De Passage 90, Amsterdam, Netherlands | (618) 248-8274
Contemporary, music-centric hotel opened in 2015
In Amsterdam-Zuidoos, beside Amsterdam ArenA
Conveniently linked to the city center by public transit
Hip accommodations, some with private balconies
In-room perks include smart TVs and music systems
Pod-style tea/coffeemakers and mini-fridges are standard issue
Suites have eye-popping soaker tubs and rainfall showers
Stylish restaurant/bar with resident DJs and guest performers
Wellness center with a gym, sauna and treatment rooms
High-tech meeting spaces with an adjacent business center
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Concept and decor doesn't suit all tastes
Suburban location far from major sights (but by public transit)
Breakfast and parking aren’t included
Jaz Amsterdam is the first roll-out of a new, upper-middle-range brand from German-based Deutsche Hospitality (formerly Steigenberger Hotels). Targeted at millennial travelers, it hits the mark in terms of both its vibrant location, just steps from Holland’s largest sports and concert venue, and its hip concept. The 258 rooms promise high style as well as coveted contemporary perks -- smart TVs, iPod docks, digital music systems, and free Wi-Fi among them. On-site features like a trendy bar and eatery with an open kitchen, funky wellness facilities, and live DJs also contribute to the youthful vibe. But the Jaz's location is set quite a distance from the canals and sights of the city center; those looking for a hip hotel in the heart of things could consider the INK Hotel Amsterdam - MGallery Collection instead.
Scene
A hip, high-tech choice aimed at the millennial market
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.
Location
Beside Amsterdam ArenA, southeast of the city center
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
Rooms
Hip accommodations with high-tech amenities
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.
Features
Highlights include a popular restaurant/bar and stylish wellness center
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.