Amsterdam is an evocative city with canals, gabled houses, and cool boutique stays. Right in the middle of it all, you’ll find The Hoxton, Amsterdam. Set on the Herengracht canal, it encompasses five historic houses that used to be where the Mayor of Amsterdam hung his hat back in the 17th century. Today, the buildings welcome travelers from around the world who come for the cozy accommodations and the sociable vibe.
Something the Hoxton does well across its entire portfolio is to fashion public spaces where people actually want to hang out. Not surprisingly, the ebullient Amsterdam outpost excels in this arena. The showroom-worthy leather couches and armchairs in the lobby create a really communal atmosphere to eat, drink, and connect.
On the topic of food, the welcoming all-day restaurant and bar, Lotti’s, is open from breakfast through to dinner and well into the evening for nightcaps. Jetlagged guests caffeinate for sightseeing with frosty oat milk lattes and Amsterdammers stop by to share some seasonal small plates. The eatery spills out from tables to sofas and extends to a second-floor mezzanine lounge area via a spiral staircase. During the day, digital nomads send emails from vintage lounge chairs while sipping local craft beers. At night, friends meet to catch up over cocktails like The Hox-Bee (an elixir of vodka, honey cordial, and soda that was created at The Hoxton, Amsterdam). The rain-induced doldrums never seem to affect things inside the hotel, which feels warm and inviting no matter the weather. Though, when the sun does decide to make an appearance, it’s pretty awesome that the roof retracts. Need a more private place to gather? The Apartment can be booked for meetings, dinner parties, and shindigs. The venue also hosts very on-brand monthly events such as photography classes, pop-ups, and yoga.
The hotel supplies 111 uniquely designed rooms of different sizes and configurations spread across five floors. All flaunt with timber herringbone flooring, brass chandeliers, and hexagonal mirrors, plus comfy beds and blackout shades to sleep off the jenever-spiked tipple. Some have restored monumental ceilings, others display ceiling beams and steps leading to attic bathrooms. These little quirks are endearing in the context of the old canal houses and, more broadly, the city itself—because Amsterdam is proudly weird and that’s part of what makes it so wonderful.
Lastly, don’t check out without snapping a souvenir old-school, black-and-white selfie at the vintage, 1960s analogue photobooth.
Top Takeaways
Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Rating: Four-Star
The Vibe: A canalside Mayoral residence reborn as a contemporary hotel with distinctly Amsterdam quirks and a convivial mood.
Food + Drink: The sole dining option, Lotti’s is an all-day restaurant and bar (open from 7 am to midnight) that serves seasonally-inspired dishes and stiff drinks. The friendly staff, cushy seating, and lively ambiance encourage lingering long after paying the bill.
Amenities: All-day restaurant and bar; lobby shop; room service; concierge; free bikes; discounted passes to local gyms
5 Nearby Attractions: Dam Square, Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House, Royal Palace of Amsterdam, Canal Cruise
Any Personal Neighborhood Recs? Get lost wandering around De 9 Straatjes. Pop into Chocolaterie Pompadour for an espresso and something sweet (the handmade truffles are particularly delectable). Savor a multi-course tasting menu of gourmet delights at BREDA. Door 74 is Prohibition era-style speakeasy with mind-bendingly creative cocktails.
Rooms: 111 rooms, ranging from Shoebox to Roomy, lean into the unique quirks of the historic canal houses while simultaneously providing all the contemporary conveniences modern travelers expect.
Pricing: Rooms start at $119/night for a Shoebox
Closest Airport: Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
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