The Hoxton Amsterdam

What can I say about The Hoxton Amsterdam? Perfectly delightful.

I’ve frequently noticed more and more hotels moving toward a minimalistic design that appeals to the millennial jet-setter who desires a different kind of luxury — high-end, but eccentric and fun and hardly high-brow. The Hoxton offers just that vibe, anticipating your needs ahead of time and providing you with the right amount of niceties to make you feel “nice,” but not overly self-aware.

Step in to the lobby, which opens into the airy restaurant, and you’ll find the front desk is a glass case displaying an array of knick knacks and for-sale snacks and beverages, with vintage accents strewn about in a calculated manner.

© The Hoxton

When the front desk attendant sends you on your way, key in hand, you’ll head off to the spacious elevator, where you’ll take a few winding halls (in my case) to get to your guestroom, one of the 111, each with its own personality and quirks.

Mine offered a large bed with a tan leather headboard. On the walls were a geometric mirror and a similarly designed shelf stacked with books and more knick knacks, many reminiscent of something you’d find in your grandparents’ house, lovingly stored away but with no further use. A large window opened up to a courtyard below. The spacious bathroom offered checkered tile flooring and a black-and-white motif. The space managed to be comfortable and cozy while utterly stylish all at the same time, and it definitely makes you not want to leave.

However, leaving your room for the dining experience is a must (though you can have complimentary breakfast in bed by just marking a provided paper bag with your preferences and hanging it on the door knob — the bag comes back with your choice of yogurt, fruit and juices).

© The Hoxton

Lotti’s is the hotel’s restaurant, with a main seating area that has a retractable glass roof, providing a sunny atmosphere, even in winter. The menu is limited and seasonal, but the restaurant values quality over quantity, and they certainly deliver on that front. From the slow-cooked duck breast to the Parmesan and watercress ravioli, there’s hardly a wrong choice on the menu. The cocktails are equally pleasant.

The location is perfect — set right within the Canal District, you could step out and walk the streets for hours and never get bored, always finding a shop or café to stop into, and something new forever catching your eye. Book a canal-view room for an even better time during your Hoxton stay.