The Hoxton, Amsterdam

I had been a fan of The Hoxton ever since they opened up in London’s trendy Shoreditch and bustling Holborn, so when I heard the hotel group were opening up a third new one in Amsterdam, I couldn’t wait to check it out.  

I found the sister of these stylish London hotels, The Hoxton, Amsterdam, located in the centre of Amsterdam, along the Herengracht Canal, housed in a set of five traditional 17th century canal houses, one of which used to be the home of the Mayor of Amsterdam.

Inside, in keeping with the hip Hoxton vibe, I found interiors designed by local interior duo Nicemakers, the décor taking inspiration from the building’s history and local neighbourhood.

My room was warm and cosy filled with leather and natural wood furniture and dressed in earthy tones of browns, pastel greens and dark blues – the type of space that just invites you to curl up on the bed with a good book. Outside my window I was fully reminded of my Amsterdam location, with stunning canal views.

The next morning I awoke to the Hoxton’s signature breakfast bag in my room, which consisted of orange juice, a banana and granola yoghurt, all paired with fresh coffee. And after checking my e-mail with the room’s free Wi-Fi, I was ready to head out.

I hadn’t spent much time in Amsterdam before so I was eager to get out and explore the city. Just a short walk from the hotel, I found myself in the heart of the action at the magnificent Koninklijk Paleis Amsterdam – the city’s Royal Palace and the Netherlands answer to Buckingham Palace. The palace is still used by the Dutch monarchy for special occasions, but since today was not one of those, I was able to take a look around the opulent interiors and learn more about the Netherland’s royal history. After my exploration of the palace, I headed next door to see the city’s famous medieval church – De Nieuwe Kerk, where royal weddings take place.

My royal engagements done for the day, I made my way towards the Singel Canal to do what most locals do and hire a bicycle to cycle down the canal, stopping off for lunch at an alfresco café along the way. After my cycle, I had just enough time for a sobering, yet extremely interesting visit to the Anne Frank House Museum before a short walk back to my hotel.

Refreshed and renewed after a relaxing time in my room, I headed downstairs for a pre-dinner cocktail at the mezzanine bar – Up Top and followed this with dinner in the open lobby space at the Italian inspired restaurant - Lotti’s. A spacious and colourful space – half was filled with comfy chairs, cushions and a cosy fireplace for unwinding, while the other half was an elegant dining place with a glass ceiling, open kitchen and wrought iron chandeliers.

The Hoxton, Amsterdam, definitely lived up to its London-based sisters and if I was to ever visit the city again, I knew where I would be staying.