Nieuwe Doelenstraat 26, Amsterdam, Netherlands | (618) 248-8274
City's most famous hotel housed in historic 17th-century building
Central location between Dam Square and Rembrandt Square
Elegant, contemporary rooms have espresso machines, minibars, and desks
Some upgraded rooms have living spaces and lovely views
Bright breakfast room with views over the River Amstel
Chic bar serving free evening wine and cheese
Impressive interiors with crystal chandeliers and gilded touches
Free Wi-Fi throughout
No full restaurant
Hotel lacks wellness facilities of any kind
Some rooms are small
The four-pearl NH Collection Amsterdam Doelen has a storied history, as it's one of the oldest and most well-known hotels in the city -- previous guests have included Queen Victoria and The Beatles. Its great location on the Amstel River means guests are a two-minute walk from Amsterdam’s floating tulip market and five minutes from Dam Square. Renovations in 2016 exchanged dated, old-fashioned style for contemporary elegance throughout. The 81 sophisticated rooms have espresso machines, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi, and many of them have great river views, but some can be small. The only meal served is a buffet breakfast in a lovely restaurant with views over the river and buildings. A notable downside is the lack of wellness facilities. Travelers looking for a hotel with a spa might want to try the nearby Ambassade Hotel.
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Scene
Grand, historic hotel with sophisticated interiors and stunning views over the city
The NH Collection Amsterdam Doelen claims to be the oldest hotel in the city, occupying a historic 17th-century building. Rembrandt’s “Night Watch” used to hang in what's now called the Rembrandt Suite, and past guests include Queen Victoria and The Beatles. Today, thanks to extensive 2016 renovations, the hotel lives up to its grand past, first showcasing its elegance in the magnificent lobby featuring ornately carved wood paneling edged with gilt, crystal chandeliers under a skylight, and a modern red patterned carpet running up to an elevator and adjacent marble staircase. Additional common areas are unfortunately limited to a breakfast room and bar. The latter has a living room-like feel with stylish armchairs next to curio-filled bookcases, while the breakfast room is bright, white-filled space with great views over the Amstel River. The hotel attracts primarily couples on vacation who want a decidedly upmarket place in central Amsterdam.
Location
In the city center on the Amstel River
The hotel is situated in the heart of the Amsterdam Canal District, with the back of the hotel directly on the Amstel River, overlooking the old Dutch buildings on the opposite side. The picturesque location gives visitors a real taste of Amsterdam, with Dam Square, Rembrandt Square, and the Red Light District all within walking distance. From the hotel’s door, the Bloemenmarkt, Amsterdam’s great floating flower market, is a two minute walk away, and Dam Square is five minutes away. Over on the other side of the Grachtengordel, Anne Frank’s house is a 15 minute walk away. Numerous restaurants and shops are within a five- to 15-minute walk. The major transportation hub, Centraal Station, is within a 15-minute walk, while Schiphol Amsterdam Airport is about a 25-minute drive south out of the city center.
Rooms
Bright, modern rooms with upscale touches and amenities
Renovated in 2016, the 81 rooms are bright, modern, and sophisticated. The design is fairly consistent across the board, consisting of beige carpeting, white walls and linens, two-tone wood furniture, and pale-pink velvet chairs. Red lamp stands, blue-and-white tiles, and distressed mirrors add personality. Big windows let in lots of light and some have lovely river views. The lower-category Superior Rooms are on the small side but sufficient, housing desks and chairs, wardrobes, and built-in nooks with minibars, kettles, and Nespresso machines. Higher-category rooms are larger, and Junior Suites and Suites add sitting areas. Suites also have more impressive decor. White-marble bathrooms are swish, equipped with rainfall showers, full hairdryers, and NH-branded toiletries. Air-conditioning, safes, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi come standard.The Rembrandt Suite was allegedly where the artist’s most famous work, “Night Watch” hung for many decades, and now there is a full-size reprint of the work. Meanwhile, the Empress Suite has wood paneling, a fresco ceiling depicting the coats of arms of various historic noblemen, and a wooden fireplace embellished with Delft tiles.
Features
No full restaurant or wellness facilities, but buffet breakfast and evening wine
Surprisingly for a hotel of this caliber, the NH Collection Amsterdam Doelen lacks a full restaurant and wellness facilities of any kind -- there are no gym, spa, or pool. The only meal served is a breakfast buffet with a range of continental and hot fare, available for a fee. Additionally, the adjacent bar serves light meals and snacks all day, and the hotel’s location means that sustenance will not be hard to find. Evenings, the hotel serves free wine and cheese. A shuttle to the airport is available for a fee, while Wi-Fi is free throughout.
