Fodor's Expert Review art'otel Amsterdam

A monumental former shipping company opposite Centraal Station now houses an ultra-contemporary hotel, which fuses art, architecture, and hospitality—each art’otel (there are similar concepts in London, Berlin, Zagreb, and Rome) is linked to an artist, and here it’s internationally acclaimed Dutch artist Atelier van Lieshout. Unsurprisingly, art is everywhere, from the rooms to the basement art'otel Gallery, which regularly hosts workshops and artsy events. Sculptures, inspired by “the course of life,” are scattered throughout. While the fashionably dark color scheme looks striking in certain places, most notably the lounge and library, where brightly hued art and colorful design provide a welcome counterpoint, it comes off as gloomy in certain rooms. ARCA, the in-house Portuguese fusion restaurant, is well worth a visit. There's also a roomy downstairs gym with an indoor pool.