When I found out we would be staying at the American Hotel Amsterdam, it immediately rang a bell. Why? One reason. Take a look.
Recognize this bench? It’s the bench used as a prop in the motion picture, Fault in Our Stars. Yes, my tween aged daughter and I loved that film. The Hotel De Filosoof in the movie is actually portrayed by the American Hotel Amsterdam, the retro, art deco hotel that sits in the center of the bustling Leidseplein. The real Hotel De Filosoof isn’t far, though, and it’s conveniently located right around the corner from Peter van Houten’s fictional house, which we admittedly didn’t frequent. However, we did hit other locations the main characters visited in the film during their trip to Amsterdam, and perhaps that is another post I will have to write….once I get through the dozens in the pipeline.
A Stay at American Hotel Amsterdam
In any case, we stayed at the American for two nights in a cozy and spacious family room with two twin beds near the window, which offered them a splendid view of the canals. Amsterdam isn’t a budget town but the American is relatively affordable in comparison to others. Rooms range in size and budget, from classic to deluxe, but all are spacious and comfortable. Our room was decorated in a modern style and offered great amenities including a coffee maker, a flat screened TV and free Wifi. The location couldn’t have been better and I loved its nostalgic, 1920’s look and feel.
Breakfast isn’t included, but there is a plethora of restaurants nearby, many that sell Dutch pancakes, which is what my son pined for every morning during our stay in Holland, but my husband and I did gravitate to the bar at Café American, also decked out in retro style with a restored vaulted ceiling. The hotel also offers a high tea in the afternoon, but we were too busy checking out Amsterdam’s museums to pay a visit, many of which are in proximity to the hotel in the city’s Museum Quarter, including the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum, both a 10 minute walk away. It’s also very close to a shopping area and Leidseplein tram stop, with direct services to Amsterdam Central Station and the airport.
Best of all, the hotel was good for the kids. My two enjoyed having a bit of space after long days out exploring Amsterdam. Vondelpark is a park with greenery and space to run around, and it’s located right nearby (and it was also a locale in Fault in Our Stars if you’re interested). It’s also a mere 250 ft from the DeLaMar Theatre and a short tram ride from the Anne Frank House.
Check the site for specials in advance of your booking.
Disclosure: I was provided with a complimentary stay but as always, all opinions are my own.
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