XO HOTELS BLUE SQUARE, Amsterdam

The hotel sits in a quieter residential neighbourhood with a strong presence of Middle Eastern shops, halal restaurants, and supermarkets within a 5-minute walk. Public transport is excellent: tram lines 7 and 13 stop 160 metres from the entrance and reach the city centre in about 20-25 minutes, while bus 369 (direct to Schiphol Airport) and bus 21 (to Amsterdam Central Station) are a 2-5 minute walk. The RAI Conference Centre is just over 10 minutes by car, and Haarlem centre is 15 minutes away. For those arriving by car, on-site parking is available for €25 per day. The area is considered safe and well-stocked with daily necessities, though nightlife options are very limited nearby.

Double and twin rooms are available, each with a private bathroom featuring a shower and hairdryer. Some rooms overlook the Erasmus canal. Twin rooms have two single beds placed opposite each other with a headboard between them - note that a double bed is not an option in this category. Bed preferences are subject to availability. Rooms are generally spacious, with a fridge, safe deposit box, and wardrobe. Carpeted floors are standard; the property is older and some carpet staining, dust, or damp smells have been reported, particularly in rooms that may not have been refreshed recently. Road-facing rooms can be noisier from tram and traffic, while courtyard-facing rooms are significantly quieter. The air conditioning is effective for cooling but some units may struggle to maintain warmth in cold weather. A coffee machine (Nespresso) and complimentary capsules are provided in each room.

Breakfast is served as a continental buffet with breads, pastries, cold cuts, cheese, cereal, and hot drinks. It is generally considered good value for the price and can be pre-booked. The hotel has no restaurant or bar for other meals, but there are numerous eateries within a 5-minute walk, including Turkish, halal, and casual options such as Cafe Restaurant Plein 40-45 and Meram West. A large supermarket across the square is convenient for self-catering. Vending machines for drinks and snacks are available in the hotel lobby.

The hotel does not have a spa, swimming pool, sauna, or gym. For leisure, bicycle rental is offered at an additional charge (bikes are basic but functional). A children's playground is available on the property for families. A large park is within a short walk, ideal for a relaxed stroll or picnic, and the Erasmus canal runs alongside the hotel, offering a pleasant backdrop for cycling or walking routes towards the city.

Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel and performs well for browsing and streaming. The 24-hour front desk can assist with tours, bike rental, and transport information. Luggage storage is free of charge, which is useful for arrivals before check-in or departures after check-out. A business centre is available at no extra cost. Housekeeping is provided daily for room tidying and towel changes, though the consistency of deeper cleaning has varied. The hotel is equipped with a lift, key-card access to floors, and 24-hour security including CCTV. Private on-site parking costs €25 per day with no reservation needed but the garage entrance can be tight. The hotel does not accept pets, and early check-in or late check-out incurs a fee if available.