Hotel Review
Location:
Hilton Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is linked via a covered walkway to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport and with the city centre being only 20 minutes away by train, the hotel is ideally located for a city break or overnight layover.
Arrival and check in:
After arriving into Schiphol Airport on board a KLM flight we followed signs from Border Control to the railway station. A step-free elevated walkway led us directly to the hotel, taking us around 8 minutes without needing to go outdoors.
The hotel features rooms set around a stunning atrium furnished with leather sofas, a cocktail bar and reception desk.
We were greeted by a friendly member of staff who had us checked in speedily and soon we were taking one of the high speed lifts up to our room.
The Room:
Rooms either have atrium or outside views and despite it being dark we enjoyed the night time views from our cutting edge designed diamond shaped windows. The room had an extremely comfortable pair of twin beds dressed with the finest Egyptian cotton bed linen.
Being located so close to the airport I would have expected some noise but with good soundproofing, it was perfectly quiet and we had an undisturbed night’s sleep. Wall decorations featured abstract designs with artwork inspired by canals and old Dutch trade routes.
The spacious room was furnished in contemporary style and benefitted from a large work desk, an armchair with its own footrest, a huge television and a well stocked mini-bar concealed in a curved cupboard alongside an espresso maker and kettle.
Moving into the shower room, it ticked all the boxes with its huge walk-in shower, huge towels, bathrobes and luxury British Crabtree and Evelyn toiletries.
Dining:
We enjoyed a delicious breakfast in the hotel’s stylish Dutch themed Bowery Restaurant. The vast buffet was one of the best I’ve come across for some time and with made to order omelettes we were spoilt for choice.
We’d arrived too late the night before to experience dinner but glancing at the menu it offered a wide range of dishes from poké bowls through to Jasper grills and Asian dishes. The restaurant features a small outdoor terrace but this may prove to be a little noisy for some due to the proximity of the airport.
Facilities:
The hotel boasts a well equipped spa, steam room, sauna and jacuzzi with pre-bookable treatments available. As can be expected from an airport hotel it also benefits from several meeting and conference rooms which are of varying sizes, each of them individually decorated.
Located in one corner of the light and airy atrium stands a cocktail bar with high stools and leather sofas. Departure screens are discreetly placed in the lobby to keep you updated on flights, allowing guests to linger in the hotel’s cosy lobby rather than the hustle and bustle of the airport itself.
Out and About:
Amsterdam is one of my favourite European cities and if time allows I would recommend taking the train into the city centre to explore. Below are my suggestions of interesting things to see and do.
Canal Cruise
Canal’s are synonymous with the city and if you don’t have time for much else, I suggest taking a boat trip. Circle Line Cruise, €16 and included in the IAmsterdam Card depart from outside Anne Frank’s House and from the comfort of the boat you can view the city from the perspective of the water on the 75 minute trip.
Rijksmuseum
Visit the Rijksmuseum, the National Museum of the Netherlands. This vast museum contains over one million artworks and covers 800 years of the Dutch Masters from 1200 to the present date. It would be almost impossible to view the entire museum in one visit so I suggest selecting highlights starting first with the Gallery of Honour, displaying masterpieces by the Dutch Golden Age artists including Rembrandt, Hals, Van Gogh and Vermeer. The museum’s most famous painting is Rembrandt’s Night Watch which takes pride of place at one end the gallery.
Amsterdam Tulip Museum
Alongside canals, windmills and clogs, tulips are closely associated with the Netherlands. The Amsterdam Tulip Museum is only small but showcases the history of the tulip from its origins in Central Asia to the Tulip Mania and cultivation techniques employed today. It’s located on Prinsengracht close to Anne Frank’s House.
Houseboat Museum
At the Houseboat Museum, you get the chance to experience first-hand what it’s like to live in a houseboat on an Amsterdam canal. The Houseboat Museum is located in the “Hendrika Maria”, a former cargo ship built in 1914. Its cargo hold is now a cosy living space and is interesting to view.
A’DAM Tower
Take the free Buiksloterweg ferry from behind Amsterdam Central Station for the two minute journey across the IJ to the north bank. Enjoy a stroll along the promenade before taking the lift to the top of the A’DAM Lookout Tower. The observation deck offers panoramic views across the city with thrill seekers having an opportunity to ride on Europe’s highest swing ‘Over the Edge’ dangling 100 metres above the ground.
Overall:
The Hilton Amsterdam Airport hotel is definitely the place to stay when travelling to or from Schiphol airport as unlike most airport hotels, guests can easily walk there without needing to take a shuttle bus. With its unusual architectural styling it didn’t feel at all like a bland airport hotel and we enjoyed our stay very much.
Details: Hilton Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Schiphol Boulevard 701, Schiphol, 1118 BN, Netherlands.
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