WestCord Fashion Hotel Amsterdam

True to its name, the WestCord Fashion Hotel features fashionable décor, including red pod chairs; mannequins in white, pink, and black; and hallways decorated with chic fashion photos and funky carpets in an array of patterns. The lobby displays designer clothing and jewelry, some of which are available for purchase. The hotel's standout public space is the dark and atmospheric Skyy Bar, which is located on the 10th floor and offers excellent views of Amsterdam. The indoor pool deck features futuristic, white lounge chairs with pink pillows. The energetic design aesthetic continues in the rooms, with a rich color palette of chocolate brown, red, and black. The WestCord draws mostly business people and fashion types doing work at the neighboring World Fashion Centre, but it gets its share of tourists who like the style and relative affordability of the hotel.

Situated in the Nieuw-West section of Amsterdam at the south end of the Rembrandtpark, the WestCord is located on the opposite side of the Einsteinweg motorway from the World Fashion Centre. It's not a great location for tourists, as the area of the city where the Museum Quarter and Leidseplein are located is about two miles from the hotel. However, the Derkinderenstraat (Cornelis Lelylaan) tram stop is within a 10-minute walk of the hotel. The tram ride itself lasts about 10 minutes to get to Leidseplein. The Anne Frank House and Dam Square are both between two to three miles northeast of the hotel. Schiphol Amsterdam Airport is around eight miles southwest of the WestCord.

Spread throughout the hotel's 10 floors, the WestCord's 260 rooms are all non-smoking and soundproofed. Clean and stylish, the rooms have largely bare, white walls livened up by modern furnishings in shades of chocolate brown, black, and red. Despite their minimalist look, the rooms are comfortable, with plush beds and soft seating. The Royal Suite is a bit more artsy, with a fun floral mural on the ceiling accented by a red Chinese lantern hanging down from the center of the room. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, mini-bars, and coffee/tea makers. A drawback to the rooms is that the double beds are two twin beds pushed together. Travelers who prefer bathroom privacy should take note of which type of room they are booking, as some offer bathrooms that have frosted glass windows, while others have windows with clear panes of glass -- meaning privacy will be somewhat lacking.

The WestCord's wealth of property facilities starts with its wellness garden, which features a 45-foot-long indoor pool suitable for swimming laps. The center also houses a fitness center that has flat-panel TVs, several pieces of cardio equipment, and free weights. The spa portion of the center offers massage and treatment rooms, a beauty salon, and yoga and Pilates classes. In addition, there are two saunas and a Turkish steam bath, but some guests feel nickel-and-dimed that they cost extra to use.

The chic Skyy Bar serves craft cocktails, wine, beer and small bites, and offers up stellar views of the city from its perch on the 10th floor. Fashion's Restaurant has a menu of international favorites with a French base, and has a terrace for outdoor dining in good weather. The WestCord also has a breakfast buffet (for a fee), a small business center, scooter and bicycle rental (for a fee), and on-site parking (for a fee).