HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS AMSTERDAM - SOUTH BY IHG, Amsterdam

The hotel sits in a quiet, green residential area south of Amsterdam, just 2 minutes on foot from Van Boshuizenstraat tram stop. Tram 5 reaches Leidseplein in 19 minutes and Central Station in about 30 minutes; Amsterdam Zuid station is 5 minutes away by tram, offering direct trains to Schiphol Airport (25 minutes). Two large supermarkets, a pharmacy, and several restaurants (including La Brochette, Pronto Italia, and Kagetsu) are within a 5-minute walk. For car travellers, the A10 ring road is easily accessible, and public parking is available on site (paid weekdays, free weekends). The area is deliberately removed from the city bustle, making it a calm base for families or business travellers, while still allowing quick access to the city centre via frequent public transport.

Rooms come with a private bathroom featuring a walk-in shower, hairdryer, and free toiletries. Each room has air conditioning (which can be noisy and may not cool reliably), soundproof walls, a private entrance, a tea and coffee maker, and an LCD TV with satellite channels. Some rooms are described as spacious and well-maintained, with comfortable beds and adequate towel supply, while others show signs of wear - stained carpets, scuffed walls, and occasional maintenance issues. Road-facing or ground-floor rooms near the lobby can suffer from noise, and the air-conditioning unit may produce a constant hum or beeping. For light sleepers, a room on a higher floor away from the main entrance is advisable. Cots are available for infants, but families with older children should book a triple room. No minibar or safe in the room.

Breakfast is included in the rate and runs from 07:00 to 11:00. The buffet offers bread, pastries, cheese, cold cuts, yoghurt, fruit, cereal, and hot drinks. Special dietary options (vegetarian, gluten-free, and kosher) are available on request - the hotel provides a Shabbat lamp and manual key for observant guests. Service levels at breakfast can vary: during busy periods, items such as bread, pastries, and coffee may run out before 09:30, and replenishment can be slow. To enjoy the full spread, arriving early is recommended. The hotel has no restaurant or room service for dinner; a bar/lounge area serves drinks and snacks (including wine and champagne for an extra charge). For a full evening meal, several restaurants are a short walk away (Pronto Italia Pizzeria, Golan Restaurant, Kagetsu, Tai Yuen). A welcome drink is offered on arrival.

The hotel does not have a pool, spa, or fitness room. Bicycle rental is available at reception, a popular way to explore the quiet residential streets and the nearby Amsterdamse Bos woods. For gym users, a day pass to a fitness centre (TrainMore Amsterdam Buitenveldert) is available within walking distance. The area itself is leafy and calm, suitable for jogging, cycling, or a relaxing stroll.

The 24-hour front desk offers express check-in/out, luggage storage (free), concierge service, and private check-in/out - convenient for early arrivals or late departures. Free WiFi is available throughout the property. A business centre, meeting/banquet facilities (additional charge), fax/photocopying, and free daily housekeeping are available. For a greener stay, forgoing daily room servicing earns a free drink. Paid services include laundry, dry cleaning, and ironing. An electric vehicle charging station and on-site public parking (€17.80/day, free weekends) are available. The hotel is fully non-smoking, with a lift, soundproofing, family rooms, allergy-free rooms, and facilities for disabled guests. Safety features include CCTV, key card access, smoke alarms, and a security alarm.