Jaz Amsterdam

There’s nothing distinctive about the facade of this 11-story hotel, which opened in late 2015; however, its credo (“In tune but off beat!”) is borne out inside. Entered by way of a pedestrian plaza, the lobby has enough concrete, raw wood, metal grillwork and trussed lighting to evoke an industrial space -- or, more aptly, an arena’s backstage area. The copper-y reception desk with its oversized rivets adds some flash and paintings by local artists give a heavy dose of color. Meanwhile, overstuffed couches give the guests (many of them attending nearby concerts or sporting events) a place to sprawl while ogling the art or playing with their gadgets. Note that doing the latter is particularly easy here because connectivity is a brand priority: You can even check in using a smartphone app that doubles as a room key. 

Situated in Amsterdam-Zuidoost, this hotel is part of a vibrant entertainment and shopping district that’s anchored by Amsterdam ArenA. Proximity to the country’s largest stadium and surrounding facilities -- including the Ziggo Dome and AFAS Live (both popular concert venues) plus Amsterdamse Poort (a massive open-air mall) -- give Jazz its raison d'être. Bars and restaurants abound in the immediate vicinity (much of which is pedestrianized), so guests may not feel the urge to venture farther. However those who prioritize sightseeing over sports games, concerts, and shopping may feel entirely too far away from the sights and canal charm of the city center. Still, guest can conveniently access the Dutch capital’s top attractions via public transit from the nearby Amsterdam Bijlmer ArenA or Strandvliet station. A trip in to Dam Square takes about 20 minutes. 

• One-minute walk to the Ziggo Dome
• Two-minute walk to Amsterdam ArenA
• Five-minute walk to Strandvliet Station
• Nine-minute walk to AFAS Live
• Nine-minute walk to Amsterdam Bijlmer ArenA Station
• 13-minute walk to Amsterdamse Poort
• 15 minutes by public transit to Schiphol Airport
• 19 minutes by public transit to Rembrandt House Museum
• 21 minutes by public transit to Amsterdam Centraal Station
• 22 minutes by public transit to Dam Square
• 36 minutes by public transit to Museumplein
• 39 minutes by public transit to Anne Frank House

Ranging in size from 280- to 700-square feet, the Jaz's rooms here are both über-cool and well-equipped. All come with air-conditioning, pod-style tea/coffeemakers, mini-fridges, free bottled water, yoga mats, laptop safes, iPod docks, digital music systems, smart TVs with mobile phone streaming service, and free Wi-Fi plus, bathrooms that are notable for their graffiti-adorned rain showers and generous pump dispensers of organic bath products. The decor, however, differs by category. Done up in gray tones enlivened with bold jolts of color, the In-Tune Rooms seem like a compendium of minimalist styles: Simple platform beds, low-slung Asian-inspired window seats, and blond-wood Scandinavian-style desks set the tone. Suites, on the other hand, cultivate a loft-y appearance and provide private balconies; they have higher-end bathrooms, too, complete with electric-orange soaker tubs and twin vessel sinks. VIP versions on the top floor add separate living areas with wall-set fireplaces as well.  

Given the high percentage of concert-going guests, it’s no surprise that the heart of this hotel would be Rhythms Bar & Kitchen, where music plays each evening courtesy of resident DJs and pop-up artists. The menu, like the music, is geared to millennial tastes (think burgers, ribs and such); ditto for the drinks menu, which includes craft beers and killer cocktails. A second dining room serves a daily buffet breakfast at extra charge. Those looking to balance their indulgences by working out can seek out the ninth-floor wellness center. It has a mod fitness facility outfitted with Technogym equipment as well as a sauna, steam bath, yoga/meditation area and massage rooms. If work can’t be avoided, guests can also take advantage of the hotel’s four state-of-the art meeting rooms and adjacent business center. Other perks include a 24-hour reception desk with multilingual staff; an on-site gift shop; concierge and dry-cleaning/laundry services; paid underground parking; free newspapers in the lobby and free Wi-Fi throughout.