Holiday Inn Express Amsterdam - Arena Towers by IHG

The location made getting around easy. Bijlmer Arena metro station is very close, and from there the city center and airport are about 40 minutes away. Breakfast was plentiful and tasty, and the bathrooms were extremely clean. We booked two rooms for three days and arrived well before check-in, but they let us in early without any trouble. The receptionist was kind and polite. Both rooms were exceptionally clean, and the beds were comfortable. Each person had two pillows, one firm and one soft. I've stayed in more expensive hotels that didn't offer that, so I thought it was great. We had a late flight, and the hotel let us check out at 2 p.m. instead of 12, with no charge. I have no complaints and am sure my family and I would stay here again.

The continental breakfast that came with the stay was supplemented by scrambled and boiled eggs and warm tomato beans, which was a nice extra. I'd forgotten my shaving cream. The bathroom sign said the hotel provided those sorts of things, but the receptionist told me they only had toothbrushes. Later, I found travel-size toiletries in the little shop on the 2nd floor by the reception.

The room I got was very clean, and breakfast was good. The breakfast team were excellent too. I had a problem with a food delivery from outside, and reception sorted it out and helped me. The first key handover took a little while because it was crowded, but they handled it well. During my four-day visit I spoke with several people at reception, and they were all very good.

The hotel was comfortable and beautiful, and we were lucky to pick it for our Amsterdam stay. Alex at reception deserves a special thanks. He welcomed us so warmly that we forgot how tired we were. His helpful, smiling attitude throughout the visit made our vacation much more enjoyable. I'd give the hotel five stars without hesitation for his hospitality and professionalism alone.