Hotel - Beethoven Amsterdam

The Hampshire Hotel is a small, boutique-style property with a typical Dutch red-brick facade. The conservatory belonging to the on-site brasserie makes it stand out from its neighbors, with chic Broadway-style signage and potted topiary lining the entrance. Inside, the small lobby is cozy and stylish. Blue patterned wallpaper and contemporary artwork adorns the walls, while aluminum hanging lights add an industrial feel. The lobby leads round to the hotel's chic brasserie and bar, a popular spot with locals as well as guests. Due to its popularity, it often gets busy, especially at lunchtime during boozy events and brunches. The brasserie's decor is similar to that of the lobby, with an eclectic mix of traditional and modern furnishings, and a bright conservatory that looks out onto Beethovenstraat. The hotel is predominantly geared toward tourists, though some business travelers also stay here. 

The Hampshire Hotel is situated on chic Beethovenstraat, a popular shopping street in Amsterdam's Old South. The immediate area is quiet and safe, with a few local shops, restaurants, and cafes surrounding the hotel. Although the property is located away from the city center, many popular attractions are a short walk or tram ride from the hotel. There is a tram stop right outside, which takes you into the city center in around 10 to 15 minutes. Dam Square is roughly 20 minutes away by tram, while Leidseplein (and its nightlife) is around 10 minutes away. Leafy Vondelpark is a 15-minute stroll from the hotel, while Museumplein -- home to the Stedelijk Museum, Van Gogh Museum, and Rijkmuseum -- is a 20-minute walk away. The hotel is ideally located for business travelers too, as the World Trade Center is a five-minute drive from the hotel, and the RAI Convention Center is a five-minute drive. Schiphol International Airport and Amsterdam Centraal Railway Station are roughly a 20- to 25-minute tram ride from the hotel.  

Compared to the stylish decor in the hotel's restaurant and lobby, the guest rooms feel plain and dated. Room types vary, and larger Family Rooms are available, which can sleep up to four people. Deluxe Rooms are the most modern, and might be worth the upgrade. All 52 rooms are decorated with carpeted floors, simple dark wood furniture, chesterfield headboards, and classic white bedding. Double beds are just twins pushed together. All rooms have big windows that let in plenty of natural light, and some have nice views of Beethovenstraat below. Basic amenities include air-conditioning, coffeemakers, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, laptop-compatible safes, and phones. Tea/coffee facilities are a nice extra. Bathrooms are basic but clean, with marble-effect tiles, shower/tub combos, hairdryers, and basic toiletries. Guest rooms are generally quiet, though the hotel sometimes attracts large groups and stag parties, which can be a bit rowdy.

The on-site restaurant and bar, Brooks Brasserie, is the highlight of the hotel, offering relaxed dining in a cool, contemporary setting. It's popular with locals as well as tourists, and serves a variety of classic international dishes. Events and boozy brunches are sometimes held at the restaurant, so it can get lively at lunchtime. A continental breakfast buffet is served here daily, but this costs extra, though there are plenty of breakfast options and local cafes in the surrounding area. The hotel lacks other facilities, with no gym or business center. Other services include a 24-hour front desk, computer station, laundry, and airport transfers for a fee. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. There is no on-site parking, but street parking is available at an extra cost, though this can be expensive.