A great place to stay in Amsterdam
Netherland’s capital Amsterdam is known for its elaborate canal systems, narrow houses, cycle paths and Red Light District. But we didn’t want to stay in the heart of the city and there was no need to when we found this great place to stay in Amsterdam, in a brand new hotel a mere 5 minutes away. For us comfort and value are key and we opted to stay close to the rail system, so found Mercure Hotel Amsterdam Sloterdijk Station was a perfect location for us. Situated 300m from the station we could easily connect with Amsterdam Centre which was just one stop away.
The hotel’s exterior disguised the beautiful, modern interior. The hotel is brand new and was very chic, modern and quirky.
Once we arrived in our Privilege room we again found a very chic interior, with subdued lighting making it appealing for setting our bags down and relaxing. The large, contemporary bathroom had a great selection of complimentary toiletries and a huge rain head shower which was most appreciated and a pure bonus after a long, delayed train trip from Brussels.
The massive room had a bed which looked like a huge cloud, soft and inviting with premium white bedding. The quirky décor included a large cardboard light above the bed and a huge portrait of Rembrandt to watch over us. On our bed we had some lovely cushions and a welcome gift, a lovely card with some Real wine gums, flavours of chardonnay and merlot.
We noticed some features we had never seen in hotels before, one being the buttons on the outside of the elevator, so you pre-set your floor before you enter. As you know there are bicycles everywhere in Amsterdam, even in the elevator. In our room we didn’t have any annoying tags to hang on the door for privacy or housekeeping, but instead an electronic button which lit up in the corridor.
The Restaurant and Bar, SkyLounge on the 8th floor was most welcoming and we found it had great ambience. We were greeted with a warm welcome each time we entered for a meal. The first night we arrived, we were tired and there was light rain so it was great after our comforting meal of fish and chips to sit and relax in front of the huge wall of glass sipping our warm beverage and watch the rain. The restaurant staff was very helpful suggesting a great dessert, Apple Tarte Tatin with cinnamon ice-cream and red berries which we both enjoyed. They even told us about an event to see the following day, the Amsterdam Light Festival.
We found the breakfast had an impressive selection, freshly squeezed juice, pastries, fresh cut meats and cheeses, omelettes made to order. And because we were in Netherlands where the Dutch people enjoy sprinkles on bread for breakfast I could induldge in my favourite childhood treat that was being offered in the breakfast selection, all with a view overlooking Amsterdam. To work off all the treats served, the hotel has a 24 hour fitness centre.
Overall we found the 172 room hotel had great facilities and spacious rooms with luxurious bathrobe, slippers and complete range of complimentary toiletries which in addition to the usual soap, shampoo, conditioner and body wash included a toothbrush, shaving set and vanity set. Our room was equipped with a Nespresso coffee maker with pods and a kettle and tea bags. We had a fridge with complimentary water and a safe large enough to fit our laptops. The hotel did provide a laundry service, but for the length of stay we had in Europe we had a quite a bit of laundry to do, so Googled a local self-serve laundromat in the area and took our washing there.
If you don’t want to stay in the heart of the city, but want value for money, (rates start from 67 EUR/night), then we highly recommend this hotel for its 4 star amenities and quiet location only 5 minutes from the rich culture and lively nightlife of Amsterdam.
What is your preference? Do you stay in the heart of the city or do you like us, prefer somewhere close by, but away from the tourist areas? Please leave a comment below and let us know.
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I’ve stayed at a Mercure hotel in London and really loved the aesthetic; this one seems just as beautiful. That’s a terrific idea, especially given how busy Amsterdam can be. And clever actual wine gums! Thank you for referencing #citytripping.
I found your blog by chance while planning a holiday to Australia. I actually work in the big office building behind the station (the one in the second picture). The area Sloterdijk use to be a office district but is becoming more lively with a lot of budget hotels, bars and restaurants. Long distance busses (flixbus) to many places in Europe also depart from the station. You can also easilly travel to the old cities of Haarlem and Leiden by train. 🙂
Fun! Amsterdam hasn’t been on our travel radar, but maybe it should be!
Thanks for linking up…
What a fantastic looking hotel – I like the contemporary design but the homely interiors. I never knew you could pre-set your floor on the elevator – how quirky! Thanks for linking up with #MondayEscapes
I really like the look of this hotel – cool decor and a great price for what you get…I guess that’s the advantages of staying a but out of town. We do rather like to stay in the heart of the city…especially with young kids so we can go back If they get tired or anything. Thanks so much for joining in #citytripping
Love the cool furniture and especially the light fitting.
Sally-Ann Brown recently posted…Family Trek to Nepal
That’s a great idea, especially when Amsterdam itself can get very booked up – I’ve stayed in a Mercure hotel in London and really liked the style, this one looks just as good too. And real wine gums – genius! Thanks for linking to #citytripping
Cathy (MummyTravels) recently posted…City Tripping #16
Visiting from Wanderlust Wednesday and Netherlands is one of my next places that I really want to visit! Major wanderlust going on over here!
A hotel that is convenient to but not in the city center is rare and a real gem, especially if the neighborhood around it has local restaurants and shops that are nice and save you money. this one looks stylish.
eileen g recently posted…By: Eileen P. Gunn
I do love Accor Hotels. This one looks great, and I’ve been meaning to go to Amsterdam forever. I’ve got some points to use, and if the price is right then I say why not stay just 5 minutes out of town. Especially if things in town get a bit rowdy…
Looks like quite the place to stay in Amsterdam … might have to try it when I visit there!
We belong to a few loyalty programs and so have never stayed at a Mercure hotel. Judging from your description and the excellent rates though, perhaps we should reconsider that policy when we are next in Amsterdam.
Linda Bibb recently posted…9 Best Things To Do in Banos, Ecuador
I’m a fan of Mercure hotels! They are generally pretty value for money! My favourite hotel in Hokkaido is Mercure Hotel Sapporo and I stay there by default when I visit. Thank you for linking up on #TravelTuesday! 🙂
Bumble Bee Mum recently posted…{Giveaway} Shangri-La Hotel Singapore ‘Family Stays for Free’ Staycation Package
What a great hotel! I remember I had a very comfortable hotel in Amsterdam, but it wasn’t so close to the center. How was the wine gum? 😀
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The Mercure looks very comfortable and well-located next to trains. For me, it depends on where I am. Some places are better suited to staying in or out of the city center. I also rely on loyalty points to book stays so this can be the deciding factor about where to stay. Need to visit Amsterdam, though, and will definitely keep the Mercure in mind! 🙂
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As we were travelling throughout Europe on trains the location was perfect for us. We also book using loyalty points and have a Le Club Accor membership to accumulate loyalty points and take advantage of members discounts. Thank you for your comment and for joining us in #TheWeeklyPostcard
When I visit a new urban area staying close to public transportation is a must. This looks like a luxurious option for Amsterdam. Thanks for the tip!
Elaine, you are spot on with staying close to public transport, the train from Sloterdijk could have us in the heart of the city in less than five minutes. Mercure was very luxurious, but a very cost effective option, thanks for linking up with #TheWeeklyPostcard.
Looks very nice to spend some time there. Not quite our budget at the moment but who knows. We stayed last time in a house boat for 80 Euros a night. Small but special.
It was indeed a lovely place for us to base ourselves and with rates starting from 67 Euros a night we found it very reasonable.