The Hoxton, Lloyd Amsterdam: a shiny new city hangout

A new page has been turned in Amsterdam . In recent years, the city has slowly shed its red light reputation, and in place of the seedy stag dos that used to descend upon its winding canals comes a clutch of exciting new developments. Included in this new chapter is The Hoxton ’s second opening in the Dutch capital.

Adding to Ennismore’s ever-expanding empire, and building on the success of their original property in the city centre, the hotel brand has stretched further afield to the Eastern Docklands, injecting its relaxed, contemporary style to this lesser-known district. Commissioned by the Royal Holland Lloyd Shipping Company in the 1920s, the landmark building it occupies has had many iterations — a shelter for Jewish refugees, an artists’ studio, and even a brief stint as a prison — before The Hoxton swooped in to reinvigorate the building and breathe new life into its storied walls. And thanks to the easy-on-the-eye interiors and relaxed neighbourhood feel, tourists and locals alike have been descending upon the Docklands since Lloyd Amsterdam opened its doors last summer.

Where?

The hotel sits within an industrial patch of the capital, framed by waterfront warehouses and slick office blocks. Unlike The Hoxton’s original outpost, Lloyd Amsterdam feels happily removed from the tourist-trodden sights, surrounded by wide open spaces and an easygoing vibe that’s positively tranquil. But this is a compact city, meaning that you’ll still be close to all of the action. It’s an easy peddle into town (the hotel has a fleet of bicycles to borrow), or catch a tram, and you’ll be at Centraal station within ten minutes. Hop on the Eurostar from here, or take a half-hour train ride to Schiphol Airport.

Style

This Art Deco masterpiece oozes plenty of cool in comparison to the twee Golden Age houses lining the canals. The Hoxton brings its signature colourful flair inside, yet dashes of the building’s history have been quietly embraced: think original tiling, bold signage, and a retro photo booth framing the hotel entrance. Breman Brasserie, the airy all-day restaurant is the centrepiece of the hotel, with soaring ceilings, striking artworks, and velvety banquettes to curl up in.

There’s a compact lobby where freelancers tap away under low-slung beams, and Barbue, the elegant hotel bar is a mélange of wooden panelling, and architecturally-shaped armchairs, all upholstered in geometric patterns and strokes of mustard and turquoise.

Facilities

This isn’t a 5-star hotel — nor is it cosplaying as such. There’s no spa or gym (this is the norm across The Hoxton’s properties), but stylish, clean bedrooms and buzzy places to eat and drink are a firm guarantee. Make sure to browse the hotel’s Hox Shop, which showcases a selection of souvenirs you can purchase from local artisans and brands.

Extracurricular

Whiz into the city on one of complimentary bicycles, or book a boat ride and cruise along the canals straight from The Hoxton’s private jetty. From here, you’ll be best placed to explore Amsterdam’s lesser-trodden neighborhoods; it’s an easy stroll to leafy Oosterpark, and through to the boutique shops and cafes of De Pijp. Or take the metro to Noord, which plays host to some of the city’s trendiest new restaurants. If you’re still hoping to tick off all of the touristy sights, the number 26 tram can whisk you into the city centre within minutes.

Food & drink

All-day restaurant Breman Brasserie fuses flavours from around the world, with fresh seafood taking centre stage: just-shucked oysters, lobster rolls, and crispy cod sandwiches jostle for attention on the extensive menu next to comforting classics (veal schnitzel and tomato vodka rigatoni), which are all followed up by a slice of Dutch apple pie.

Come morning, leisurely breakfasts are served up until midday, and on the weekends, service immediately rolls into brunch (expect bagel towers and Bloody Marys galore) with guests spilling onto the sun-soaked terrace outside. In a pointed nod to the hotel’s history, zingy cocktails are knocked back at Barbue, the hotel’s South American-inspired bar situated within the building’s former booking office — where Dutch emigrants once queued up to buy tickets for passage to Argentina and Brazil.

Which room?

A warren of carpeted corridors spans out to 136 hideaways. Bedrooms are functional but funky, awash in licks of blue, from teal panelling to velvety midnight-blue headboards. While compact bathrooms all have terrazzo-clad showers. As is the Hox way, all of the frills have been stripped back: toiletries are minimal, and minibars are empty, but you can purchase snacks from the reception downstairs.

For bedrooms with the most character, request one of the Studios in the eaves, where vaulted wooden beams prop up the ceilings, and interiors have been taken up a notch. A handful of unique concept rooms includes a party pad large enough to sleep five.

Best for...

Solo travellers, digital nomads, and groups of friends after a cool crash pad for their next city break.

Details

Room rates start from 189 euros. thehoxton.com

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