ARRIVAL/CHECK-IN: We transferred from an enjoyable stay at Hyatt Regency Amsterdam, so we were a little early. We arrived just as most guests were checking out, but the staff checked us in and held our luggage and said they would text me when the room was ready. That was fine with us, as the property sits in a perfect location, walkable to almost everything. We had a private small group tour arranged for Rijksmuseum, and so we walked over to the Museumplein area and enjoyed a beer at Cobra Café while waiting for our group. By the time we returned, our room was ready, our bags already delivered.

GUEST QUARTERS: We were in Room 415, facing the canal and far enough from the elevators to not hear people coming and going. We had a lovely view of traditional Amsterdam houses on the other side of the canal. The bathroom was one big open concept with an island containing a Delft sink, vanity and mirror on the right as you walk in. A little bench on the outside worked as a make-up area. The shower was around the corner off the island with its own entrance; oddly, you could look out through the glass of the shower but you could not look in. Opposite the sink and island were a closet and the door for the toilet, so after using the toilet, you had to open the door and walk around to wash your hands, not the most sanitary idea but worked for the space in the room.

Beyond the bathroom, the main bedroom held a king-sized bed and two smallish, built-in night tables, one with a plate glued catty-corner on the edge to offer a whimsical touch and a little more space. Near the window, a high-backed, gold-colored chair and mirror-topped round table became my workstation. On the opposite wall, a built-in entertainment center/desk offered a big-screen TV and a minibar.

SERVICES/AMENITIES: The main restaurant is Bistro Prins & Aap — named after the prince who lived behind the hotel (once a public library) and Aap (which means “monkey” in Dutch). As the story goes, the “prince” was a gentleman who lived in the back annex; and when the library was converted to a hotel, he often came out and shushed the workers (Prinsengracht also means Prince Canal, the location of the Andaz). You’ll see several statues around the property of the prince leaning forward with his hands cupped around his lips. Aap added a whimsical touch to encourage monkey business at the lively bar and restaurant. We had several meals here, often starting at the bar; Gloria, the hostess, always took good care of us, making everyone feel welcome and sharing some interesting stories.

The hotel serves breakfast daily toward the back of the property, overlooking a beautiful garden. Guests can choose between the buffet and cooked items, which were plentiful.

TOP TAKEAWAYS:

• Bistro Prins & Aap creates some great dishes; I recommend The Pork ’n‘ Tuna, presented on a “pig fish” serving figure.
• You can’t get a better location walkable to nearly everything in Amsterdam, and, with its modern Dutch design, the hotel displays artwork throughout.

ANDAZ AMSTERDAM PRINSENGRACHT
Prinsengracht 587 Amsterdam1016 HT The Netherlands
tel 31 20 523 1234
hyatt.com