XO Hotels Blue Square

The "Blue Square" moniker is fitting here, where a boxy facade is done in loud aqua, and similar hues continue indoors. West of the center, the hotel is removed from sights, but nearby trams and busses run downtown in around 30 minutes. The clean-tiled lobby has a bit of an airport lounge feel, outfitted in cuboid gray sofas and monochrome or sepia wall photography, which adds some much-needed character. The adjacent bar's metallic seating complement blue mood lighting, but with no alcohol license, it's somewhat abandoned. The brasserie-style restaurant is more modern, serving breakfasts and dinner, but no lunch. The overall look is contemporary, though a few outdated elements, like tile floors and wallpaper, remain. Travelers generally fuel up at breakfast before hitting tourist or business destinations, so limited features aren't too problematic. 

The hotel sits west of downtown Amsterdam, and the residential location keeps rates low. Though removed, the hotel's busy street is central to its Slotermeer district, and nearby restaurants, markets, and a mall are within a six-minute walk. Trams and busses stopping virtually outside the property run downtown, with journeys largely taking 30 minutes or less -- including transport to the city's museums, canal ring, Dam Square, Amsterdam Centraal station, and vibrant shopping streets. The newly developing Sloterdijk business district and RAI convention center are within a 15-minute drive (or 30-minute tram ride). Schiphol Airport is a 19-minute drive away, or 42 minutes via the 69 bus that stops outside.

Straightforward rooms are contemporary and comfortable, and range from Singles to Quadruples, with an Economy category that have back-to-back twin beds divided by shelving. The signature blue in windows offsets the otherwise neutral, and largely bland, tones, seen in drapes, wood furniture, patterned carpeting, and multi-hued leather headboards. White-linen beds are twins pushed together. Room sizes vary, although they're generally larger than downtown offerings, and all have seating areas. Executive Rooms offer more space.

Modern comforts include desks, satellite flat-screen TVs, Nespresso machines, AC, and laptop-compatible safes. Views are luck of the draw -- some rooms face pretty canals, while others overlook derelict back areas or the street. Smart bathrooms with white or granite-effect vanities have showers or shower/tub combos with rainfall showerheads, hairdryers, and toiletries. Note, past guests have complained of inconsistent housekeeping.

Whether here for business or leisure, guests are mostly using the hotel as a base before spending their days out, and alongside the value rate, limited features reflect this. Reasonably priced buffet breakfasts offer cooked eggs, bacon, and sausage, and continental spreads, plus tea, coffee, and juice. Alongside French and Chinese cuisine at dinner, they're served in Blues Bistro, a bright, brasserie-style room outfitted in bench or quilted chair seating, tawny-colored concrete floors, and wood tables. The space is large, and shelved floral decorations and blue drapes are homey. Meals receive good reviews, but lunch isn't offered. A bar is off the lobby, but as it doesn't serve alcohol, it's rarely visited. Lobby vending machines sell drinks, snacks, and tram/bus tickets.

There are no wellness amenities, although bike rentals and nearby parks offer outdoor recreation. A nice touch is the kids' corner, which has colorful chairs, tables, play mats, and toys. The 24-hour front desk offers laundry services for a fee. Secure, underground parking is useful, but it's only free for bookings directly made through the hotel website. Pets are not permitted. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.