Plush and cozy interiors
Set in the heart
of Amsterdam's Red Light District
Minutes' walk
from Centraal Station and Dam Square
Clean and modern rooms with flat-screen TVs
Reasonably priced
buffet breakfast
Free Wi-Fi
throughout
100-percent non-smoking
property (a con for some)
A few rooms are
tiny
Internal and
external noise issues
Surrounds might be too racy
for some
The Hotel Luxer
is a mid-range, 47-room property set in the salacious heart of Amsterdam's Red
Light District and is still looking good from its 2012 overhaul. Plush interiors
hint at decadence while avoiding seedy, and the vibe is cozy and welcoming.
Rooms are well-finished with good amenities, though noise -- both from inside
and outside -- can be a problem. The location is certainly not for the prudish,
but rates are good for the city, if a tad pricier than the comparable -- though
less inviting -- Hotel CC just along the road.
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
Inviting, low-lit, small hotel
Unlike many
similar properties in the immediate area, the Hotel Luxer -- despite its purple
neon signage -- stands out as looking something approaching respectable. Founded
in 1970, the hotel underwent complete renovation and relaunch in 2012,
breathing new life into dated-looking interiors. Today, guests are met with a plush
modern lobby area finished in the hotel's now signature black and purple color palette --
hinting at the area's louche heritage. Sleek jet-black furnishings, plump
patterned seating, and original tiled flooring are low-lit by spotlights,
contemporary sconces, and a trio of purple glowing ceiling lamps, combining to
a slightly decadent yet cozy ambience. Clientele tend toward younger groups
and couples keen to stay in the debauched heart of Amsterdam while avoiding the
more seedy options in the vicinity.
Location
Set in the heart of Amsterdam's Red Light District minutes from Centraal Station
The hotel is
situated on the busy Warmoesstraat in the center of Amsterdam -- the first
street of the infamous Red Light District filled with coffee shops, strip clubs,
and sex shops from one end to the other. This is one of the busiest streets in
the city for foot traffic, mostly slow-moving groups of tourists gawking at the "attractions." The hotel is also very conveniently positioned for exploring
Amsterdam's less salacious sights, with central Dam Square, pretty Nieuwmarkt,
and the Waterlooplein flea market all within a five-minute walk. Centraal
Station is also just a few minutes away on foot and provides direct connection
from Schiphol Airport in just 15 to 20 minutes.
Rooms
Comfortable, modern rooms though with some noise issues
The hotel has 47
rooms, all of which were renovated in 2012 in a simple, modern style with
dark-wood furnishings, white walls, and purple accents. Bathrooms are clean and
well-maintained with walk-in showers and wall-mounted toiletries and
hairdryers, but lighting is generally poor. Standard amenities include tea and
coffee facilities, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and a safe (though not big enough
for a laptop). While rooms are reasonably well soundproofed from the outside
(as much as they can be) noise between rooms can be an issue.
Features
Reasonably priced buffet breakfast and free Wi-Fi throughout
A buffet
breakfast is served in the breakfast room at the back of the hotel -- it's
lacking slightly in natural light but is tastefully decorated with a book wall running down the opposite side. Breakfast is not included in the
rate, but the price is more than reasonable for Amsterdam. The bar provides a
cozy and welcoming spot to relax with a drink and Wi-Fi is free throughout. The
hotel can also book boat trips around the city's canals and, unlike some hotels around Amsterdam, the
property is totally smoke free.
