IBIS STYLES AMSTERDAM CITY, Amsterdam

The hotel sits in a lively neighbourhood packed with restaurants, bars, supermarkets and the famous Albert Cuyp Market just around the corner. Tram 4 connects the hotel to Dam Square and Central Station in about 20 minutes, while the RAI convention centre is a 15-minute ride on the same line. Central Station can also be reached on foot in 40 minutes, making the location ideal for museum visits and city exploration. The area is walkable and feels safe, though the immediate street can be quiet at night. A supermarket is a 5-minute walk away for any essentials.

Room sizes vary from compact doubles suitable for short stays to slightly larger family rooms with three single beds or a double and a single. Some rooms have a balcony - these are subject to availability and are often in higher demand. Basement and lower-ground-floor rooms can feel claustrophobic, with limited windows and a higher risk of noise from the street or reception. Rooms above street level tend to be quieter. Mattress and pillow comfort is inconsistent, so light sleepers may want to request a quieter room away from the lift and reception. Soundproofing between rooms and corridors is limited; corridor noise and early-morning cleaning sounds can be noticeable. Daily housekeeping is free.

Breakfast costs €18.50 for adults, €12.50 for children aged 5-12, and is free for under-5s. The buffet is adequate but relatively simple - pastries, bread, cereals, eggs and fruit - and some items like bread may not always taste freshly baked. The vending machine in the lobby offers snacks and drinks around the clock, which is helpful for late arrivals or a quick bite. There is no on-site restaurant or bar for evening meals, but the surrounding streets are dense with restaurants, cafes, and bars within a 5-minute walk, covering everything from Asian to Indian and Dutch cuisine.

There is no swimming pool, spa, gym or wellness centre on the property, so guests looking for fitness or relaxation facilities should plan to use city-wide resources such as Vondelpark (a 15-minute walk away) or nearby gyms. The hotel does offer board games and puzzles, and the shared lounge/TV area provides a casual indoor space for relaxation. The Albert Cuyp Market, just a couple of minutes away, makes for a lively outdoor leisure activity.

Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, though connection stability can vary. Reception is open 24 hours, which is convenient for late arrivals or early departures. Luggage storage is offered free of charge both before check-in and after check-out, making it easy to explore the city on arrival or departure day without carrying bags. The hotel has a lift, though it is small and can be slow. Safety deposit boxes are available in each room. Fax/photocopying is available for an additional charge. There is no laundry service, so guests on longer stays may need to use a nearby laundromat. The hotel accepts American Express, Visa, Maestro and MasterCard, and bookings can be made with a debit card.