Review Radisson Blu

History

Formerly the Radisson SAS, this atrium hotel dates from the 18th century in the heart of historic Amsterdam. Several historic buildings combine together to make this modern hotel with a charming atrium in between. There’s a gift shop and fitness center. Both buffet breakfast and grab-and-go breakfast are available. Wireless Internet is complimentary.

Location

The best thing about this hotel was, hands down, the location. Right in Amsterdam’s historic City Center, the hotel is about a block from some really popular tourist areas that were a bit like Bourbon Street in New Orleans, with a young crowd filling the streets and hanging out of bar windows.

The hotel’s street is a quiet one, with two coffee shops. At the end of the street is a lively neighborhood lined with a flea market, fantastic ethnic food (Malaysian and Thai were my favorites), sidewalk cafes, coffee shops, a cash machine, a grocery store, and an English used bookstore. Museums were also close by, with the Rijksmuseum and the Rembrandt House each a short walk away.

Rooms

I checked into an Executive Guest Room, which made up in space what it lacked in charm. As in many renovations of historic buildings, it had an odd configuration, with a small winding staircase just inside the room’s door (a bit awkward with a heavy suitcase).

The room was quiet and I had a good night sleeping. The bathroom was nice with a tub/shower combo. Blue carpet and blue walls were an interesting combination; the room had a large window overlooking the street and an overall corporate vibe. A living area, desk and free Wi-Fi were welcome touches.

Dining

Just off the charming atrium lobby is a short staircase leading to a bar and lounge. A lower level restaurant viewing the street serves a busy buffet breakfast.

Inside the lobby guests could rent scooters, a fun way of navigating the narrow streets of Amsterdam’s center. The all-electric vehicles rented for about 35 Euros a day. Near the hotel’s entrance, a gift shop sold souvenirs like the ubiquitous wooden shoes and Delft clocks.

Details

Radisson Blu Amsterdam is located near the central railway station
Rusland 17, Amsterdam, NL1012 CK Netherlands
Phone: 31 20 623 1231
Email: Reservations.Amsterdam@Radissonblu.com
http://www.radissonblu.com/hotel-amsterdam