The Hoxton Amsterdam

I remember the first time I walked into The Hoxton lobby, I thought, ‘This is not a hotel, this is someone’s cool place.’ My friend Sara brought her parents here last April, and her mom called me afterward just to say thank you. That’s the vibe you get here. It’s not flashy or over-the-top, but it’s the kind of place that makes you feel like you’re staying somewhere special without trying too hard. The hotel sits right on Herengracht, which is one of the prettiest canals in Amsterdam. I know it sounds like a cliché, but waking up to that view in the morning with the light hitting the water—it’s one of those moments that makes you remember why you came to Amsterdam in the first place. The rooms are cozy, not huge, but they’re designed in a way that makes them feel lived-in and comfortable. My roommate Tom actually booked a room here for a weekend trip last spring, and he said the room felt like a well-decorated apartment, which is exactly what you want when you’re staying somewhere for a few nights. If you can swing it, go for a canal view room. It’s not just about the view—it’s about how the morning light hits the water, how the canal reflects the sky. The lobby is where the real magic happens. Locals come here to work, to grab a drink, to hang out. They’ve got free coconut and lemon water all day, and the bar serves solid cocktails at night. I’ve seen my neighbor come here to work on his laptop and then chat with the bartender over a drink. It’s not just a hotel, it’s a space people actually want to spend time in. The location is perfect. You’re in the Jordaan, so you’re literally steps away from the Nine Streets, Anne Frank House, and Café de Pijp. It’s the kind of neighborhood that makes you feel like you’re walking through Amsterdam instead of just visiting it. Breakfast isn’t included in the cheapest room rates, but if you can get it, do. The granola is weirdly good, and the avocado toast actually lives up to the hype. I once stayed here with a group of friends, and we all ordered breakfast for the whole group, just because it was that good. I’ve also heard that the hotel is pet-friendly and has family rooms, so if you’re traveling with kids or a furry friend, that’s a plus. But here’s the thing—book early. My friend tried to book a weekend in June last year and everything was gone. It’s that popular, and with good reason. It’s not a place you’d expect to see a lot of tourists, but it’s also not some back-alley hostel either. It’s a place that feels like it belongs in Amsterdam. If you want to stay somewhere that’s walkable, has a great vibe, and is a bit more than just a place to sleep, this is it. It’s not the cheapest, but it’s worth it. And if you’re thinking about booking, check if that deal’s still on—prices change, and you don’t want to miss out on a room with a view.