The Tire Station

Part of the Conscious Hotels group, the Tire Station has a similar feel to its sister properties: it falls squarely in the mid-range category in terms of amenities, but its focus on design and reasonable rates make it an appealing option for the young at heart. The hotel opened in early 2017 in a building once occupied by a Michelin tire factory (hence the name), and there are small nods to the former tenant throughout, including the figure of the famous Michelin man hidden away in the lobby, and a wall in the restaurant hung with old tools. Aside from these fun details, the emphasis on style continues throughout, with contemporary touches such as a bold, pink accent wall in the bakery, cork finishes in rooms, and dashes of industrial-chic design. The atmosphere is young and casual, with self-check-in machines in the lobby, and lots of 20- and 30-year-olds typing away on their computers in the bakery, which is a popular hangout spot among locals. The hotel chain scores high in eco-friendliness, with energy obtained from renewable sources, a green roof, and in-room furniture made from recycled materials. However, the eye-catching design may not be for everyone. Those wanting something more classic in this price range may want to compare rates at Hotel Wilhelmina, which is also closer to the main museums, while Hotel Central Park is a decent alternative in this area for travelers on a tighter budget. The Volkshotel is a great pick for young travelers seeking a more party-oriented hotel, though some rooms are tiny. For about the same price, Hotel V Frederiksplein is a hip hotel located in the Canal Ring, offering easy walking access to most major attractions. 

The hotel is located in a residential neighborhood home to Vondelpark, a beautiful park with bike paths, streams, and big lawns. Though there are no major tourist attractions in the area, guests can find many restaurants, shops, and cafes within a few blocks. Tram lines number 1 and 17, which take travelers straight to the city center, stop about a three-minute walk from the hotel, making reaching most sights easy, cheap, and fast. Dam Square is a 20-minute tram ride away, as are the Anne Frank House and most of Amsterdam’s top museums, including the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. It is also possible to walk to the Museum Quarter in about 20 minutes. Central Station is a half-hour tram ride away, while it takes about 25 to 30 minutes by train and tram to get to Schiphol Airport. Bikes can be rented at the hotel. 

The hotel has 112 rooms, all decorated in a contemporary style that combines either a pink, blue, or white palette with clean lines and dark accents. Though overall simple, rooms are stylish and cute, and feature an array of fun touches -- such as "Get Naked" signs in the bathrooms, cork accents walls with pushpins that guests can use to leave messages or photos, wooden articulated figures, and a selection of books -- that make them modern and appealing. Big windows have street views in many, but a few overlook a wall and get little natural light. Each room is outfitted with quality Royal Dutch Auping mattresses, but some guests find pillows too squishy. Additional pillows can be requested.Amenities are decent for the price, consisting of safes, large flat-screen TVs, individually controlled heating, and free Wi-Fi. However, rooms lack mini-fridges and electric kettles. Bathrooms are compact but pleasant, with good-sized walk-in showers, eco-friendly toiletries in large containers, and hairdryers. 

Sticky Fingers is the hotel’s popular cafe, serving coffee and tea, along with pastries, cakes, and a few savory items such as sandwiches. Its big windows, great menu, and long tables draw plenty of young locals, and the space has a great atmosphere during the day. On the opposite side of the lobby is MOER Restaurant, which serves a healthy, seasonal menu made with organic ingredients. A la carte breakfast is served here every morning, but it is not included in the standard rate. The restaurant is also open for lunch and dinner, and the hotel holds free wine hours at the restaurant every afternoon. The Tire Station has its own private parking, and though there are many spaces, it can get busy and guests are encouraged to reserve their spot in advance. A number of free electric car charging stations are on-site. The hotel has one meeting room, equipped with audiovisual equipment and free Wi-Fi.