NH Amsterdam Zuid

Formerly the NH Musica, the hotel retains many of its musically-inspired decor elements. Guitars -- both real and depicted in artwork -- adorn walls throughout, alongside portraits of rock stars and famous crooners. The lobby's clean, sharp lines are pragmatic to a point, with low ceilings and a front desk that's a long expanse of plain dark wood. The narrow room, no bigger than a large hallway, stretches into the lobby bar and lounge area, dotted with red designer stools and chairs. Thanks to the hotel's location in Amsterdam's Financial Mile, the hotel primarily attracts business travelers looking for a comfortable, modern stay close to their offices; its extensive meeting facilities also attract business meetings, conferences, and dinners.

The hotel is situated on a quiet road in a picturesque, residential part of Amsterdam's growing business district, known as the Financial Mile. Amstelpark and the World Trade Center are within walking distance, but the area is far removed from the attractions of the city center. Some shops, cafes, and restaurants can be found a short walk away on the lively Van Boshuizenstraat, where guests can also pick up public transportation connections to other areas or into the city. The city center is a good 30-minutes away by tram (including walking time to the station). Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is a 12-minute drive along the A4 freeway; airport transfers can be arranged through the hotel. The sprawling Amsterdamse Bos park -- especially popular with locals on weekends and for exercise -- is a 15-minute walk away.

The modern rooms at the NH Amsterdam Zuid are bright and minimalist in their white-and-green decor, with an accent wall of patterned wallpaper behind the beds. White furniture and light wood floors complete the upscale design scheme. Long work desks with matching ergonomic chairs visually partition each room, emphasizing the hotel's business focus, and are accompanied by mini-fridges lightly stocked with beverages and Toblerone. Executive Rooms are virtually the same as the Standard Rooms, with the addition of a Nespresso machine and included high-speed Wi-Fi. The bathrooms' dark palette contrasts with the brighter rooms, with low lighting and black slate tiles around the modern shower/tub combos. High-end toiletries are provided (Executive Rooms have extra toiletries such as hair masks). 

For dining, the hotel's Sinfonia restaurant serves traditional French dishes with international influences for dinner, as well as breakfast and lunch buffets (not included). The lobby bar has limited indoor seating, but there's also a sidewalk patio right outside in front of the hotel. The hotel's largest asset is its a dedicated meeting facility with 18 different rooms, all named after classical composers and outfitted with modern presentation equipment. An attached breakout area has a buffet of snacks, cakes, and drinks, and there's a separate kitchen that can be used for private events or catering in the "composer wing." The spa has several massage treatment rooms as well as a sauna, but the relaxation room is little more than a tiny, windowless space with two armchairs. There's also a small fitness center with a few treadmills, stationary bikes, and free weights. The hotel has bicycles available for guests to borrow, and airport transfers can be arranged upon request.