PHOTO: https://bestwesterndamsquareinn.com/galerij/

Best Western Dam Square Inn

Name: Best Western Dam Square Inn
Address: Gravenstraat 12-16, Amsterdam, North Holland, 1012NM, Netherlands, North Holland, 1012 NM, The Netherlands
Telephone: +31 (0)20-623–3716

Gravenstraat 12-16, Amsterdam, North Holland, 1012NM, Netherlands, North Holland 1012 NM, The Netherlands

Karin Engelbrecht

This surprisingly quiet oasis, just around the corner from the Royal Palace and Dam Square, offers comfortable if dated guest rooms and a high level of service that attracts repeat guests. The 17^th-century building, adorned with ornate brick-and-stone trim and a gabled roof, once housed a liquor distillery, and you can still enjoy a visit to the tasting house next door.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Inside, it’s all very standard at this chain hotel. For the same budget, or a few Euros more, you can find much more charming boutique hotel accommodations nearby (check out Hotel V Nesplein).

room

The rooms are relatively small, decidedly dull and a little dated, but do come equipped with comfortable beds, flat-screen TVs, and coffeemakers, and there are free Wi-Fi and air-conditioning.

Ask for a room on one of the higher floors if you’re noise sensitive.

bathroom

Cramped bathrooms feature glass-walled showers, some offer separate tubs too, plus all the other standard amenities.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Some bathrooms show a bit of wear-and-tear.

lobby

Large yet otherwise unremarkable.

Ask for a room on one of the higher floors if you’re noise sensitive.

dining

There’s a free Continental buffet breakfast.

drinking

The large lobby features a bar, but with so many great options nearby, we say “keep walking”.

LOCATION

Getting Around

Situated in a small pedestrianized street behind Dam Square, several sights and a lot of shops are almost on your doorstep, you have good access to the Old Center and the Canal District on foot, plus there’s a tangle of trams nearby that’ll take you wherever you need to go.

Restaurants

Restaurant Anna (6-minute walk) serves modern European cuisine in a stylish setting that forms a stark contrast to its location at the heart of the Red Light District. A 10-minute stroll will take you to one of the city’s most romantic restaurants, De Belhamel for French-Italian fare in a Belle Epoque ambiance. Or, if you’re so inclined, why not “go Dutch” at local food specialist Lt. Cornelis (9-minute walk).

Bars

For some of the most creatively presented cocktails in town, head to craft cocktail bar Tales and spirits (4-minute walk). If you’re planning a visit to the Red Light District Mata Hari (8-minute walk) offers a welcome respite with its retro atmosphere, comfy leather chairs and menu of local beers and bar bites (there’s a decent upstairs restaurant, should you want to stay for dinner, too).

WHY WE LIKE IT

Situated in a winding medieval alley behind Dam square, you’re paying for the location, but if you want to be at the center of it all, it’s a good one