Amsterdam is one of my favorite cities in Europe, let alone the world, and I have definitely stayed in a wide range of accommodations during my visits. After trying several types of accommodations in many parts of the city, I have settled on the Hotel Vondel for its location, cleanliness and character. The Hotel Vondel is very near the Vondelpark which not only means the Van Gogh and Rijksmuseum are a short walk away, it also means that a green urban escape is close at hand. Plus, I can easily walk into the heart of Amsterdam for food and culture. But the selling point for me really is the wonderful interior of the hotel

I started only staying at the Hotel Vondel two years ago mainly because I like the look and feel of the place. The hotel is located along Vondelstraat, a lovely street lined with similar-looking brick townhouses. Inside, however, the Hotel Vondel transforms into a hip, chic boutique hotel. The lobby, restaurant and rooms are all done in a stylish black and white theme that relies on cool fabrics, simple black-framed prints and modern fixtures to remind you that the hotel is very up-to-date European. I enjoy the feel of this hip urban-ness after a day of wandering Amsterdam’s old streets. Most of the rooms are cozy (i.e. small) but include comfortable beds and nice amenities like wall-mounted flatscreen TVs. The breakfast is plentiful and a cocktail in the garden (weather permitting) is a great reason to stop your sightseeing early and come back in the late afternoon.