4 years ago
Amsterdam is stuffed full of design-forward, bouti...
Amsterdam is stuffed full of design-forward, boutique and boutique style hotels in enviable locations overlooking the picturesque canals with its tree-lined cobbled streets and barges gliding by. The city and the canal district sells itself so it begs the question: why stay at the Andaz vs any other offering similar on paper.
Clearly it benefits from being part of a much larger Hyatt hotel where clearly this is not a casually run hotel; there is an undercurrent of efficient, experience hotel running. Spoiled as I have been to enjoy a few truly boutique hotels in Amsterdam, the Andaz imports the best of boutique with its striking and quirky designs, focus on high quality features (whether its the choice of gins at the bar or books in the bedrooms) but coupled with the benefits of a larger hotel chain: decently stocked gym, business centres, spa, organised check-ins and check-outs etc. If you like a nice hotel but hate the soulless corporate atmosphere, the Andaz is a solid option.
The breakfast is generous with the expected continental options but also a shortlist of hot breakfast items including a thorough eggs to order menu and - fashionably - a vegan breakfast menu.
The bedrooms are large by large European city standards especially for Amsterdam and cities like Paris or London. This is not as large as those resort type rooms you would expect from a Thai or Dubai hotel - but - this is also a city centuries old with the practicalities and constraints that come with this. That said, you could easily spend a week in one of these rooms without feeling the wall closing in on you.
The location is perfect within moments of both Jordaan, Dam Square and Amsterdam Centraal (15 min walk).
Would I come back to the Andaz? Definitely for the reasons given.