Amsterdam American Hotel—Hampshire Eden
Leidsekade 97, Amsterdam, North Holland, 1017PN, Netherlands, North Holland 1017 PN, The Netherlands
Why We Like It
This listed landmark combines turn-of-the-last-century charm and a world-class brasserie with a fantastic location.
Fodor's Expert Review
Calling this 1902 assemblage of turrets, gables, stained glass, and a clock tower home for even a day or two is an unexpected pleasure. Once “Amsterdam’s first modern hotel”−it was built in the Viennese Renaissance style with American influences and was the city’s first hotel with an elevator−it feels a little dated today, but room renovations are planned for early 2018. Location-wise, you’re just off bustling Leidseplein, in the center of Amsterdam’s theater district, and near the city’s Big Three museums.
You Should Know Some rooms could use a refresh, so look before you commit.
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Room
Guest rooms are sizable, bright, and furnished in a modern style inspired by Art Deco. All have views of the Singel canal or bustling Leidseplein square—the latter come with small balconies. Amenities include Nespresso coffee makers, flat-screen TVs, well-lit desks, lovely large mirrors, a minibar and a pillow menu.
Bathroom
Small bathrooms currently feature rather boring bathroom products and outdated shower-in-bath combos, but we were told these will soon be replaced with walk-in showers.
Lobby
While there are some interesting features, including a charming trunk that once belonged to one of the hotel’s live-in maids, a beautiful brass candelabra, and picture wall with the history of the hotel, the lobby feels impersonal. So if you’re looking for a place to relax, head for the atmospheric Café Americain instead.
Tip If you’re coming from Schiphol International Airport, take bus 197, which takes you almost all the way to the hotel for only €5.00 (get off at the Leidseplein stop).
Spa
No. But there is a sauna.
Gym
While there is a fully equipped gym with everything you need for a work-out, why not take advantage of the nearby park for a jog instead? Or rent a bike and see the city like a local.
Dining
Restaurant Café Americain has long been a popular meeting place of Amsterdam’s cognoscenti, but after its recent spruce-up and the appointment of Michelin-starred Signature Chef Peter Gast, it’s now a better place than ever to dine on “accessible brasserie classics with a twist”. Whether you stay inside to soak up some authentic Art Deco atmosphere and live piano music under high arched ceilings or head outside to enjoy the excellent people watching on one of Amsterdam’s most iconic terraces−alongside a beautiful fountain next to Leidseplein−you’re in good hands. Breakfast (not included) is also served here.
Tip Check out the carousel door, featured in the Amsterdam-based movie "A Fault in Our Stars".
Drinking
Eye the original Jugendstil wall murals of “A Midsummer’s Night’s Dream” while you enjoy classic cocktails and local liquors at the stylish green Italian marble and brushed brass bar, which takes pride of place in the center of Café Americain. Or settle into adjacent Bar Americain for a drink.
What's Nearby
Getting Around
Nightlife, dining, and shopping are near at hand, plus you have great access to Amsterdam’s Museum District with the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Stedelijk Museum within walking distance. From here, you can cover a cross-section of South, West, and Centrum on foot. There are also various tram stops nearby.
Restaurants
If all you crave after all that airplane food is something simple and clean, get your chicken ramen kick at Umaimon (3-minute walk). But if you’re up for a lighter take on Gallic cuisine in an atmospheric Golden Age landmark, The French Connection (12-minute walk) is a go. De Foodhallen (7-minute cycle), Amsterdam’s lively indoor food court, provides plenty of choice for even the pickiest of eaters with over 20 food stands.
Bars
Yes, there are many touristy cafes around adjacent Leidseplein, but a 10-minute walk away you’ll find locals' favorite Gollem’s Proeflokaal, a dark and cozy Belgian beer café with more than 180 bottled brews and 22 on tap. And, Bar Oldenhof (10-minute walk) in pretty Jordaan, offers a wide range of whiskeys and reasonably-priced cocktails (by Amsterdam standards, that is) in a bar with a nouveau gentlemen’s club vibe.
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