Amsterdam's BEST Hotel? DoubleTree Centraal Station Review!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the belly of the beast – Amsterdam hotels – and I'm here to tell you about (drumroll please…) the DoubleTree by Hilton Amsterdam Centraal Station. Now, I'm not going to lie, I went in with a healthy dose of skepticism. "DoubleTree?" I thought. "Another cookie-cutter chain?" Oh, how wrong I was… mostly.
First Impressions: The Cookie and the Chaos (and the Canal)
Right off the bat, the location is pure gold. Smack-dab in the center of everything, yes, right by Centraal Station (hence the name - genius!), is both a blessing and a curse. Blessing: Trains, trams, everything is literally at your doorstep. Curse: Everyone else is at your doorstep too. Expect a constant flow of humanity. The exterior is sleek, modern, and… well, it looks like a hotel. Not exactly Amsterdam Amsterdam. But, the moment you cross the threshold, BAM! Freshly baked cookie! (Yes, they actually give you a warm chocolate chip cookie upon check-in. Preemptive strike against my grumbling stomach? Perhaps.) It's a small touch, but it's ridiculously effective. You immediately feel… comforted. Like you've been let into a warm hug after a long, cold day.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, But Trying Their Best
Okay, let's get real. Amsterdam, with its narrow streets and wonky cobblestones, isn't exactly the most accessible city in the world. The DoubleTree, however, makes a valiant effort. Wheelchair Accessibility: They're doing alright! Plenty of ramps and elevators, and supposedly accessible rooms are… well, I didn't see one, but they claim they have them. I'd call ahead and confirm those details (and maybe ask for specifics about the bathroom – you know, the important stuff). Facilities for Disabled Guests: Definitely a strong plus. Elevator: Thankfully there are elevators. Doorman Who are constantly opening doors for you.
Rooms: Cozy, Contemporary, and Cookie-Fueled
My room… swoons… was surprisingly spacious. I'm a sucker for good lighting, and the DoubleTree delivered. Big windows, blackout curtains (essential for beating the Amsterdam sun – or lack thereof!), comfortable bed with amazing linens! Air conditioning was a lifesaver. I was also digging the desk… you know, for those times when I pretend to be productive. The Free WIFI in all rooms, was, chef's kiss. The interconnecting rooms, were an interesting option, to consider if I was traveling with a family. Mini-bar was a treat. I’m also convinced the safe box is to keep all your cookies safe. There were also some little touches that made all the difference. The coffee/tea maker, the complimentary bottled water (thank you!), the slippers (yes!), and… what's this? Bathrobes? Oh, you naughty little hotel, you.
The Bathroom: A Personal Oasis (Mostly)
The bathroom was clean, modern, and well-lit. The shower was decent (good water pressure is a HUGE win in my book), and I appreciated the toiletries that weren't those sad little hotel-branded ones. The mirror was a good size, which I am grateful for. Oh, and Speaking of Things I Loved The most important thing, I think is the safety. There is a smoke detector. There is a safety box. And every room is completely soundproof.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Adventure (with a Few Bumps)
Now, the food situation at the DoubleTree is… complicated. Let's start with the good. The Breakfast Buffet: It was, to put it mildly, IMMENSE. Everything from your classic English breakfast to Asian delights (the Asian Breakfast was a treat!) and all the usual suspect, including fresh fruit and a build-your-own-omelet station. Breakfast in Room, also an option, but I couldn’t bring myself to wake up that late. The buffet was also good, even if there were some really weird international tourists. The Restaurants were okay or great, The Poolside bar was a nice. Then, the pool with a view was a plus.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Pamper Yourself (Or Don't)
Okay, let’s be honest, I didn’t use the fitness center. My idea of "fitness" involves a lot of walking, eating stroopwafels, and copious amounts of beer. But, it looked well-equipped. I did, however, lurk around the sauna and Spa/sauna, which was a definite temptation. They also have a pool with a view, which I completely skipped, because, well, Amsterdam. There's just too much city to see! But, if you want to relax, this is probably a great spot.
Cleanliness and Safety: Pandemic-Proof (Mostly)
Look, I'm a germaphobe. I'm constantly wiping things down. So, the DoubleTree’s commitment to cleanliness got a big thumbs up from me. Anti-viral cleaning products are a must. Daily disinfection in common areas, check. Rooms sanitized between stays, double-check. They're taking it seriously, which is incredibly reassuring. Hand sanitizer was everywhere. Staff trained in safety protocol seemed well-trained.
Services and Conveniences: Smooth Sailing (Most of the Time)
The DoubleTree goes above and beyond with the services. Concierge service was on point. Always happy to assist. Daily housekeeping felt decadent. Laundry service was quick and easy. Luggage storage was a lifesaver. Contactless check-in/out, appreciated. One minor gripe: I tried to get a simple thing… and ended up needing to call the front desk. The human element is important, but the convenience of the technology can sometimes seem a little lacking.
For the Kids: Child-Friendly Vibes (But No Disneyland)
The hotel is family/child friendly, although I didn't actually see any kids. Babysitting service is available. Kids meal are also available.
Things I Loved (And, Yeah, Some Gripes)
- Location, Location, Location: Seriously, you can't beat it.
- The Cookie: Still thinking about it.
- Cleanliness: Peace of mind!
- Room Size: Unexpectedly spacious.
- The lack of Amsterdam-ness: It's a hotel. Not a historical building. So, if you want to be transported, this might not be the place.
The Verdict: Is the DoubleTree the BEST Hotel in Amsterdam?
Look, "best" is subjective. But, the DoubleTree by Hilton Amsterdam Centraal Station gets close. It's efficient, comfortable, clean, and in a fantastic location. It's not a destination. It's a basecamp for exploring a truly amazing city.
The "Book Now or Regret It" Offer
Okay, here's the deal. If you are looking for a centrally located hotel with a great staff, great food, and a cookie – I'd definitely book something there. Click here to book your stay now! Experience the comfort, convenience, and cookie magic of the DoubleTree by Hilton Amsterdam Centraal Station! But hurry, because those rooms, and cookies can't last forever!
Unbelievable Gawler Townhouses: Your Barossa Valley Escape Awaits!
Okay, buckle up Buttercup, because this itinerary isn't some perfectly polished, pre-packaged travel brochure. This is my Amsterdam adventure, brought to you live, warts and all. We're talking DoubleTree by Hilton Amsterdam Centraal Station, baby. Remember, expectations are a cruel mistress…
Amsterdam, Here We Go (Sort Of): An Amateur Hour Adventure
Day 1: Arrival & Existential Coffee Crisis
- (10:00 AM) Schiphol Airport Debrief. Flight was…a flight. Didn't lose my luggage, which I consider a personal victory. Found a slightly-too-expensive coffee at the airport -- the first sign of impending financial doom, perhaps? The woman behind me kept sighing loudly… I swear she was judging my choice of croissant.
- (11:00 AM) Train to Centraal Station. Okay, the train itself, clean, efficient, and the views were pretty. The sheer volume of bikes parked around Centraal Station, though? Utter madness. Like a bike-based apocalypse. It gave me mild anxiety. I swear one almost ran me over.
- (11:30 AM) DoubleTree Check-In (and a Cookie!) Ah, the DoubleTree. Right outside the station - convenient, good; that cookie, oh god, that cookie! Still warm, gooey, and sweet, it was like the hotel was saying "Welcome, you chaotic mess, have a treat!" I felt instant, irrational love for this place. Then, standing in line to check in with a splitting headache.
- (12:30 PM) Room Reconnaissance & Panic. Room: nice view. Small, compact, but hey, I'm not the Queen of England (thankfully, because imagine that luggage). The window looks out over the water. But then a wave of "holy crap I'm ACTUALLY HERE" hit me. Suddenly, I was convinced I'd forgotten something vital like, oh, my ability to speak Dutch. (I can't. I don't.) My brain went into a classic meltdown.
- (1:00 PM - 3:00 PM) Canal Tour Attempt (and Failure) I'd booked a canal tour. Thought: "charming". Reality: rainy and… less charming. I got slightly seasick and the audio guide was boring. I bailed after an hour. The tiny boats were kinda cute though, I'll credit that.
- (3:30 PM - 5:00 PM) Coffee Shop…Experience? (Mostly Just Confusion) Okay, this is where it gets interesting. I figured, "When in Amsterdam…" So, I ventured into a coffee shop. The air was thick with… something. I ordered a coffee and a brownie (because, why not?). The guy behind the counter was really chill. I think. Then I just got… really, really sleepy. And then, the brownie began to…talk? Just kidding. Mostly, I just stared at the ceiling and wondered if I'd accidentally ingested something stronger than coffee and sugar. My eyes were so heavy, I was certain I would fall asleep.
- (5:30 PM - 7:00 PM) The "Oops, I'm Hungry" Phase. Came back to my room, ordered room service. The burger was shockingly good. Sat and stared out the window, people-watching. The boats on the canal were so slow and relaxing. Was I even in Amsterdam?
Day 2: Art, Angst, and Unexplained Soreness
- (9:00 AM) Breakfast Delights and Dehydration. Had breakfast in the hotel, which was…adequate. The croissants were not as good as the welcome cookies. I drank approximately a gallon of water (trying to counteract the coffee shop experience.
- (10:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Van Gogh Museum – Emotional Overload. Okay. Van Gogh. Whoa. I'm not even a huge art person, but seeing the real paintings? Freaking intense. Sunflowers, Irises, the self-portraits… it was like walking through someone's soul. I actually teared up. I’m such a sentimental sap. The crowds were a nightmare, though. Everyone was pushing and shoving to get a photo. It’s a real shame. I felt like I went on the best trip of my life but it took 4 hours to get there.
- (1:30 PM - 2:30 PM) Lunch at a Random Cafe, and my First Dutch Fries Found this little café near museum and bought some dutch fries. I asked them to add mayo but, honestly, those fries were an experience. Like, a religious experience. I would eat those fries until I died. They were worth every single calorie.
- (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM) The Anne Frank House… (And More Tears). So. The Anne Frank House. Book your tickets in advance, people. Seriously. Because unless you fancy queueing for three hours, you won't get in. I was lucky enough to have a ticket, and it’s one of the most moving things I’ve ever experienced. The cramped rooms, the hidden passages, the weight of history…it left me speechless and incredibly sad. I’ll be honest - I cried. A lot.
- (5:30 PM - 7:00 PM) Back To The Hotel and the Soreness That Won't Go Away. The walking. Oh god, the walking. My feet felt like they'd run a marathon. So I took a hot shower and just wallowed in misery. The hotel's bed was a godsend.
Day 3: Windmills, Wishes, and the Bitter End
- (9:00 AM) Breakfast…Again. This time, I got smarter and had the room service pancake stack, which was pretty nice.
- (10:00 AM - 1:00 PM) Day trip to Zaanse Schans (Windmills and Instagram Influencers). This was another planned trip, because, windmills! (A bucket list item for sure). It was…picturesque. The windmills were cool, the cheese was delicious, and then I discovered the world of Instagram influencers, posing with their perfect outfits for the camera, with perfect angles. I got a photo. It was not a good photo, I need to work on my angles.
- (1:30 PM - 2:30 PM) Lunch and Shopping. Found a nice lunch place and bought some of my favorite dutch fries and tried to shop.
- (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM) Final Hotel Wallow. Packed my bags, had a long bath. Amsterdam was wonderful, but now its time to move on.
- (5:30 PM) Depart, and Cookie. One last, glorious, warm DoubleTree cookie before I left. Sigh.
Amsterdam: The Verdict
Messy. Emotional. Expensive. Exhausting, but also…magical. I came, I saw, I ate fries, I cried in front of art, I walked until my feet screamed. Would I come back? Absolutely. Next time, though, I'm booking a massage. And maybe learning some Dutch. (Probably not.)
Escape to Atlanta: Kennesaw State's Cozy Red Roof Inn Awaits!
DoubleTree Amsterdam Centraal - The Messiest, Realest Review You'll Ever Read... (and FAQs!)
Okay, spill the tea: Is the DoubleTree Amsterdam Central Station actually *that* good? I've seen the pics...it looks...perfect.
Good? Listen, "good" is boring. The DoubleTree at Centraal Station is… an experience. It's like that friend who's *usually* awesome, but occasionally forgets to put pants on before answering the door. It’s got potential written all over it, plastered across the lobby in bright, shiny ways. The views from some rooms? Unreal. Truly. You could practically *taste* the history from the window. But perfect? Nah. Let's just say my first impression was: "Wow, that lobby is REALLY shiny, oh, and the elevator is already slightly wonky." (And by wonky, I mean *stuck* for a solid five minutes. Thankfully, I wasn't claustrophobic... just impatient.)
What's the *actual* best thing about the hotel? Hit me with the highlights!
Okay, *easily:* the location. Seriously, smack-dab in the heart of everything. Centraal Station? It’s *right there*. Like, you stumble out, and bam! You're immediately immersed in the glorious chaos of Amsterdam. Trains, trams, canals, bikes…the whole shebang. Forget trying to Uber everywhere. You're winning at transit efficiency. Plus, the views. *Seriously*. The views. My room overlooked the water, and well… I might have spent a solid hour just staring at the boats. It was majestic. I felt like a tiny, slightly overwhelmed king surveying my canal-side kingdom.
And the cookies? I've heard so much about those cookies... are they the stuff of legend?
Alright, alright. The cookies. The *mythical* DoubleTree cookies. Yeah, they live up to the hype. Warm, gooey, perfect little circles of joy. Listen, I'm not usually a huge cookie person. I'm more of a "salty snack fiend" myself. But *these* cookies? I’d fight a small kitten for one. (Just kidding! Don't judge.) They're given to you at check-in, which is a brilliant move psychologically. You're already tired from travel, slightly disoriented, and then BAM! Warm cookie. Instant happiness. It's like a hug disguised as a baked good. My only complaint? They should offer a cookie flight. Variety is the spice of life, people!
Let's talk about the rooms. Spacious? Clean? What's the vibe?
The rooms are… variable. I've heard tales of spacious suites, with panoramic views, and all sorts of fancy tech. I... did not get one of those. My room was… functional. Clean *enough*. Comfortable *enough*. But it wasn’t necessarily *memorable*. Think "hotel room" in the truest sense. The bed was comfy, the shower worked (a *major* win), and there was a window. But, like I said, the views can redeem *anything*. If you book, definitely try to get a room on a higher floor. Seriously, do it. And, uh, double-check the mini-fridge situation. Mine was a little... well, empty. (Which might have actually been a blessing in disguise, considering the proximity to all those stroopwafels…)
What about the breakfast? Is the buffet worth the hype (and the inevitable breakfast queue)?
The breakfast... Okay, the breakfast is a *thing*. Picture this: a vast, bustling space, filled with hungry tourists, the aroma of coffee, and the faint, lingering scent of waffle batter. It's… overwhelming, at first. The buffet? It's good. It’s *really* good. Everything you could ever want at breakfast! Pancakes, bacon, waffles, eggs in every conceivable form. Fruits, cheeses, yogurts... the works. But the *crowd*? That can be a little… intense. My advice? Go early. Like, *really* early. Avoid the mid-morning rush hour if you can. Otherwise, prepare to fight for a waffle. (Again, just kidding! Sort of.)
Did you encounter any issues? Be honest!
Oh, honey, yes. The elevator incident, as mentioned, was mildly frustrating. The room's decor was a bit generic. And the Wi-Fi? Let's just say it wasn't always super reliable (which, for a millennial addicted to her phone, is practically a personal affront.) Once, the keycard didn't work, and I had to trudge back down to reception (which, after a long day of canal cruising, felt like a marathon). And, okay, maybe the air conditioning was a tad on the powerful side. I felt like I was living in a walk-in freezer at times. But look, no hotel is perfect! The imperfections are part of the charm (and keep things interesting, right?).
What's the deal with the rooftop bar? Worth the trip?
The SkyLounge... Okay, let's talk SkyLounge. The photographs of it are glorious, right? Panoramic views, sleek decor, cocktails that look *chef's kiss*. The reality? The views are still amazing! The cocktails are good! They are a little overpriced. Getting a seat on a busy night? A challenge. The atmosphere is… well, a bit "business-y" at times. Lots of suits. I went on my first night and felt somewhat out of place in my slightly crumpled travel clothes. My advice? Go for the view. Have *one* drink. Then wander off and find a cosier, cheaper bar. Which Amsterdam is FULL of, by the way. The SkyLounge is good. Not *great*.
Overall, would you recommend the DoubleTree Centraal Station?
Yes! With caveats! Look, it's not a perfect hotel. But its location makes it a winner. It's convenient, exciting, and the cookie alone is worth the price of admission. It's like a chaotic, beautiful, slightly flawed gem in the heart of Amsterdam. If you're looking for pristine perfection, maybe look elsewhere. But if you want an experience, a memorable stay, and a warm cookie at the end of a long day of exploring, book it. Just… be prepared for a few quirks. Embrace the chaos, the slight wonkiness, and the beautiful views of the canals. You won't regret it. (Just bring a portable charger for your phone, because that Wi-Fi...sheesh!) Book Hotels Now
