Arena Hotel Amsterdam

Excellent Hotel, great food and friendly staff the only problem when I was there was that the hotel entertainment system wasn't working.

This hotel is great if you like funky architecture and a modern, trendy feel to your room. The place was spotless and roomy for Europe with nicely apportioned space. The room comes with a tea kettle and tea bags which is a nice touch. The architecture itself was gorgeous - there was a cool contradiction between the trendy modern interiors and the old world building. I only had a drink but the bar and restaurant were nice and seemed reasonably priced. The only drawback is that you are away from the center of things and it was pricey.

I have been travelling to the Arena for several years now. But I was so pleasantly shocked to see the results of some great renovation work. The rooms -- always a little funky, but in a spotlessly clean and very tasteful way -- are now upgraded in condition. Very comfortable. The food is -- as always -- just out of this world. The staff is relaxed and very, very accomodating. BUT the requirement that one pay for Internet use in your room -- especially in such a hotel as the Arena, which might like to think that it has its finger right on the "pulse" -- is a big disappointment. This cheapens the experience there, because there is already so much generosity of light and space and consciousness. I actually find this to be a little niggardly, on their part. But, all in all, it's a great place to stay, and you don't have to swim through hordes of beer-guzzling English soccer rowdies every time you step out. There is just no one around, and the park next door is a resource you should NOT avoid!

- Very nice desig of the room; - I had initially some problems to find the room (n°120) because the indications of the room in the main hall was not very clear.

The building itself is a historic orphanage that had been several things including a hostel prior to becoming a hotel with a night club. The initial room assigned to us was a loft with a tiny couch, desk and bathroom downstairs and a bed upstairs via narrow spiral staircase. Not ideal for anyone who needs to use the toilet in the night. At least there was a TV in both areas. We requested another room since we thought this floor plan wasn't mentioned in what we had originally booked. The hotel was gracious enough to allow us to move to a much more spacious room on their top floor (elevator from 2nd to 3rd floor was broken). The second room was incredibly stunning. The room had very interesting lines and angles. The walls were painted white, had archway supports and attic-style walls. The bathroom was HUGE and the walls were black shiny subway tiles. There was a soaker tub and a shower in the bathroom. The angles and arches were in the bathroom as well. Not too many places to hang a towel and the place seemed like the remodel just was completed. We didn't find the mirror light switch to shut it off until we asked the front desk (it was "invisible" as it blended into the black tile). The front desk was helpful when directing us to a place to eat - the hotel does have a restaurant but we wanted to go into the neighborhood to check out local fare.

The hotel's exterior, as well as the interior, were beautiful. The rooms actually included a loft for sleeping, which was an unexpected treat. All accomodations inside the room were clean and modern. The location is in a quiet and safe part of the city, but conveniently close to tram stops and a metro station. There is a grocery store a few blocks from the hotel, which can provide meals for travellers on a budget. The hotel also rents out bikes on a daily basis at an affordable rate, so we could tour the city the way the locals do. The staff at the front desk all spoke english, and were tremendous in helping us get around the city in the most affordable way. I don't have anything bad to say about this hotel and would definitely stay there again.

The Arena is located only four metro stops from central station (therefore within easy reach) and close to the centre, but not so close as to have crowds walking around it. We were so lucky as to occupy one of the newly refurbished rooms and I must say that I was pleasantly impressed. Our room had very high ceiling; a very comfortable, clean, soft bed; very nice bathroom with toilet and shower and an upstairs sitting area, furbished with white, low chairs and a desk with tv. There was also a closet, a safe and an ironing board. Everything is brand new and looks very clean. The bathroom has indeed glass walls, but it is very dark glass and the middle part is not transparent. The airco works fine. We had no problem with the check-in and in the afternoon we went to the bar. They serve good food and prices are reasonable. I was very much impressed and would definitely recommend it, as I never found in major European cities, such a nice hotel at such a relatively low price.

amazing hotel. newly reconstructed design hotel for the ok price. personal very friendly, interieur very interesting. It was pleasure to stay there.

Amsterdam is one wild place. Stop in a coffee house and you'll see what I mean.... Don't do the canal tour on and off cruise offered by Gray Lines. It's a rip. Use the street cars. Sweet. The location of the hotel is not in the city center, but the transit system makes it not a big deal. Cabs are very inexpensive, too. The hotel is brand spanking new. Everything from sheets to floors are clean and fresh. The beds are more comfortable than any I have slept in around the world, or even at home for that matter! In May of 2009, the hotel was underpriced by at least 25%. If you can get a room under $140 euros per night, it is a screaming bargain.

The Arena Hotel was nice, but a little out of the way from the downtown area. The room was quite small, but enough for us. No TV provided. Breakfast was very good.