Hotel Arena Amsterdam

Arena Hotel it is a very reasonable and gorgeous location, my girlfriend from Canada found it and it has became one of my favorites, the only thing though is that it is just a bit outside the city center, something that is hard for people who doesn't want to take public transportation or are not good with directions or maps.... Note: Taxis in Amsterdam and super expensive, usually start in 10 to 15 Euros minimum charge, while the trams are 2 Euros and go all over the city including right by the hotel. This Hotel is less than 10 minutes from the city center. But... there are not trams all night long. Walking is 25 minutes, it is quite safe walk as long as you have a map and don't get lost, nothing will happend to you anyway.

But if you are in Amsterdam, why not to get a bike? you will be there in 10 minutes from the city center.

http://www.hotelarena.nl/

I was very looking forward to my stay at Amsterdam's Hotel Arena. The website certainly gives the impression of a very unique boutique style hotel.

The lobby didn't fail to impress, from rich velvet drapes to grand imposing staircases, it gave off a very gothic yet modern feel. Check in was simple and we were advised our room was on the first floor. Sadly this meant lugging our cases up said grand imposing staircase. If there was an elevator we certainly weren't told.

The building itself dates back to the late 1800s and was previously an orphanage before being renovated. Unfortunately it would have seemed that our room had been forgotten about, because we certainly felt like orphans once inside. The room was freezing to start with, with old fashioned iron radiators that came on at a certain time in the morning and again at night. This meant we had no control over the temperature, not good in February when its still really really chilly. The 'wardrobe' was literally a high school locker with a rail inside, just as narrow and just as flimsy. The bathroom was basically a dirty tiled cubicle without a curtain or door so any heat was just escaping, and then stepping back into the freezing bedroom afterwards... brrr. The TV was fixed on a wall bracket high up the wall and was straight from the 80s, with about 5 channels. In the lobby there were a couple of computers available, at about 3 euros per 30 minutes, or you could purchase a days wi-fi for 15 euros but only for use in the lobby.

Naturally we weren't thrilled but were told by the hotel that the place was entirely booked due to it being Valentines Weekend so there were no other rooms to give us. Suffice to say, we didn't have a particularly romantic time!

Sadly I cannot redeem this hotel by saying what a great location it was. It wasn't central and the nearest tram stop was a good 10 minute walk, and trams 9 & 14 got you into the centre within 10/15 minutes. It was close to the Zoo however, which was good as on one of our days there we visited and had a really nice time.

The impression I get about this hotel is that it really is luck of the draw when you stay here. Having read other reviews on tripadvisor etc it would appear that some of the rooms are really nice, comfortable and modern. Sadly we didn't see this, and it would certainly prevent me from staying here again!