Hotel Amstelzicht

Couples on a romantic, sightseeing getaway comprise the majority of guests at the pricey Hotel Amstelzicht. The hotel's classic Dutch building circa 1659 -- one of the "Dancing Sisters," a trio of buildings named for their tilting architecture -- is quaint. And interiors are surprisingly contemporary and polished. Yet, the hotel doesn't offer much more than ambience, making it attractive for those who don't want to mingle with other guests or staff. 

The entrance, up a short stone staircase, takes guests into a high ceilinged lobby with whitewashed brick walls. Just beyond the curved reception desk is a pine farmhouse table with colorful upholstered armchairs and shelves of books. A steep, curved staircase with marble chair-rail molding leads to hallways with purple rug runners, chandeliers, and black-painted room doors. Aside from these hallways, there are few public spaces for guests to meet and mingle.

The Hotel Amstelzicht is located a three-minute walk from Rembrandtplein, once home to the Old Master himself and now a bustling square of shops and cafes. Walking and bicycling are the most popular forms of getting around, and the hotel is well-suited for both. The nearest tram stop is two minutes away on foot. The National Opera and Ballet is a five-minute walk, as is Bloemenmrkt, where the city's famous tulips are sold. Dam Square can be reached in 12 minutes. The Rijksmuseum, home to Rembrandt's masterpiece, The Night Watch, is a 15-minute walk, while other museums of the Museum Quarter can be reached in about 20 to 25 minutes on foot or 16 minutes via tram. Anne Frank House is about a 20-minute walk or 13-minute tram ride. The central train station is a 20-minute walk or 11 minutes via public transportation, while Schipol Airport is about a 20- to 30-minute drive or a 35-minute train ride. 

The Hotel Amstelzicht overlooks the Amstel River and many of its rooms have lovely river and canal views as well as glimpses of the charming facades of traditional Dutch homes. The rooms can be dark due to the exterior awnings and soundproofing is imperfect. The contemporary interiors have neutral hues with pops of plum and tangerine colors on drapes, accent pillows, and upholstered furnishings. Some of the spaces can feel a bit cramped, leaving guests to navigate between armchairs and work desks. The beds have large, wood paneled headboards and nightstands, taupe chenille blankets, and white linens. There are wall-mounted flat-screen TVs, iPod docking stations, electric window shutters, minibars, portable fans, safes, and tea- and coffee-making facilities (Nespresso machines in higher-category rooms). The small bathrooms are ordinary and rather lackluster, tiled in white with a thin, green accent line. There are stall showers with sliding glass doors or small tub/shower combinations, both with power showerheads. Most have wall-mounted soap dispensers, while higher-category rooms have bottled toiletries. Children six and under stay for free in existing beds.

This boutique property lacks facilities like a restaurant or fitness room. Guests can request coffee or tea with a roll in the morning, for a fee, or opt for a discounted breakfast at a nearby restaurant that the hotel partners with. Room service is available during limited hours. Guests can request an in-room TRX Suspension Trainer (a Navy-Seal designed fitness machine), and the hotel also offers discounted entrance to a nearby gym. In-room massages are available for a fee. Concierge and porter service is available during limited hours. Luggage storage is free, as is Wi-Fi. Laundry and dry cleaning are provided for a fee. Guests should be aware that the hotel maintains a strict and costly cancellation policy.