Hotel Piet Hein

Set on a leafy, residential street, the hotel has a quietly sophisticated sensibility. Built in 1860, the five-story white stone and red brick building has a short staircase lit by simple lanterns out front. Inside, decor is modern and minimalist, though still cozy, with a sleek black front desk and chrome elevator in the lobby. Sitting just beyond are the bar and lounge, decorated in earthy browns and muted grays, with touches of black and driftwood lamps. Large leather armchairs, framed paintings of ships, a low-lying wood coffee table, and windows overlooking leafy trees make for a serene setting in which to read or sip a cocktail. The bar has several black leather stools for additional seating. The stylish breakfast room sits beside the garden, and has black tile floors, natural wood tables, and chrome nautical accents; guests can dine outdoors in the summertime. On the spacious terrace, lined with ivy-covered walls, guests can lounge on beige leather couches by Dedon, or sit at wood tables topped with potted lavender. 

Hotel Piet Hein is situated in an upscale neighborhood, just one block from pretty Vondelpark in the heart of Amsterdam's Museum Quarter. The Stedelijk Museum and the Van Gogh Museum are both within a five-minute walk, and boutique shops on PC Hooftstraat are just a block away. Guests can stroll to the famous Canal Ring district in about five to 10 minutes. There are a few tram stops in the neighborhood, including at Leidseplein station, from which it's about 20 minutes to Magere Brug, the famous bridge in the city center. Guests can catch the 197 bus to the airport from the Rijksmuseum stop, about five minutes away on foot; the trip takes about 45 minutes. 

Guest rooms are elegant and very clean, with dark carpeting, pale wood, and rich leather furnishings; ship paintings and chrome accents lend a slight nautical vibe, and the gray and brown color scheme is likewise understated. All rooms have flat-screen TVs with 50 channels, safes, desks, and the hotel's signature comfortable beds with plush white pillows and linens. Bathrooms are simple with white shower/tub combos. Suites are air-conditioned and have separate sitting areas with black leather couches and arched windows overlooking Vondelpark, as well as two flat-screen TVs and large whirlpool tubs. Some rooms are on the smaller side, so guests should inquire ahead of time, though all rooms are well-soundproofed from both exterior and interior noise. 

The spacious terrace and garden area, with seating surrounded by ivy walls, is the hotel's finest feature -- and a rarity for Amsterdam. Guests can conduct one-on-one business meetings, sip cocktails, or have breakfast outdoors when the weather is warm. A free breakfast buffet is served daily and includes freshly baked breads and croissants, as well as eggs and bacon. The lounge and bar area is a sophisticated spot to grab a drink or read a book. The hotel's sightseeing desk has loads of tourism brochures, and guests can book tours and purchase tickets here. There's also a small business center in the lobby with two flat-screen PCs for guest use -- plus a stylish meeting room that fits up to 20 people. Wi-Fi is free.