Hotel Arena
Author: Anothertravelguide.com0 COMMENTS
One of the most unusual hotels in Amsterdam; actually, it is more like an insiders club, worth paying a visit even if you are not staying there - in spite of the fact that Hotel Arena is located quite far from the city centre (in the middle of nowhere, that's the impression you get pedalling to the place for the first time), in the Oost district, between the fashionable Pijp and Zeeburg. The 1892 neo-Gothic red brick building was originally built as a Catholic orphanage, then it was turned into a home for the elderly but in the 1980s changed into a youth hostel. Finally, in 1997 it became a three-star hotel. Leave your bike in the special parking place, then go ahead and look for the To Stay sign on the left side of the yard-cum-outdoor café. The lobby looks a bit like an airport/railway station waiting-room. From there, passing through a lit-up and white-draped passage, you will find yourself in front of a giant staircase with marble pillars, monumental elaborate iron openwork banister and extravagant industrial chandeliers that create a weirdly exciting ambience, especially at night: you get this feeling that literally anyone can suddenly walk down the stairs to meet you... A sort of imaginary cinema.
To enter the passage that leads to your room you need an electronic key. Rooms are a bit like ascetic cells with only the most necessary things and nothing else; in some of them bedroom area is located in the second floor, in others everything is one the same level. Wood floor, quite large windows, laconic décor, a warm colour scheme and, most importantly, a feel of free and uncluttered space. The décor of the, comparatively speaking, luxury suites was designed by the Dutch design company IDing; the furniture was created by the top Dutch designers. There are 120 rooms and 7 suites in Hotel Arena. The building also houses the To Dine restaurant with its creative international cuisine, warm and understated interior designed by the Dutch interior designer Ronald Hoof and perfect service. Don't forget the To Drink bar and To Night nightclub with two dance floors located in a converted chapel.
Double room from EUR 110
51 S Gravesandestraat
SHARE:
ABOUT US • CONTACTS • RSS • FOLLOW US: 
ENG LAT
© anothertravelguide.com 2015
Anothertravelguide.com is an internet resource for independent travellers. All addresses listed on anothertravelguide.com - hotels, restaurants, shops, etc. have been tested and evaluated by our authors. All opinions are subjective and anothertravelguide.com takes no responsibility if any of these locations don't live up to your personal expectations, taste or mood, or has undergone serious changes since visited by authors and experts of anothertravelguide.com.