Fodor's Expert Review Hotel V Nesplein

On a pedestrian street of theaters, bars and hotels, mere minutes on foot from Dam Square and the Red Light District, this contemporary boutique hotel offers sleek minimalist rooms, a hip vibe, and staff eager to help guests enjoy their stay.

YOU SHOULD KNOW You’re at the center of it all here and the adjacent square attracts a boisterous crowd, so if you plan on having a few early nights, ask for a room at the back. The front rooms don’t offer much in terms of view anyway.

room

Rooms are simple but well designed, with vintage furniture, industrial open concept storage, velvety amber wallpaper, parquet floors (and, sometimes, walls!) plus most of the mod cons, such as Nespresso machines and flat-screen TVs. Oh, and they have mini fridges--they're just very well hidden (in what looks like a file drawer). Old theater posters in the hallways reflect the heritage of the district, where Amsterdam’s renowned liberal culture was born in the bawdy brothels, music and theater halls, and artists’ cafés that flourished here in the early 19^th century.

Ask in advance if you want a room with a bathtub as many include showers only.

bathroom

Very nice indeed, with matte black steel vanities, composite stone floors, sparkling white tile and roomy rain showers.

Make sure to grab plenty of Hotel V’s sublime sandalwood-scented Etika amenities before you go.

lobby

Though there's not much lobby to speak of, save for some vintage leather seating and a show-stopping oversize French theater chandelier, the lively library and restaurant (actually called "The Lobby") serve as a congregation point for locals and tourists alike to grab a bite or work on their laptops.

pool

None.

spa

None.

gym

None.

dining

With its cozy fireside Chesterfields and low-lit, playhouse decor−think tassled lamps, quirky animal portraiture and a raised podium−The Lobby Restaurant sets the scene for delicious tête-à-têtes. It not only serves as a de-facto lobby, but also as a popular local hangout and dining destination (the flammkuchen, are famous!), and there’s a covered outdoor terrace, too.

Reservations are advised. Yes, it really is that popular.

drinking

Stocked with an impressive line-up of local liquor, The Lobby Bar, with its curvy wooden bar, pre-oxidised copper counter, vintage crystal carafe lamps and amber colored theater curtains matches its spectacular looks with warm, welcoming service.

Ask about the Vieze Boekje, a “dirty little book” with off-menu wines brought back by the sommelier from his many jaunts abroad.