Wittenberg

Housed in three historic canalside buildings -- one of which dates back to 1772 -- the Wittenberg is stylish, elegant, and homey. The property opened in December 2017 with the expat market in mind, offering 115 beautiful apartments equipped with all the amenities of a private residence, plus a couple of common areas, including a sun-filled lounge with weekly wine hours, board games, and free hot drinks, and a pleasant backyard for barbecues and sunning. While the exterior appearance is traditional and historic -- think brick facades and huge windows -- interiors have been designed in a modern, sleek style that combines subtle industrial touches with clean lines and a cheerful color palette. The reception area is housed in a modern glass cube that connects two of the historic structures, and features a sleek combination of minimalist and industrial decor that blends exposed brick walls, dark tile floors, and warehouse windows with comfortable seating, a working fireplace, and plush rugs. The upstairs guest lounge has a similar vibe, with clean lines, a subdued palette, and floor-to-ceiling windows on three sides. The combination of hotel amenities and residential living at the Wittenberg is an excellent option for couples and families in town for a few weeks or months, and rates are surprisingly competitive, but there is a seven-night minimum stay (31 nights with some rates). The Element Amsterdam Hotel is a great alternative for business travelers on shorter trips. It is more expensive and closer to the Zuidas business district than the city center, but apartments are modern and well-equipped, and the property has more on-site amenities, including a restaurant and meeting space. In that same price range, the upscale Pillows Anna van den Vondel is a great option for couples seeking something more intimate and closer to the action. Those on a tighter budget may want to compare rates at the Amsterdam Canal Hotel, a beautiful boutique conveniently located near the city’s top museums.  

The Wittenberg is located on a small cobblestone street on the eastern edge of the Canal Ring. While the area is quiet and mostly residential, there are many cafes and restaurants within a couple of blocks of the property, and the nearest supermarket is just a five-minute walk away. Attractions such as the zoo, the Hermitage Gallery, and the Hortus Botanicus can all be reached in about five minutes on foot, but this part of the neighborhood is better suited for long-stay guests who want to be centrally located but away from the crowds. Most other major attractions are about a 20-minute walk away, including Dam Square, the Albert Cuyp Market, and the Museum District. Several tram stops are within three blocks of the property, and the Weesperplein metro stop can be reached in less than 10 minutes on foot. The drive to the airport takes about 25 minutes. 

The Wittenberg has 115 spacious and stylish apartments, ranging from 333-square-foot (31-square-meter) studios to large three-bedroom units. Decor is modern and similar in all, with wooden floors, minimalist lines, and industrial touches such as big dining tables with metal legs and natural wood tops. The orange, green, and gray palette is cheerful but understated, while huge windows let in tons of light and offer pleasant views of either a canal, the street, or quiet courtyards. Be aware that six apartments lack elevator access, though a luggage elevator is available.Kitchens are wonderfully equipped with dishwashers, cooktops, microwaves, ovens, fridges, Nespresso machines, electric kettles, and tons of great extras such as can openers, corkscrews, and ladles. Each unit comes with a welcome pack, complete with milk, granola, coffee, tea, snacks, yogurt, dish soap, and dishwasher tablets. About 80 percent of apartments also feature washer/dryers, but a few have a laundry room on their floor shared with two other units. Other apartment amenities include Apple TVs, safes, ample storage space, and irons. Each unit has fiber optic, which provides free, fast, and reliable Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are spotless and contemporary, with either walk-in showers of shower/tub combos (all with rainfall showerheads), heated towel racks, and toiletries. Housekeeping is available weekly, and sheets and towels are changed every three days. Trash collection is done daily.  

The Wittenberg lacks a restaurant and a bar, but the lounge is a great spot for mingling, working, reading, or watching TV. There are ample seating, books, board games, a TV, and a long counter with free coffee, tea, biscotti, water, and fruit. Weekly wine hours offer a great opportunity to meet other expats, as do monthly bike tours, and there are plans to add more group activities in the future. The gym is small but well-equipped, with an array of cardio and strength-training machines, and free weights. The backyard has a barbecue grill, a giant chess board, and space for relaxing. The property has 10 parking spots that guests can use for a fee.