NH City Centre Amsterdam

The NH City Centre Amsterdam underwent a renovation in 2016, exchanging its outdated, traditional decor for bright, minimalist, and contemporary furnishings. Natural woods, greenery, and attractive neutral-tone seating are found throughout. For instance, the lobby has stylish gray seating and dozens of small planters next to modern stools facing large windows overlooking the street. The Patio Bar and Restaurant is a similar space, with a great glass atrium, rows of cascading greenery, and a mix of Ikea-like chairs for a stylish effect. The hotel’s other restaurant couldn’t be more different, as the fine-dining eatery is housed in five historic 17th-century buildings, featuring elaborately carved and painted wood panels, original Rembrandt sketches, Delft Blue tiles, and wooden chairs with heart-shaped cutouts. Guests are primarily couples and families on vacation, drawn by the central setting and NH chain amenities.

This hotel is in the center of Amsterdam, off Singel canal. It's within easy walking distance of major tourist sights, including Dam Square (eight minutes), the Bloemenmarkt floating tulip market (six minutes), and the Anne Frank House (12 minutes). Cafes, bars, and shops line the surrounding streets. The Rijksmuseum, home to one of the world’s most significant collection of Rembrandts and Dutch Old Masters, is a 15-minute walk away, as is the Museumplein. Amsterdam Centraal station is 15 minutes away by foot, or six minutes by car, while transfers to Schipol Airport take 25 minutes by car, or 30 minutes by train. There is a tram stop right around the corner from the hotel that connects to major hubs, including the RAI Convention Center, Schiphol Airport, and the World Trade Center.

All renovated in 2016, the 213 rooms are minimalist and modern, with wood floors, simple light- or dark-wood furniture, turquoise armchair or ottoman, and white walls, bed linens, and leather desk chairs. Due to the lack of artwork and mostly neutral-tone design, the overall look can feel a bit bland. Layouts vary, and some entry-level rooms are on the compact side. Higher-category rooms are larger, and Family Rooms house four single beds. Standard amenities are sufficient, consisting of flat-screen TVs, desks, minibars, tea- and coffee-making facilities, wardrobes, free Wi-Fi, and laptop-sized safes. Upgraded rooms add bathrobes and espresso machines. Straightforward, white- and light-gray-tiled bathrooms have shower/tub combos with rainfall showerheads, array of hotel-brand toiletries, and wall-mounted hairdryers.

The NH City Centre Amsterdam has limited amenities, though it's generally sufficient for the vacationing guests who spend most of their time off-site. The clear standout is the main, upscale Restaurant d'Vijff Vlieghen, which serves Dutch fare in a stunning setting of five historic, 17th-century buildings. Each building has its own design, though most feature abundant wood paneling, antique furniture, and classical wall hangings. Helmets and swords from the Eighty Years’ War (16th and 17th centuries) decorate the Knights Room, while the Rembrandt Room has four original etchings by Rembrandt van Rijn. Breakfast, light meals, and drinks are also available at the bright and contemporary Patio Restaurant and Bar. Additionally, a 24-hour, grab-and-go market has beer, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks, plus pre-made items such as salads, sandwiches, and soups.

A small but decently equipped gym has a handful of cardio machines and a rack of free weights. Bikes are available to rent so that guests can get around one of the most cycle-friendly places in the world. Free Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the hotel. For guests who arrive by car, there is  garage parking available for a fee.