Staying at The Hendrick's Hotel, Amsterdam

Estelle Sarney in the lobby at the Hendrick's, Amsterdam. Photo / Grant Bradley

Estelle Sarney and Grant Bradley check into a boutique hotel in a 17th century canal house

Location:

A 10-minute walk south from the Central Railway Station, the hotel is set on the historic Prins Hendrikkade, the old northern border of the city where ships would sail to disembark. It is well located to explore Amsterdam by foot or bike.

Check-in experience:

We arrived early at 8am after a 27-hour journey from Auckland. The hotel's buffet breakfast was just being served, and the welcoming staff invited us to stay to eat and change. They stored our bags until our rooms were ready at 3pm, while we set off on their bikes to start exploring.

History:

Built into a charming 17th century monumental canal house facing the IJ waterway, The Hendrick's is a boutique hotel named after Prince Hendrick of the Netherlands, the country's longest serving prince consort (he served by Queen Wilhelmina's side from 1901 to 1934). The hotel was originally a "pakhuis" storing a range of trade goods, and upper rooms still contain the original wheel, ropes and rafters used to hoist goods between the street and the building's various levels.

Room:

A Hendrick's High King Quarters, a spacious 30sq m with high ceilings and plenty of natural light through large windows. The hotel has 25 rooms of seven types, including ones suited to a family, friends travelling together, or a couple on a romantic getaway.

Each is named after a special woman in Prince Hendrick's life (he is known to have had numerous affairs).

What's in the neighbourhood?

Everything you could want to see and do in Amsterdam. It's a short walk and an even quicker bike ride to historic canal streets, shopping and eating areas, boat docks, the central Dam square and the famous red light area. The museum district is about a 15-minute bike ride away.

Food and drink:

The foyer doubles as a restaurant for the small but perfectly formed buffet breakfast — muesli, cold meats, cheeses, fruit, and bacon and eggs. In the late afternoon the area becomes a bar (with a fireplace for winter), serving beer, wine and the largest gin and tonic I had seen in quite some time, presented in a giant wine glass. You even have the choice of Hendrick's Gin, which is actually Scottish, or the Dutch Bobby's Gin.

The view:

Tall windows opened into an enclosed rooftop courtyard, which was being renovated at the time. This could be a sweet space for a table and chairs in the future.

Bathroom:

Glossy white tiles, brass fittings and an open shower created a luxurious feel.

The one let-down was the lack of toiletries — a combined shower gel-shampoo is not what most women would hope for.

Wi-Fi?

Yes, free and good strength.

Price/Value for money:

€170 plus €7.50 for breakfast was getting up there, but it felt worth it.

Facilities:

We could hire bikes for €15 for the first day and €12 for the second — offering the perfect way to explore Amsterdam.

What's so good about this place?

Friendly, helpful staff make for a lovely introduction to Amsterdam, (they gave us a great tip for dinner) while boutique decor adds a touch of glam to a historic building with quirky points of interest, eg, abstract zebra carpet on the narrow staircase up to the rooms. Its location just outside the main tourist zone makes it easy to get where you want to go, and easy to escape the bustle for the calm of the hotel.

CHECKLIST

The Hendrick's Hotel is at Prins Hendrikkade 139, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Phone: +31 20 260 3000. Email: info@thehendrickshotel.com

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