gogh Museum or the Anne Frank House, where Frank and her family hid from the Nazis during World War 2 -- are popular year-round. Visitors in April can experience Queen's Day, which celebrates the queen's birthday and includes a massive flea market, parties, and outdoor concerts.Noordermarkt is known for its antiques, and Brouwerij de Prael is a recommended stop for beer enthusiasts. Fun dining spots include the famous sandwich spot Van Dobben, as well as Pancake Bakery, which offers more than 70 types of pancakes and a slew of other breakfast goods.- 16-minute drive to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol