Hotel Not Hotel Amsterdam

The hotel offers a truly unique and artistic concept, with guests able to stay in creatively designed spaces such as bookcase rooms, a Volkswagen van, or a tram car, providing a memorable and unconventional experience. This distinctive approach makes it an ideal fit for young travelers, couples seeking a quirky getaway, and artistic individuals who appreciate innovative design. The staff are generally praised for their friendliness and helpfulness, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere. While the location is convenient, being close to public transport and in a pleasant neighborhood, many guests note that rooms can be very small and often lack proper ventilation, leading to discomfort, especially in warmer weather. A significant concern raised by numerous guests is the recurring issue of bed bugs, which has unfortunately impacted several stays. To ensure a comfortable visit, it is advisable to confirm room ventilation options and be prepared for compact living spaces.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel's facilities are designed to complement its unique concept, though some aspects receive mixed feedback. Most guests utilize the shared bathrooms, which are generally described as clean and well-maintained, despite their gender-neutral nature and sometimes awkward location near the bar area, requiring guests to walk through public spaces. Some guests, however, note issues with hot water consistency and drainage in the showers, occasionally leading to water pooling and requiring manual squeegeeing. While some rooms offer private bathrooms, these are often very compact and may lack proper ventilation. The hotel provides Wi-Fi for guest connectivity. For exploring the city, bike rental is available, which many guests find convenient. Common areas, including a library and various seating arrangements, contribute to a relaxed and communal atmosphere, fostering a hostel-like feel that appeals to many.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room comfort and cleanliness is notably mixed, with significant concerns raised by many. Most rooms are described as very small, often with no windows to the outside, leading to poor ventilation and making them stuffy and hot, especially during warmer months. The provided fans are often insufficient or noisy, failing to alleviate the heat. Many guests report a severe and recurring problem with bed bugs, leading to bites and considerable distress, with some rooms also showing signs of dirty sheets or general lack of thorough cleaning. Storage space is minimal, with rooms often containing only a bed and little to no area for luggage or personal belongings. While some guests find the beds comfortable, noise from common areas or adjacent rooms can be an issue, impacting sleep quality.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel features an attached restaurant and bar, "Kevin Bacon," which receives generally positive reviews for its offerings. The Thai food served at the restaurant is frequently praised for its quality and taste, making it a popular dining option for guests, with many highlighting it as a must-try. The bar is also well-regarded for its cocktails and lively atmosphere, often contributing to a pleasant evening experience with good music. Breakfast is available, though it is not always included in the stay and receives mixed feedback. Some guests find the buffet selection to be affordable and sufficient to start the day, while others describe it as basic or inconsistent in quality and variety, sometimes lacking expected items or being perceived as overpriced for the value provided.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a favorable location in a pleasant, less touristy neighborhood, offering a more authentic local experience. It is conveniently situated within a short walk to a tram station, providing easy and quick access to the city center and major attractions like the Museum Quarter and Vondelpark within 15-30 minutes. This makes it an excellent base for exploring the city while enjoying a quieter environment away from the bustling tourist crowds. While some guests mention concerns about the immediate surrounding area, the hotel itself is considered safe and secure. Parking is available, though it is often described as expensive and sometimes complicated to access, with guests occasionally facing issues with the system or finding alternative solutions.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff generally receives high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness, with many guests highlighting their welcoming demeanor and willingness to assist with various requests, from providing local recommendations to helping with bike rentals. The check-in process is often described as quick and efficient, contributing to a smooth arrival. However, there is notable mixed feedback regarding the staff's responsiveness and professionalism when dealing with more serious issues, particularly concerning room changes, promised refunds, or the pervasive bed bug problem. While individual staff members are often commended for their efforts, some guests report a lack of effective resolution or empathy from management when faced with significant complaints, leading to frustration and disappointment.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that despite its name, the establishment often feels more like a hostel than a traditional hotel, particularly due to the prevalence of small rooms and shared facilities. A significant and recurring issue is the hotel's handling of refunds, especially for guests who cancel or leave early due to the widespread bed bug problem; many report difficulties in securing promised refunds or receiving inadequate compensation, with some even alleging that management denies the issue. Some guests also mention unexpected additional charges upon arrival, such as a destination fee or city tax, which were not clearly communicated during booking. The hotel's unique concept, while appealing, sometimes comes at the cost of basic amenities like sufficient storage space or proper ventilation in rooms, which can impact overall comfort.