Holiday Inn Express Amsterdam – Arena Towers

Located in an industrial area populated by boxy glass buildings, the Holiday Inn Express Amsterdam - Arena Towers has a low-rise generic-looking, white facade with large windows that blends right in with neighboring offices and other hotels. It's located next to another Holiday Inn, with both hotels sharing the same entrance. Situated on the second floor, the hotel's reception and lobby area has floor-to-ceiling windows, high ceilings, gray-tile floors, and several modish sitting areas with sofas, armchairs, and square ottomans in bold blues and greens. Throughout, the space feels rather anonymous, but it's still sleek and sunny. Most guests here are business travelers that keep the hotel busy attending corporate events in the area.

The hotel is in an industrial area south of the city center, and it's not ideally located for those seeking a hotel near tourist attractions. There's a metro station within a few minutes' walk away, with direct connections to the city center. There are several other hotels in the immediate vicinity, as well as a shopping center, restaurants, and cafes. Amsterdam Arena stadium, a popular venue for sports events and concerts, is within walking distance

• 11-minute walk to Bullewijk subway station
• 15-minute walk to Amsterdam Arena stadium
• 20 minutes to Schiphol Airport by public transportation
• 22 minutes to Central Station by public transportation
• 23 minutes to Rembrandt House Museum by public transportation
• 27 minutes to Dam Square by public transportation
• 28 minutes to the Royal Palace by public transportation
• 29 minutes to the Flower Market by public transportation
• 34 minutes to Heineken Experience by public transportation
• 37 minutes to Vondel Park by public transportation
• 38 minutes to Anne Frank House by public transportation

With 215 square feet of floor space, the 323 rooms at the Holiday Inn Express Amsterdam Arena Towers are spacious. Decor is decidedly generic, but it's not unpleasant, with peppy striped carpeting, accent walls in pale lilac, and aqua-colored bed runners and curtains. Textured wallpaper with a repeating rectangular pattern adds another little design-conscious touch. Modular furniture, finished in warm mahogany tones, consists of a combination work desk and shelf unit, and an open wardrobe. Large windows offer lots of natural light and expansive views, although they mainly overlook parking lots and other anonymous buildings. 

Bathrooms have a few pleasant design details including contrasting black-and-white subway tiling and large mirrors. They have spacious walk-in showers, hairdryers, and basic toiletries in wall-mounted dispensers. 

The hotel provides a range of pillows to choose from; other in-room amenities include flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, kettles with tea and coffee provided -- but no mini-fridges or minibars. Connecting rooms are available for families and groups traveling together.

Holiday Inn Express Amsterdam - Arena Towers offers the standard package of amenities for the brand. Breakfast -- a cold buffet of various breads, croissants, cheeses, cold cuts, cereals, fruit, sliced tomatoes and cucumbers, yogurt, and boiled eggs -- is included in the rates and  is served in the dining room located on the second floor. Espresso and cappuccino are available.

Next to the dining room is the Bar Lounge, with a range of alcoholic drinks, and sandwiches, noodles, and salads available. Vending machines sell snacks, sandwiches, and drinks as well.

For business travelers, the hotel has one meeting room available that seats up to eight people, and a business center with a printer, photocopier, scanner, as well as office supplies. Two public computers are available for guests' use in the lobby. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. Paid on-site parking is also available.

Guests staying here have access to the facilities on offer at the four-star Holiday Inn Hotel, which is located next door in the same building. This includes meeting and event spaces, an all-day dining restaurant, and a cafe.