Hartenstraat 8, Amsterdam, Netherlands | (618) 248-8274
Central location in walking distance of many tourist attractions
Boutique-style hotel housed in an atmospheric 17th-century building
Renovated suites showcasing chic, modern decor
Rooms display original architectural details like wooden ceiling beams
High-tech amenities include flat-screen TVs with Apple TV and Libratone sound systems
Free minibars, Nespresso machines, and tea kettles provide in-room beverages
Sleek bathrooms have walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads
Free Wi-Fi throughout
No common areas or extra on-site features
Steep stairs and no elevator
No breakfast service
Staff are not available 24 hours
Some rooms pick up ambient noise
This small, upper-middle-range boutique hotel is a charming alternative to the chains. Located in central Amsterdam in the trendy Negen Straatjes District, Hotel XI Amsterdam occupies a tastefully renovated 17th-century building, once the home and workshop of Rembrandt's frame-maker. The five guest suites, one of which has access to a rooftop terrace, have elegant parquet floors, chic rugs, contemporary furniture, and preserved period details such as wood-beamed ceilings and original brickwork. There are plenty of in-suite perks -- free minibars, Nespresso machines, flat-screen TVs with Apple TV, and Libratone wireless sound systems -- but this tiny hotel has no other features. Another downside is the steep stairs -- and no elevator. Travelers could also consider the Hotel De Hallen, set in an old tram depot, which offers stylish rooms and a trendy bar and restaurant -- at much lower rates.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
Intimate boutique hotel offering a refreshing alternative to chains
Sitting in the lively Negen Straatjes area wedged between its trendy cafes, restaurants, and shops, this petite boutique property is in a stylishly renovated four-story period building that sits cheek-and-jowl to other town houses. The hotel's 17th-century building was once the home and workshop of Herman Doomer, a furniture-maker, ivory-carver, and frame-maker from Germany. His best-known customer was Rembrandt van Rijn, the famed painter. (Renowned Rembrant portraits of Doomer and his wife now hang in New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Hermitage in St. Petersburg, Russia.) This intimate little boutique of five guest suites does not have a reception area or any common areas, which makes it seem more like a guest house than a full-blown hotel. The entrance is through a glass door next to the ground-floor boutique, and access to the building is via a pre-programmed security code, which guests receive before their arrival. Be aware that the hotel does not have an elevator, and guests must negotiate a narrow staircase -- which may be a challenge for those with limited mobility or who are carrying heavy luggage. Hotel XI Amsterdam is popular with leisure travelers, mostly couples, seeking a non-chain hotel in the city center.
Location
Located in the lively Negen Straatjes District, close to many tourist attractions
Hotel XI Amsterdam is located in the lively Negen Straatjes (Nine Streets) District in the heart of the city. This collection of nine streets situated in between two major canals is known for its specialty restaurants, lively cafes, art galleries, and hip boutiques. Many popular tourist attractions like the Anne Frank House are in walking distance of the hotel, as well as city landmarks like Dam Square and the Jordaan District. - Five-minute walk to the Royal Palace
Rooms
Spacious suites decorated in a chic, contemporary style and loaded with luxe extras
Named after neighboring streets, each of the five suites has its own particular features, with details inspired by the neighborhood including a photographic mural of its signature street. Original architectural details like exposed brickwork and wooden ceiling beams give an atmosphere steeped in history, but this Old World setting is perfectly paired with modern, sleek decor in variations of gray and white. White lacquered consoles, faded Oriental rugs, and platform beds with slate-gray bed runners in some rooms add to the luxe factor. Rooms are stocked with multiple beverage options, including Nespresso machines, tea kettles, and free minibars replenished daily with soft drinks, mineral water, and beer, and a free bottle of wine (one per stay). They're also outfitted with sophisticated tech, such as flat-screen TVs connected to Apple TV and Libratone wireless sound systems, along with free Wi-Fi. Modern bathrooms, finished in attractive taupe tiles, have spacious walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads, high-end toiletries, and hairdryers. With the exception of the Wolvenstraat Suite, which sleeps up to two guests, the other four suites include sofa beds in the living rooms that can accommodate two additional guests. The Berenstraat Suite is the only one with access to a rooftop terrace, and the Reestraat Suite's bathroom has a wall made entirely of glass. All the suites offer street and rooftop views, but some guests have complained about ambient street noise.
Features
No extra on-site features aside from free Wi-Fi
Hotel XI Amsterdam is a small boutique hotel with only five guest suites and no common areas or extra on-site features. Breakfast service is not available, but staff are happy to direct guests to local cafes and restaurants. The hotel does not have a parking lot, but public parking is located nearby. Wi-Fi is free in all suites.
