This hotel is brilliant for visiting Amsterdam - but has a few quirks.
Rooms:
All the rooms are themed - and the themes have a few quirks you need to be aware of!
We initially booked and checked into a Tsar Peter Suite. This appeared to be a nice room when we arrived - its clean and in good condition, if a little small for a 'suite'. The 'box bed' is basically a bed that is raised up on a platform with walls at either end. Overall this is fine, but you need to clamber over the other person to get out to the loo.
However, the bathroom was just plain weird. Its nicely decorated and has good quality fittings and would be fine - except there's no door! You basically sit on the toilet looking at the person sat on the sofa. They get to hear and see everything.
This proved too much for us - so we switched to a 'Factory Room'. This was also nicely decorated and was more than satisfactory. It was quite compact - but fine for somewhere to sleep comfily. It also had a properly separated bathroom - a separate room with a door that gave you privacy. However, there was a window from the bathroom to the corner of the main room - though you could avoid seeing each other!!!
Location:
The hotel is in Zaandam - not Amsterdam - but don't be put off by that. Zaandam is a 20min cheap train journey from the Airport (direct) and it takes 5 mins to get a train into Amsterdam. The trains run every 15 mins or so and cost about €3. The hotel is right outside the station - 20yards - so is perfect to get to. Its also next to a small supermarket - perfect for any cheap food or refreshments you may want.
Zaandam itself is a lovely town and has a fantastic area with bars and great restaurants. We found it was great for going into Amsterdam to sightsee, then having a relaxing dinner and a drink in Zaandam.
Service & Facilities:
The service is helpful and friendly and the hotel has all the mod cons you expect.
Overall I would definitely stay here again and highly recommend it. Just be caeful which room you book.
