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.