A.J. Ernststraat 577, Amsterdam, Netherlands | (618) 248-8274
Starwood hotel opened in 2016 with a green philosophy
In the Gelderlandplein complex, near the Zuidas business district
Stylish accommodations with surprisingly well-equipped kitchenettes
Studios have premium beds, flat-screen TVs, and rainfall showers
Suites add separate living areas and bathtubs
Dining options include a Spanish restaurant/bar and seasonal patio
Facilities range from meeting rooms to a coin-operated laundry
Recreational features include fitness center and on-request bikes
Free breakfast buffet, computer corner, and hotel-wide Wi-Fi
Suburban location (but accessible by public transit)
Fitness center access isn't free with basic rate
No pool, spa, or free parking
USB ports are slow to recharge electronics
Opened in 2016, this upper-middle-range 160-room hotel -- part of Starwood's eco-oriented Element brand -- promises stylish “green” accommodations adjacent to a mall near the Zuidas business district. Linked to central Amsterdam by public transportation, it offers an added layer of practicality by including fully equipped kitchenettes (picture Nespresso machines, cook tops, microwaves, mini-fridges, and even dishwashers) in every cool, contemporary unit; spa-inspired bathrooms, big flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi are among the other in-room perks. Guests will find the on-site Spanish restaurant, rooftop patio, fitness room and coin-operated laundry convenient too; but if you want brand-name lodgings in the heart of the city, the four-pearl Swissotel on Dam Square is a better bet.
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Scene
Hip eco-conscious spot attracting business and leisure travelers alike
Element Amsterdam is in a slick concrete-and-glass structure that blends beautifully with its surroundings, namely the mixed-use Gelderlandplein complex. The main entry is just inside a mall walkway (which can make it challenging to locate); however, an underground parking garage also provides direct access. In keeping with the brand’s green philosophy, the double-height lobby inside is a sunny space with floor-to-ceiling windows and a soothing color scheme of moss, celadon, and stone. Add clean-lined couches plus lots of pale woods and the overall look is modern Scandinavian. The atmosphere, moreover, is quietly convivial, and there are plenty of places for hotel guests -- a eclectic group of business travelers and earth-minded vacationers -- to gather, including a cozy gallery-style library/lounge and a seasonal rooftop patio.
Location
Close to the Zuidas business district, with transit links to central Amsterdam
Located in suburban Amsterdam South, Element is part of the Gelderlandplein complex, which includes offices and apartments as well as one of the city’s largest malls; hence, it offers easy access to a wide range of shops and services. Corporate types will also appreciate its proximity to the Zuidas Business District, aka the Financial Mile: key buildings like the World Trade Center can be reached on foot in 15 minutes. There’s little else of interest within walking distance, except for public transit stops, which provide convenient links to the city center. Top attractions -- including Museumplein (home to the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Stedelijk Museum, as well as the glorious Concertgebouwl) -- are 25 minutes away. Getting to Schiphol Airport by public transportation takes the same amount of time. Note that loaner bikes are available for guests who want to explore the typically Dutch way. - 15-minute walk to World Trade Center Amsterdam
Rooms
Modern, well-designed rooms packed with amenities
Ranging from 312- to 452-square feet, The Element's modern rooms are compact, yet airy, with handsome hardwood floors, minimalist modular furnishings, and a muted color scheme that reflects the hotel’s eco sensibility. These are designed to be environmentally sensitive, but there’s no skimping on perks; all include air-conditioning, digital safes, 42-inch flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, plus signature Heavenly Beds for maximum comfort. The kitchenettes -- outfitted with cook tops, dishwashers, mini-fridges, and microwaves (typically energy-efficient, stainless steel numbers), along with assorted utensils and small appliances -- exceed expectations. Ditto for the spa-inspired bathrooms with their walk-in rainfall showers and luxe Pharmacopia toiletries. Choosy guests should know that the only difference between Studio and Superior Studio-category accommodations is that the latter provides free access to the on-site fitness facility. Suites, conversely, add square footage, separate living areas and extra amenities (bathtubs and fluffy robes among them).
Features
A green hotel with an on-site restaurant, rooftop patio, and fitness room
The hotel takes pride in its environmentally-friendly approach, which influences everything from the low-VOS wall paint to the choice of organic bath products -- provided in pump bottles, naturally, to avoid excess packaging. But hotel features don't just appeal to guests with a green conscience. Fitness buffs, for one, welcome the Element's bright 24-hour fitness room. And all guests can appreciate a rooftop patio bar that delivers impressive views in warmer weather. There’s a restaurant specializing in Spanish cuisine, too; the space doubles as a breakfast room, and the well-stocked buffet laid out there each morning is included in the rate. Free bites and beverages are also offered each weekday at an evening reception; other edible items can be purchased in the lobby’s “Grab and Go Pantry.” Further features include a round-the-clock front desk with multilingual staffers; a coin-operated laundry; two well-equipped meeting rooms; a free computer corner; and free Wi-Fi throughout.
