Review: Hotel Novotel in Amsterdam

When the opportunity to visit the Hotel Novotel in Amsterdam came up, I jumped at the chance to not only stay but to attend the Grand Re-Opening event.  Having never visited the Netherlands, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised with both the accommodations and the staff.

Hotel Novotel - a gift to Amsterdam!

Novotel Amsterdam City is the largest 4-star hotel in Amsterdam.  It is located in Amsterdam’s business district, right by the Amsterdam RAI Exhibition and Convention Center and is a short walk to the RAI station, which can quickly connect you to the Amsterdam city center and Schiphol airport.  While the hotel is equipped to accommodate an entire group of up to 450 people for a conference (to meet in the brand new conference center), it is not just for business, but is designed for individual or family travel as well.

Upon arrival to the hotel, the first thing I noticed were the individual check-in counters.  It wasn’t one long counter like in many hotels, but there were five staff members available to greet and check in guests individually.  I also saw the Web corner with Mac computers (and free internet!) that are available for guests to use in the modern-designed lobby to check email or print plane tickets.  The check-in process was quick and efficient, and although I had arrived earlier than anticipated, my room was ready within 20 minutes.

My room was furnished with an extra long Queen-sized bed, loveseat, small table, and a work desk that could be pulled out to double as a table for two.  The room had Wi-Fi and ADSL available for a fee.  There was ample closet space, and had a minibar, safe, and coffee maker.  After the long day of traveling from Los Angeles to Amsterdam, I was pleased to find the bed very comfortable and slipped into a short nap.

TV dinner... or breakfast!

There are very few restaurants in the area, but I didn’t have any problem finding something I liked on the international menu in the restaurant in the hotel. Meal prices range from $15-30 USD, and everything that I had was delicious.  One of the most exciting features about the restaurant is the TV equipped dinner tables.  Designers for solo travelers, these one person tables have a TV and headset right there at the table!

The Grand Opening event the next night was a great success.  With everyone from the Novotel manager, Remco Groenhuyzen to the Managing Director of the Accor brand in the Netherlands, Caro Van Eekelen, to the (interim) Mayor of Amsterdam himself, it was surely a sight to see!  Novotel had arranged for Hans Klok, the famous Dutch magician to perform, and even gave away a car!  People on stilts dressed up as giraffes and trees to demonstrate the height of the ceiling (4-5m), and the room was split into an area with couches and tables and an area with a bar and standing room to demonstrate the variety of settings one can create with the conference center space.  It was a great event with a very friendly, happy atmosphere – everyone seemed to be having a good time!

The unveiling at the Grand Re-Opening event!

I would definitely recommend Hotel Novotel for business or independent travelers, or those traveling with a family (There is even a small video game room to keep children busy!).  I was disappointed that the fitness center was not finished during my visit, but the manager assured me it would be open within the next week, so by the time you visit it should be available!  The on-site restaurant, internet, and gift shop make it easy to grab anything you need before heading to sightsee in the city or to a business conference.

Hotel Novotel is located Europaboulevard 10, 1083 AD Amsterdam (map).  Book reservations online or by calling (+31)20/5411123.