Amsterdam's Hidden Gem: WestCord Art Hotel's 3-Star Luxury!
Amsterdam's Hidden Gem: WestCord Art Hotel's 3-Star Luxury! - A Review That's Actually Real (and a Bit Rambly)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I’m about to spill the beans on the WestCord Art Hotel in Amsterdam. And let me tell you, it’s not your average cookie-cutter hotel review. This is the real deal, warts and all, from a seasoned traveler who's seen more hotel rooms than she cares to admit. This isn't a paid advertisement; this is my truth, man. And SEO? Yeah, we'll sprinkle that in, but first, the feels!
The Vibe: Artistic, Approachable, and Actually Comfortable
First off, let’s be honest: Amsterdam is expensive. So, when I saw the WestCord Art Hotel's 3-star rating, I was bracing myself for a cramped, bare-bones experience. Wrong. So. Freaking. Wrong. This place is a total vibe. It's got art plastered everywhere (duh, Art Hotel!), but it's not pretentious, like a gallery that's trying too hard. It's relaxed, friendly, and feels genuinely welcoming. The reception staff were genuinely brilliant, not just saying the right things, but actually kind. We're talking about a place that gets the balance right: stylish enough to feel a bit fancy, but comfortable enough to plop down on the sofa in your PJs and eat a stroopwafel.
Accessibility: Making Life Easy (and That's Priceless!)
Okay, let's get practical. This is important (and I'm not just saying that because I'm trying to rank well in search results!). The WestCord Art Hotel is seriously good on accessibility, and that's hard to find sometimes.
- Wheelchair accessible: Yep! They've got elevators and rooms designed for accessibility. Score!
- Facilities for disabled guests: Tick. Always a good sign.
- Elevator: Seriously, a must-have in Amsterdam!
- Accessibility is a game changer. It's a HUGE relief.
Rooms: Cozy, Clean, and Surprisingly Well-Equipped
Okay, Let's dive headfirst into the room. As a travel blogger, I've seen the good, the bad, and the ugly. The WestCord Art Hotel delivered.
- Air Conditioning: YES! A godsend in summer, or if you are like me and just run hot all the time.
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (That's Free Wi-Fi, people!). Needed to write this review out so badly.
- Towels, Slippers, Toiletries: Check, Check, and Check!
- Bathrooms were clean, well-maintained.
- Non-Smoking: Very Important!
- Daily Housekeeping: It's the little things, you know? Coming back to a made bed feels luxurious.
- Mini Bar: Because sometimes, you just NEED a cold drink after a long day of exploring.
- Blackout Curtains: Crucial for battling the Amsterdam sunrise.
- Soundproofing: Thank goodness! Especially as you are in the city.
- Safety/security feature: This is a must.
The "Stuff" and the Extra Perks
Okay, okay, let's get into the nitty-gritty, I know what you want.
- Internet: Internet [LAN], Internet services – all present and accounted for!
- Daily disinfection in common areas: reassuring.
- CCTV in common areas: makes you feel safer.
- Check-in/out [express]: because ain't nobody like standing in line.
- Luggage storage: a lifesaver on your last day!
- Cashless payment service: convenient and modern.
- Breakfast service and Breakfast [buffet]: I'll get to that later.
Where Things Shined (and Where They Could Improve a Little)
Okay, honest moment:
- The Gym/Fitness: I peered in. It was fine. Not the biggest, but functional. I'm a "cardio after stroopwafels" kind of gal, so…
- Swimming pool, Sauna, Spa/sauna, Pool with view, Steamroom, Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage: NONE. Sigh. Okay, this is a BIG down side for me. Amsterdam is a walking town, and after a day on your feet, a pool or even a hot tub would be LUXURIOUS.
- Restaurants, Bar, Coffee shop: were decent, nothing mind-blowing, but definitely convenient.
- A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant: All kinds of eating available.
The Food: Breakfast Blues (But With a Silver Lining)
Okay, let's talk breakfast. Look, I'm a breakfast person. I love a good buffet. And while the WestCord Art Hotel's breakfast buffet was good, it wasn't amazing. The usual suspects were there – eggs, bacon, pastries, fruit. But, hear me out… On one morning I ordered Breakfast in room (it's an option!). And oh my god, that was an experience. I had the most perfect croissant. It was fluffy, buttery, and I ate it in my PJs while watching Netflix. Pure heaven. So, while the buffet is adequate, the in-room breakfast elevates the experience. And they have Breakfast takeaway service if you're in a hurry.
The Little Things That Matter
This is where the WestCord Art Hotel really scored points.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Made me feel safe.
- Professional-grade sanitizing services, Rooms sanitized between stays: essential in today's world.
- Air conditioning in public area: A huge relief when you're escaping the Dutch heat!
- Convenience store: for the little forgotten essentials.
- Gift/souvenir shop: perfect for grabbing last-minute presents.
- Wake-up service: for those early morning canals tours.
- Daily housekeeping: a little luxury goes a long way!
Things to do! (And Relaxing Too, Actually)
Amsterdam is jam-packed with things to do. Here's some of the things you can do:
- Getting around: There's Airport transfer and Taxi service, and they can arrange a Bicycle parking if you’re feeling adventurous
- Things to do and ways to relax: This hotel is surprisingly well positioned to do both!
Things to do – and Relaxing Too, Actually
Amsterdam is a city that moves at its own pace, which is why I would recommend this hotel.
The Verdict: Go Book It! (But Manage Your Expectations)
Look, the WestCord Art Hotel isn't flawless. It's a 3-star hotel, so don't expect the Ritz. However, it is awesome! It is a seriously good value for money, especially considering the location in Amsterdam.
Here's My Honest Take:
- Cleanliness and safety: Top marks. Felt safe and secure.
- Service: Friendly, helpful, and efficient.
- Room: Comfortable, well-equipped, and surprisingly spacious.
- Facilities: Pretty good.
**The *Offer* for Amsterdam's Hidden Gem: WestCord Art Hotel's 3-Star Luxury!**
Book Now and Get:
- A Special Offer: Save 15% on your booking when you use code "AMSTERDAMGEM" (offer valid for bookings made before [Date]).
- Free Upgrade: Subject to availability, receive a complimentary upgrade to a room with a canal view.
- Early Check-in/Late Check-Out: Subject to availability, let us help you plan your trip and give you the best experience!
- Free Breakfast for Children (Under 12)
- Complimentary Bottle of Wine on arrival.
- Book now for the best rates.
Why Choose WestCord Art Hotel?
- Prime Location: Ideally situated for exploring Amsterdam's top attractions.
- Affordable Luxury: Enjoy a stylish and comfortable stay without breaking the bank.
- Artistic Atmosphere: Immerse yourself in a creative and inspiring environment.
- Exceptional Service: Experience the warmth and hospitality of our friendly staff.
- High Safety Standards: Rest easy knowing we prioritize your safety and well-being.
**Disclaimer: This review is based on my personal experience during my stay. Your experience may vary. All opinions are my own. This is in no way a sponsored post. I have been a travel blogger to many hotels, and I would recommend this one. I
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because you're about to dive headfirst into my Amsterdam adventure… and let me tell you, it was less "polished travel influencer" and more "slightly bewildered tourist clinging to a map like a life raft." We're talking WestCord Art Hotel Amsterdam, a 3-star experience that… well, let’s just say it was an experience.
Day 1: Arrival and the Art of Being Lost (and Loving It)
10:00 AM: Touch down at Schiphol Airport. Honestly, the airport itself felt like a modern art installation. So many people, so much… stuff. Finding the train to Amsterdam Centraal was the first test. I, naturally, almost got on the wrong one. (Note to self: learn to distinguish between "centraal" and "amstel," especially after a red-eye flight.)
11:30 AM: Arrived at Amsterdam Centraal, which is breathtaking. Then, immediately plunged into the chaotic beauty of the city. Trams, bikes, people… it's sensory overload in the best possible way. Took a tram to the hotel. Which was an ordeal, since I hadn't bought a ticket the proper way, and wound up paying a crazy premium to the driver. "This will be an experience" I thought.
12:30 PM: Check-in at WestCord Art Hotel. Right, the hotel. It is art-focused. The lobby is… well, it's "eclectic." Think brightly colored chairs, some slightly bizarre sculptures. Definitely not your beige-and-brown chain hotel. The receptionist seemed unfazed by my rumpled appearance and general state of jet lag.
1:30 PM: Room settled in. The room… okay, let's be real. It was compact. Cozy. A generously sized walk-in closet that doubled as a hallway perhaps. But the views! We were on the third floor. We could view the city, and all its oddities, its beauty. Everything. I'd call it a fair trade. I immediately fell asleep.
4:00 PM: Woke up with a jolt. Needed food, immediately. Wandered out, map clutched in my sweat-soaked hand (no, seriously, I sweat a lot). Got hopelessly lost, which, in Amsterdam, is a feature, not a bug. Ended up stumbling upon a little brown café, "De Wester," near the Jordaan. The scent of fried food and stale beer was intoxicating. I ordered bitterballen (delicious fried meatballs) and a beer. The beer, by the way, was cold and perfect. The bitterballen? Deep-fried heaven. Sat there, people-watching, feeling the city wash over me. Lost in the moment.
6:00 PM: Attempted to navigate back to the hotel. Another wrong turn. Found myself in front a brightly-lit store selling… well, it wasn't immediately clear what it was selling. "Sex toys" I guessed, based on the window. I laughed, then kept going.
7:00 PM: Finally made it back (ish) to the hotel. Ate a sad microwaved meal I found in the room.
9:00 PM: Collapsed into bed, utterly exhausted, and already utterly in love with Amsterdam.
Day 2: Canals, Cheese, and Cranky Customers
9:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. The breakfast buffet was… adequate. Bread, cheese, and some mystery meat. I did discover a fondness for Dutch cheese, though. (Tip: the Gouda is delicious).
10:00 AM: Canal tour. The absolute best way to see the city. The boats are crowded but the views… the buildings leaning every which way, the houseboats, the way the light hits the water… Absolutely magical. The tour guide's dry wit was a bonus. Every so often he'd say "This is the Anne Frank house. It's a very important house."
12:00 PM: Cheese tasting at a shop. OH. MY. GOD. HEAVEN. I love cheese, but Dutch cheese is on another level. Tried everything. Aged cheese, young cheese, cheese with herbs, cheese with… um… stuff. Maybe I ate too many samples.
1:00 PM: Walked around the Jordaan district. Charming, quirky shops. Spent a small fortune on a vintage scarf and a postcard of a cat wearing a monocle.
2:30 PM: Van Gogh Museum. Okay, this is the moment I went from "loving Amsterdam" to "bawling in a museum". His work is just… raw, emotional, powerful. Spent over two hours there.
5:00 PM: Ate some bland fries.
7:00 PM: Dinner at a restaurant… I forgot the name. But, it was a bit further out from the hotel, and the server was cranky and seemed to hate tourists. "Here's your food" he grumbled. The food was great, though. Fish dish.
9:00 PM: Passed out again.
Day 3: The Art Hotel's Quirks, and Heartbreak
9:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel (again). Someone had switched the coffee. It was horrible.
10:00 AM: Wandered the hotel grounds. The hotel had some quirky touches, like the rooms dedicated to "art". Each room was different. The "blue room," the "red room," the "green room." I was jealous I didn't get a cool room.
11:00 AM: Went to see the hotel's art gallery. And ohhh my, it was not good. I won't lie. I'm not an art critic, but even I could tell that the art was subpar.
12:00 PM: Stumbled back to the hotel room. Discovered there was a leak, and the room was flooding. I felt…defeated.
1:00 PM: The most depressing sandwich of all time.
2:00 PM: Spent the afternoon packing, and leaving.
4:00 PM: Heading to the airport. Amsterdam, you broke my heart just a bit.
Final Thoughts:
WestCord Art Hotel? Well, it was a mixed bag. The rooms could use an upgrade (and, you know, not leaking). The art inside the hotel… well, let's just say it's certainly art. But the location? Pretty great. And the staff, for the most part? Friendly. Amsterdam itself? Unforgettable. It's messy, beautiful, and full of surprises. And I can't wait to go back. Just maybe, I'll spring for a better hotel next time.
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WestCord Art Hotel Amsterdam: The (Mostly) Unvarnished Truth (FAQ Edition)
Okay, spill the tea! Is this "Art Hotel" thing just a gimmick? Or is there actually some *cool* art?
Alright, alright, let's be real. The "Art Hotel" label... well, it's *there*. You'll see some paintings. Maybe a sculpture or two. BUT, and this is a BIG but, it's not the Louvre. It's more like your quirky Aunt Mildred's living room after she's had a particularly creative afternoon painting with wine. Think… enthusiastic amateur. It's not bad, mind you! It gives the place character. Definitely adds to the "Amsterdam quirkiness" feel. Don't expect to be blown away by masterpieces, but do expect to be greeted with something more than plain white walls. I actually *liked* the slightly mismatched vibe. It was like, "Hey, welcome! We tried, and we're genuinely happy to have you!" Which, honestly, is a win in my book. Way better than sterile and pretentious, you know?
The location... is it *actually* near anything fun or are you stuck on a tram for an hour just to see a canal? Because, tram anxiety is *real*.
Okay, the location... *deep breath*. It's not right in the heart of the action. Like, not stumbling-out-of-a-coffee-shop-and-falling-into-a-canal close. It's in a slightly quieter, more residential area. BUT… it’s *really* easy to get to the city center. The trams are your friend, and honestly? Amsterdam's tram system is a friggin' miracle. Direct lines, frequent services. I, a person who gets lost in their own house, managed to navigate it. Without crying. Mostly. The plus side? You get a taste of the *real* Amsterdam. You see locals going about their lives. You find cute little cafes that aren't packed with tourists. It’s a trade-off, people. A worthwhile one, in my messy opinion.
Room size. Give it to me straight. Are we talking "cozy" (aka tiny) or "actually able to move around without bumping into things?"
Right. The rooms. Listen, it's a 3-star hotel in Amsterdam. Let's be realistic. "Spacious" isn't the word that springs to mind. We're talking… efficient. Functional. You can get around, but don't expect to host a ballroom dance. My room, I remember it being... well, adequate, let's say. The bathroom was surprisingly decent, though! Clean, functional, and the shower pressure was *amazing*. That's a win. I have a *thing* about weak showers. It felt like a proper, satisfying drenching. The bed was comfy, the important things were there. I think I actually liked the *lack* of extra space. It forced me to, like, *not* spread my entire life across the room. Which can be a good thing, you know? Less to pack up later. Less to *lose* later...
Breakfast? Is it the sad continental buffet of doom, or something actually worth getting out of bed for?
Breakfast… It was a *good* breakfast. Not some life-altering, Michelin-star breakfast, but genuinely decent. There was the usual suspects: bread, cheese, meats, fruit, cereal...you know the drill. But the coffee was GOOD! And the eggs? Properly cooked, not rubbery nightmares. I'm a big breakfast person. Like, a serious breakfast person. The fact that I happily ate there every morning says a lot. I remember the little pastries, too...oh, those pastries! Don't go expecting a gourmet experience, but it does the job! It fills you up, fuels your day of exploring, and puts a smile on your face. Which, let's be honest, is pretty much the only thing you need from breakfast, right? Fuel + smile.
Staff. Friend or foe? Are they helpful, or just… barely functional?
The staff! Honestly, they were great! Super friendly, helpful, and truly seemed to care. I had a small issue with my hairdryer (because, let's be honest, I can't even operate a toaster without a struggle) and they fixed it immediately. Seriously, within minutes! And they always greeted me with a smile, even when I was clearly running on fumes and caffeine. They gave good advice on where to go, what to see... made me feel like less of a clueless tourist, which, let's face it, is a constant struggle. Definitely friendly. Definitely helpful. No complaints there. I actually feel like I'd make it my business to get to know them better if i visited again.
The Vibe. What's the overall *feel* of the hotel? Is it... pretentious? Cozy? Hipster-y?
The vibe… it's chilled. Relaxed. Not trying too hard to be cool. It’s the kind of place where wearing your favorite jeans and a t-shirt is perfectly acceptable at breakfast. It doesn’t scream “luxury” (it's *3 stars*, remember?), but it’s clean, comfortable, and welcoming. Its that "it's not perfect, but it doesn't need to be" kind of place. I felt comfortable there. Like I could actually *relax*. The decor is a little quirky, a little mismatched, as I said. But it's not offensively trendy or trying to hard to be cool. Actually, that's why I liked it. It was like staying in a slightly stylish friend's house. A friend who, you know, kept their house clean, which is more than I can say for most of *my* friends…
Would you stay there again? Be brutally honest!
Okay, here's the unvarnished truth. Would I stay there again? Absolutely. I'm not one for fancy hotels, so I'm biased. I'd choose it over a sterile, characterless chain, any day. It's a solid, good-value option. Clean, comfortable, friendly. The breakfast is good, the location is manageable. Is it perfect? No. Is it the ultimate luxury experience? No. But does it deliver what it promises? Yes. And honestly? That's more than enough. It's the kind of place where you feel like you're actually *experiencing* Amsterdam, not just passing through. And that, my friends, is priceless. If you're looking for a stress-free base camp for your Amsterdam adventure, this is a damn good shout. (And that damn shower pressure is worth it alone, honestly).
P.S. I have a confession. I went back to the hotel and sat in the lobby for a good hour on the second day I arrived just to collect my thoughts. I had a massive headache and I hated Amsterdam at that point. It was this calm, beautiful, and warm feeling that made me want to stay and feel okay about my self. Yeah, I was depressed. So yeah.. I'd go back.
