REVIEW: Holiday Inn Amsterdam (RAI) is your comfort hotel in the canal city

Like all Holiday Inn (InterContinental Hotels Group of IHG) brand properties, it bears a touch of minimalism from exterior.

As you walk in, it is a nice hotel but without any over-the-top razzmatazz. But when I checked in to the room, I was really thrilled. I just loved the colourful and yet neat setting- a shade of bright saffron dominating the interior with a nice bed, a good window view, a just right toilet, a good study table, a nice sofa set  and yes, a plate  of some good variety of sinful chocolates.

There is a Starbucks in the open lobby of the hotel besides bar offering Dutch beer, and a round the clock open kitchen for good measure.

My stay in Holiday Inn- a four-star property almost adjacent to Amsterdam RAI with an easy access to the airport- was relaxing and comfortable.

Location:

Holiday Inn Amsterdam is just two train stops from Schiphol Airport and a short tram ride from Dam Square. The hotel claims that with RAI metro and train station steps away, and the A10 highway nearby, it is easy to get around for business or pleasure. Well though not in city centre, I completely agree that it is a very good location with good connectivity for a very reasonable price. The Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum and Concertgebouw are easily reached by metro or tram.

Rooms:

Yes, I loved the colours of the room. The rooms are spacious with lots of natural light. They are decorated in calm, neutral tones with vivid accents of colour- my room for example was a bright saffron combined with a lighter tone of purple (read Purple Mountain Majesty). The study desk is good. You may not be enjoying a canal view of Amsterdam but the view is good and your eyes travel far from the windows. You get a view of the city and Amstelpark- which is one of Amsterdam's beautiful green spaces. The suites have private balcony while the Executive Rooms come with walk-in showers and handy desks. So Holiday Inn Amsterdam RAI rooms are complete with large king size bed, flat screen TV with multiple channels and High Speed WIFI.

Depending on your budget you can choose what they say- either a spacious, light-filled guest room, or  a refurbished executive room with superb views.

Dining and Wining:

The hotel has an Open Lobby, which is quite an inviting social space where you can sample an all-day international menu or catch up with friends over cocktails or a glass of Dutch Beer or you can simply unwind alone with a drink. For a quick bite, grab a snack and a Starbucks coffee from the To Go Café. You can play a few games yourself in the Game Corner with table football and several board games.    

Well, not the least for any hotel are its staff.  This hotel has a very friendly staff guiding you about Amsterdam tours or reaching you to trouble shoot anytime you want them.

This is a four-star property and I would give it four out of five in terms of comfort, location and affordability.