In 2012 I visited the Andaz, Amsterdam. (You can read the reviews here). It was the first Andaz in mainland Europe and was created by converting an old library. The property was new then and there were undoubted service issues. I decided to revisit it recently to see if anything had changed.

My trip this time would not include the wonderful suite I received on the last visit. However, it was still a pretty nice stay.

I had trouble locating the check-in staff on my last visit – but there was no such problem this time! I walked right in and someone immediately approached me to check-in. My lowest category room had been upgraded to a Canal view – which was a nice gesture as I was staying on an award certificate that I had won in a raffle!

I took the lift to the second floor, through the light show that is behind the glass elevator, and immediately above reception. This feature, still unique in my experience is a signature part of the hotel in my view.

Arriving at the second floor you are met with a designer version of the floor number, just to make sure you are where you should be.

I was is in Room 212 – about half way along the front of the hotel.

Opening the door revealed a novelly laid out room:

In the distance you can see the entrance door, to the left is the toilet and closet

To the right is the wash stand and shower:

There is a desk, below the large flat screen TV.

There were two, not very large, windows on to the canal. No noise came from the street really, always a worry in front facing rooms.

The King Bed was more than adequate and comfortable for the two nights I was there. WiFi was free and just required room number and name to login.

The arty fish remains an icon in the rooms.

The next morning I ventured down to breakfast and found that they had upgraded the experience, from my memory of the last stay. Having a free breakfast as a Diamond Gold Passport member is a great benefit, and this is still one of the few properties that lets you take that as either room service or in the restaurant. The employee who greeted me allowed me to pick the table I wanted, organised tea and coffee and then asked if I would like any hot food. I ordered some, and then went for a look around the buffet:

There was fruit, ham and fish also available.

My hot food turned up pretty soon and I have to say was very tasty.

After breakfast, and as it was such a sunny day, I ventured in to the small courtyard between the two parts of the hotel where there were some art installations of interest.

Wandering back in the hotel I remained impressed with how everywhere is a feast for the eyes. Bold colours, unusual design, and art all made me wake up and notice things.

Emerging from the lift I was surprised by another installation of the statue from the garden.

That night I ordered Room Service, which was hot on arrival, promptly delivered and filled the spot.

Overall, a very enjoyable stay. The property is not cheap by European measures, but if you stay with Gold Passport points, you can enjoy a world class city from a great location.