Apollo Hotel Amsterdam, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel

Designed to showcase its proximity to the canal, the Apollo Hotel is housed in three buildings that stretch over the water. From the outside, the hotel is nondescript and bland at best, but interiors were fully redesigned in mid-2017 and are strikingly sleek and sexy. Neutral rugs over dark textured floors, Prussian-blue velvet armchairs shaped like shells, and subtle golden accents make common spaces sophisticated, while bold, gold birdcage chairs and tons of plants and candles lend the lobby area a whimsical feel. The few areas that weren’t renovated in 2017, which include entry-level rooms and some hallways, are contemporary, if a tad uninspired, with more generic furnishings and a lighter palette, but the overall feel of the property is stylish and sharp. 

Though kids are welcome (and we saw a couple of families during our visit), the sophisticated vibe is probably better suited to adults, and the hotel’s extensive meeting space and location near the convention center draw many business travelers. Leisure visitors wanting to stay closer to the city center have a few great options for just a little bit more money, including the Kimpton De Witt Amsterdam and the Radisson Blu Hotel, Amsterdam, both upscale properties located a short walk from Dam Square. Those seeking something smaller and more charming may prefer Hotel JL No76, which is near all of Amsterdam’s top museums. Conscious Hotel Vondelpark is a great alternative for couples on a tighter budget. It is located outside of the historic center, but there are several tram and bus stops nearby, which allows for easy access to all major attractions. 

Located in the elegant, residential area of Oud-Zuid (Old South), the Apollo Hotel Amsterdam sits at a point where five canals converge. Though a little bit removed from the city center, this location is convenient for business travelers who need to be near the RAI Amsterdam convention center, which is a 15-minute walk from the hotel. There aren’t any major attractions in the immediate vicinity of the hotel, but the Museum Quarter, home to the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum, can be reached on foot in about 20 minutes. There is also a tram stop a couple of blocks away, which allows for easy access to all other main attractions in the historic center, including Dam Square and the Anne Frank House. The airport is about a 15-minute drive away. Bikes can be rented on-site for a fee, but the Apollo no longer offers free shuttle service to the airport and the RAI.

The hotel has 223 rooms and suites spread over three buildings. Most were renovated in mid-2017 and have stylish, modern decor consisting of bold wallpaper, sleek lamps with golden finishes, wooden floors, and minimalist accents. However, non-renovated rooms (which include Deluxe and Executive units) have a more generic feel, outfitted in contemporary (albeit simple) furniture with clean lines, green or purple accents throughout, and wall-to-wall carpets in dark hues. While decor varies between room categories, amenities are the same across the board, and include electric kettles, coolers with free bottled water, air-conditioning, and safes. Closets come stocked with robes, slippers, and ironing facilities in all rooms, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. Suites feature espresso machines. 

Comfortable beds are outfitted with duvets and several pillows, and most rooms can fit a queen bed or two twins, plus an armchair or a cot for an additional guest; Design Rooms, however, do not have space for an additional bed. All rooms have big windows, and many offer unobstructed views of the canals. Bathrooms are clean and contemporary, with basin sinks over shiny brown counters, shower/tub combos with glass screens (walk-in showers in Design Rooms), hairdryers, and toiletries. Harbor Suites feature separate showers and tubs with windows to the bedrooms and canals.  

The highlights at Apollo are the three restaurants, all well-reviewed and offering canal views. Bodon is a gorgeous brasserie serving French haute cuisine for lunch and dinner, as well as a varied (albeit expensive) breakfast buffet. The adjacent and stylish Living Room has a more casual atmosphere, and is a popular spot for evening cocktails and afternoon tea. It also has a full food menu, along with pastries, cocktail options, and different types of coffee and tea. Drinks and food are also available at the Harbour Club, a sleek sushi and grill restaurant with a retractable roof, a fashionable atmosphere, and a dock for those arriving by boat. 

The fitness center is small but well-equipped, with a good array of cardio and strength-training machines and free weights. On the downside, no spa facilities are on-site. Five meeting rooms have extensive audiovisual equipment and include a 2,174-square-foot ballroom and smaller boardrooms. Concierge services, a small business center, and on-site parking (for a fee) are additional perks.