Fodor's Expert Review Sir Albert Hotel

In the hip De Pijp district sits a former diamond factory turned atmospheric hotel with an urban, masculine vibe where, nestled into a comfy chair in the fireside library, it can almost feel like staying in a deluxe private mansion.

room

Contemporary guest rooms are done up in sleek browns and blacks, with the odd quirky touch. Some rooms feature original 19^th-century features like high ceilings and large windows. There are comfy queen size beds with crisp 300 thread-count Egyptian cotton linens, free WiFi, large flat-screen TVs and Geneva Bluetooth speakers. And, also a mini bar, a “goodie box with guilty pleasures” (not complimentary) and Illy espresso machines. Some rooms show a little wear (scratches on vanities and a stain or two), but the overall upkeep is good.

Sir Deluxe Room 433 with its sloping windows overlooking the Rijksmuseum and rooftops of Zuid is particularly characterful. With an almost suite-like feel, it offers good value for money!

bathroom

Most feature open-plan bathrooms with high-powered rain showers and all-natural Dead Clean bathroom products, while all suites also have Philippe Starck soaking tubs. There are also separate toilets, with Millefiori fragrance sticks, behind black glass doors.

YOU SHOULD KNOW While most rooms come with trendy cotton bathrobes, the sizes run small, so if you’re bigger than average, do bring your own. Also, if you’re shy and sharing, ask for a separate bathroom, because the open-plan design doesn’t leave much to the imagination.

lobby

Enjoy a glass of bubbly during your seated check-in, or relax in The Study filled with brown leather reading chairs, a library, whimsical art and an open fireplace, where you may be tempted to spend more time than you’d intended perusing books and magazines.

dining

Contact the concierge in advance to book a table at the buzzy IZAKAYA Asian Kitchen & Bar, which is filled with beautiful people every night; or if you're not in the mood to see and be seen, opt for the room service menu. A buffet breakfast is also served here, and it’s very good, indeed!

drinking

If you don’t feel like imbibing at IZAKAYA’s gleaming central bar made from old fuselage, you can also order a drink in The Study.