Mercure Hotel Amsterdam City

Tall and modern in design, the hotel's two concrete towers reflect its industrial location, although for an out-of-town business property, interiors are stylish. The open-plan lobby features lots of matte-gray concretes, pops of yellow, trendy fixtures, and slim shelving near individual front desks. Boxy, bean bag, or retro couches and segmented coffee tables form earthy palettes here, taking on a more-ambient feel in the dark bar and restaurant. Expect distressed leathers, oversized booths around crackling fires, and a striking finish from smooth-paneled or back-lit surfaces, pendant bauble or red lantern lighting, and fun Amsterdam murals. Their Van Gogh counterparts continue in hallways and some renovated rooms, but there's a marked disparage between older and more modern units. Overall, this is a solid pick for business travelers working in the area, or tourists who want a cheaper rate in exchange for longer journeys to sights.

The Amstel location appeals to business travelers, as it's near offices and RAI convention center, which is a five-minute drive, or one stop from the nearest Overamstel metro. The station is a nine-minute walk away, although free shuttles run to it. For tourists, there's a boat shuttle to the Anne Frank House (fees apply). Metro rides run downtown, taking 30 minutes for most major attractions. A walk over a nearby bridge leads to the hip De Pijp neighborhood in about 25 minutes. Amsterdam ArenA and ZiggoDome are within a 10-minute drive. Nearby river settings are calm, but the industrial setting isn't scenic. Allow 15 minutes by car (or twice that by public transport) to reach Schiphol Airport.

Rooms are comfortable and mostly contemporary, though some older units have dated decor. The older warm-toned rooms have uninspired decor consisting of old-fashioned wood furniture, red armchairs that clash with patterned carpet, and mechanical-motif headboards. Newer units either sport a monochrome scheme or funky Van Gogh murals, vibrant accents, and fun wired chairs. Ranging from 215 to 269 square feet (20 to 25 square meters), rooms can be tight on space, but comforts include satellite flat-screen TVs, desks, kettles for tea- and coffee-making, mini-fridges, phones, ironing facilities, laptop-compatible safes, and AC. Upgraded rooms have Nespresso machines, free minibars (soft drinks), bottled water, and river views (alternatives overlook the city). A Business category offers more work space, and Family Rooms or Suites with living areas are also available.Well-maintained bathrooms have shower/tub combos (some with rainfall showerheads), toiletries, and hairdryers. Room service is available, and crib fittings are free. Note, beds can be twins pushed together.

Features are well-designed for leisure or business travelers, with an emphasis on the latter. Since many guests have their own vehicles, 120 parking spaces are useful, but pricey, and it's a similar deal with breakfast. Served buffet-style, breakfast offers plentiful hot options, cold continental choices with fresh breads and pastries, tea, coffee, and juice. FLOOR Bar & Restaurant is open seven days a week for drinks, snacks, and classic international lunches and dinners. While the circular bar's textured ceilings and back-lit Nordic woods are glitzy, the restaurant is more demure. Mood lighting, dark woods, and skyline murals are classy, and casual or intimate seating can accommodate any kind of traveler. There's also a relaxed outdoor terrace overlooking the water, although it's only open in the summer. A 24-hour convenience store sells hot and cold beverages, snacks, microwave meals, and essentials. Alongside a business center, 14 meeting rooms holding up to 350 people center around a business lobby. A sauna and steam room offer unwinding, and the modern gym is fully equipped. Pets aren't permitted. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.