Hotel review: Andaz Amsterdam (Netherlands)

Wednesday newsletters always feature a luxury hotel and/or flight review.

Today (January 7, 2014): Review of Andaz Prinsengracht, Amsterdam’s trendiest boutique hotel.

• Location: Google Maps
• Hotel website: Andaz Prinsengracht
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Hyatt Prive

Located in the historic centre of the city and within the ring of canals, the five-star boutique hotel Andaz Amsterdam, Prinsengracht provides a unique refreshing taste of Amsterdam, one of the most beautiful cities in the world.  Reflecting its lively and distinctive surroundings through the adventurous design of renowned local designer Marcel Wanders, the 122-room hotel offers not merely a place to come home to and relax, but a place that will energize and inspire.

Andaz Prinsengracht, Amsterdam, features in my top 10 list of the best luxury hotels in Amsterdam.

Have you ever stayed at Andaz Amsterdam? If so, what was your experience? Leave a comment.

In this review (more info below my Youtube clip and slideshow):

• Pros & things I like
• Cons & things to know
• My verdict
• Tips for future guests & save money
• Best time to visit
• How to get there
• Photos

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PROS & THINGS I LIKE

• The hotel enjoys an excellent, central yet quiet location along one of the city’s most beautiful canals (Prinsengracht or Prince’s Canal). Set on the site of a former Public Library, the hotel is surrounded by the cultural scene of the lively Jordaan district and the charming Nine Streets, filled with art galleries, unique specialty shops and trendy fashion boutiques. Major attractions, such as the Anna Frank house and Rijksmuseum, as well as prime retail districts are all within close walking distance.

• The hotel is part of the Andaz portfolio, the trendy hotel brand managed by the Hyatt Hotel Group which is a direct competitor of Starwood’s W and Marriott’s Edition. This means that you can collect and spend hotel points here with Hyatt’s loyalty program, World of Hyatt.

• Local architect and designer Marcel Wanders has captured the Dutch version of “joie de vivre” in the hotel’s gorgeous interiors (a delightful contrast with the very sober outside façade). The design is certainly hip, but very well done and sophisticated in every way, and aims to appeal to both young and old.

• The lobby itself is impressive with huge light sculptures hanging in the air, and modern design all around you. Going up the glass elevator with a view on the beautiful Delft atrium wall views is quite something.

• Check-in and -out can be done online (as long as you are a member of World of Hyatt).

• The hotel features 122 luxuriously designed hotel rooms including 5 stylish suites. All rooms come with a small walk-in closet and a plush king- or queensize bed, and feature the modern Dutch trademark design of the hotel: plates that overhang the shelves, books to be read and huge tulip like armchairs with views of the canal, garden or lobby. With the exception of the enclosed walk-in rainfall shower, the bathroom is open-plan: the sink stands in the middle of a tiled area within the room. The toilet is located in its separate little room with lovely Delft ceramic illustrated wallpapers that display plenty of interesting information about Amsterdam.

• There’s a Nespresso machine in the room and coffee capsules are complimentary.

• Minibar snacks and non-alcoholic drinks are complimentary.

• WiFi is consistently strong in all hotel areas and free for all guests.

• Local phone calls are free.

• The charming and well-trained staff is a delight in every way. They are knowledgeable, anxious to help and the service they offer is excellent.

• The lobby bar area is lovely, funky and comfortable place and the music is good and not too loud. If you want some quiet time in the lobby without all the music at the bar, there’s a little library to the right of the entrance.

• There’s a complimentary red and white wine service from 5 to 7 pm every day.

• The hotel features a spa, with fully equipped gym, sauna, rain showers, and relaxation area, all adequately sized for an urban boutique hotel IMHO.

• The hotel has a small but pleasant garden for those in need of some fresh air.

• The hotel has one restaurant, Bluespoon,  which serves delicious food in a trendy, cozy decor with open kitchen. Breakfast is also served at Bleuspoon with a great buffet of very well prepared cold and hot foods on display in the open kitchen.

CONS & THINGS TO KNOW

I loved my stay at the Andaz Amsterdam, Prinsengracht, and its design, service and location make it hands down one of the best luxury hotels in the city. There are some things you need to know though when considering a stay here:

• This is a modern, sleek, boutique hotel, and the funky elegance may not fit all tastes.

• The lowest room category – “Standard Andaz King” and “Standard Andaz Queen” – do not come with an outdoor view: they overlook the Observatory, the universe-themed interior space in the lobby. The rooms are the same in terms of design but the windows cannot be opened (so no fresh air) and you don’t get any daylight. So if want to see a bit of sky or a street, these are not the rooms for you.

• Rooms are on the small size, but the layout is very well done.

• The open-plan bathroom concept may be troublesome for those who need privacy when sharing a room. The good news is that shower and toilet are located in an enclosed space.

• The sink in the middle of the room has only a mirror to the side, which makes shaving a challenge.

• Bathrooms don’t have a bath tub (only a walk-in rainfall shower).

• Valet parking at the hotel is very expensive (€ 65 per day). Alternatively, the closest public car park is the Q-park Marnixstraat located next to the bus station and the Texaco gas station.  This car park is priced at €40 per 24 hours and is a 10 minute’s walk from the hotel.

• While delicious, breakfast is not cheap: 20 euro for the buffet (hot & cold) or 30 euros if you want to order additional items from the menu (like cooked to order eggs).

MY VERDICT

• Location: 8/10
• Design: 9/10
• Rooms: 8/10
• Food: 8/10
• Service: 8/10
• Overall experience: very good: 8,2/10

TIPS FOR FUTURE GUESTS & SAVE MONEY

• Save money: read my tips for getting the best deal at a luxury hotel like the Andaz Amsterdam, Prinsengracht.

• Save money: get complimentary VIP perks at Andaz Amsterdam when you book via Hyatt Prive, Hyatt’s invitation-only benefits program for luxury travel agents (such as Lance and Ania from Classic Travel, who I partner with and use for my own travels). Hyatt Prive rates are similar to the best flexible rates on the official Hyatt website and will earn points and stay credit in the World of Hyatt loyalty program. In addition, Hyatt Prive rates also inlude the following benefits at Andaz Amsterdam: a $50 or $100 USD property credit per room per stay, a one category room upgrade confirmed within 24 hours of booking, daily full breakfast for two, early check-in (from 9am) and late check-out (to 4pm) subject to availability, and a welcome gift and letter.

• Save money: make use of Hyatt’s best rate guarantee. If you find a better rate, the Hyatt Hotel Group will match it and give you $50 toward your next stay.

• Save money: elite members of Hyatt’s loyalty program, World of Hyatt, are well treated, with – amongst other benefits – complimentary room upgrade (when available), early check-in or late check-out  (when available), and free breakfast. Click here to read my review of the World of Hyatt program (with pros & cons).

• Room tip: book a view room, deluxe room or suite to avoid ending up in a standard room as these rooms do not have windows to the outside, but only to the interior lobby.

• Read my tips for preparing your trip in time.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Amsterdam is best visited between April and May (spring) or September through November (autumn), right before or directly after the summertime high tourist season. You’ll contend with fewer tourists, you’ll enjoy somewhat mild temperatures (the city’s weather is notoriously finicky), and you’ll also experience Amsterdam as the locals do, at its laid-back best.

HOW TO GET THERE

Amsterdam can easily be reached by plane, train or car. For those coming by plane, the hotel is located a 20-minute cab ride from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS). Check the Wikipedia page of Amsterdam Airport Schiphol for airlines that offer direct flights to Amsterdam.

PHOTOS

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