THE HOTEL: On the banks of the River IJ in the Eastern Docklands area and with great views, this 408-room hotel is in an excellent location adjacent to the cruise passenger terminal, next to the Muziekgebouw concert hall and an easy ten-minute walk from Central Station with its rail link to Schiphol Airport.
THE CHECK-IN: Quick and efficient as I was checking in late, at 10pm. No queues.
THE ROOM: I was on the 19th floor, in an executive floor room. It was a good size, contemporary in style, and in neutral colour palette, well-lit by a large picture window. The room had all you would expect: a desk with wired and wireless internet access, air conditioning, iron and ironing board, laptop-size safe, TV (not flatscreen but with satellite, on-demand programmes), pillow menu, good wardrobe space, a Nespresso coffee machine, personal stereo, bottles of water and a bathroom with a large shower (no bath) and pleasing Hydro amenities.
THE BUSINESS: A business centre in the lobby had two computers and free internet access plus there is an impressive 912m2 conference centre divided into a dozen meeting rooms with bags of natural daylight and high ceilings, plus free wireless internet. Matterhorn is the largest, taking 600 for cocktail receptions or 450 theatre style. The smallest are six rooms that can accommodate 16 boardroom style.
THE FACILITIES: Underground car park, executive floor and lounge, outdoor terrace, 24-hour room service, cosy bar on the ground floor with extensive whisky selection, bicycle rental service, gym, Finnish sauna and treatments on request. There's also a free shuttle every 30 minutes to Central Station.
THE RESTAURANT: Good food, as ever, in this Mövenpick hotel. There is an all-day restaurant, Silk Road, on the first floor offering trendy East/West fusion food. There is formal seating and a more communal feel to the space with long bench seating that allows a chance to chat to other guests over breakfast, for example.
THE VERDICT: It's a great hotel in a great location. I loved the look and feel of the place and the non-stuffy staff who were warm yet efficient at the same time.
THE DETAILS: Möevenpick Amsterdam, Piet Heinkadell, 1019 BR Amsterdam. Lead-in rates from 139 euros standard room, 209 euros for an executive room. Tel: 0207 690 0634;
See: www.moevenpick-hotels.com. Gillian Upton
