Amsterdam's Hidden Gem: The 171 Urban Design Hotel You NEED to See!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just stumbled out of Amsterdam's Hidden Gem: The 171 Urban Design Hotel, and I am buzzing. Seriously, buzzing! Prepare for a review that is, well, let's just say not your typical slick, corporate hotel report. I'm gonna spill the tea, the stroopwafels, the whole damn Amsterdam experience on this place. And yes, SEO, here we go, because you know I'm gonna get this gem seen!
Amsterdam's Hidden Gem: 171 Urban Design Hotel - The Honest Truth (and a Whole Lotta Feelings)
First off, finding this place…let's just say it's hidden. Which is fine, I like a good adventure. And when I finally rolled up, I wasn't disappointed. It's sleek. Modern. Designed to within an inch of its life. My initial reaction? "Woah." (That's a professional reviewer's first impression, right?)
Accessibility - Can Everyone Enjoy the Wow?
Right off the bat, a massive thumbs up for the accessibility features. They've clearly put some serious thought into this.
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes, yes, YES! Plenty of room to maneuver, and the elevators are roomy. Bravo!
- Facilities for disabled guests: Absolutely. They've thought of everything. Important!
- Elevator: Essential, and present.
- Accessibility Score: High. Easy!
Internet - Gotta Stay Connected (Even on Holiday, Sigh)
Okay, the digital nomad in me demanded an immediate test.
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Praise be! And it was speedy. No rage-quitting Zoom meetings.
- Internet [LAN]: Yes, if you're hardcore.
- Internet: Uh, yeah, it's a hotel. They have it.
- Internet Services: Solid.
- Wi-Fi in public areas: Strong signal, perfect for Insta-bragging about your amazing trip.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax - Spa? Pool? Yes Please! (and Maybe a Little Bit of My Own Drama)
This is where the 171 really shines. Okay, let me be very honest: I spent a significant amount of time, like hours, in the pool. Why? Because the Pool with view is absolutely, positively, ridiculously gorgeous. Picture this: rooftop, Amsterdam skyline stretching before you, and you're bobbing in a (heated!) pool. Pure bliss.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: Loved it. Simply loved it.
- Spa: Yeah, they have a spa, with all the trimmings.
- Sauna, Steamroom, Spa/sauna I am a sauna person myself!
- Gym/fitness: Looked good, but I was too busy lounging. Don't judge me.
- Massage: Sadly, I didn't have time. Next time!
- Body scrub & wrap - I'll pass. I prefer my own brand of "scrubbing & wrapping" - staying in pjs and re-watching series.
- Foot bath: Sounds great. Just didn't get to it.
Cleanliness and Safety - Because, You Know, Life
During this pandemic, safety is everything. And the 171 gets it. This is the stuff that matters:
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Check.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Check.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere.
- Hygiene certification: They have it.
- Individually-wrapped food options: Smart move.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Observed.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Peace of mind.
- Safe dining setup: Also, yes.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: They're on it.
- Rooms Sanitization Opt-Out Available: Brilliant!
- Additional points for: Professional-grade sanitizing services and Sterilizing equipment
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Food Glorious Food! (and My Minor Food-Related Meltdown)
Okay, foodie alert! The 171 doesn't mess around.
- Restaurants: Plural!
- Bar: Yep, a lovely bar. Cocktails were expertly crafted.
- Happy hour: Yesss!
- Breakfast [buffet]: Loads of choices. It was a buffet, and a good one.
- Breakfast in room available, I did that once, because the bed was just that good.
- A la carte in restaurant: Fine dining, check!
- Coffee/tea in restaurant & Coffee shop - Essential, especially after a night out.
- Asian cuisine in restaurant: Delicious.
- International & Western cuisine in restaurant: Spoiled for choice.
- Poolside bar: Another winner.
- My anecdote: Okay, here's the truth. I had a minor breakfast-related crisis. I went to the buffet, got overly excited (it's called "food freedom"), and loaded up on croissants. Then, I realized I was wearing a dress that did not allow for that much croissant. Panic ensued. But the staff, bless their hearts, just smiled, offered me a smaller plate, and pretended they hadn't noticed my near-meltdown.
- Room service is 24 hours, which saved my life on more than one occasion.
Services and Conveniences - The Little Things That Make a Difference
From the moment you arrive, the staff is all about making your stay easy peasy. Seriously, they're amazing.
- Concierge: Super helpful.
- Daily housekeeping: Spotless.
- Doorman: Always a friendly face.
- Cash withdrawal: Convenient.
- Currency exchange: Helpful.
- Luggage storage: Essential.
- Laundry service: Phew!
For the Kids - Because, You Know, Families
I don't have kids, but I saw a few families there and it seemed like the hotel was very welcoming.
- Babysitting service: Available.
- Family/child friendly: Definitely.
- Kids meal: Yep.
Available In All Rooms - My Room-Related Obsession
My room? Let's talk about my room. I'm a stickler for a good room. And this place delivered.
- Air conditioning: Crucial!
- Blackout curtains: Essential for sleeping in after a night out.
- Bed: Oh, the bed! Extra long, super comfy. I could have stayed there forever. Seriously.
- Coffee/tea maker: Needed, multiple times a day.
- Free bottled water: A lifesaver.
- Hair dryer: Check.
- In-room safe box: Peace of mind.
- Mini bar: Tempting, but I resisted (mostly).
- Non-smoking: Yes!
- Private bathroom - Obviously
- Reading Light- Thank god
- Satellite/cable channels: When the weather sucked, I watched a movie and cuddled.
- Shower: Awesome pressure.
- Slippers: Nice touch.
- Soundproofing: Bliss.
- Wake-up service: Used it.
- Wi-Fi [free]: See above.
- Window that opens: Fresh air, yes please!
Getting Around - You Want to Explore Amsterdam, Right?
- Airport transfer: Easy peasy lemon squeezy.
- Taxi Service: Available.
- Car park [on-site]: Present.
- Bicycle Parking: Because Amsterdam!
Rooms Decorations
- The rooms are not only comfortable, but the room decorations are very modern. They are quite beautiful and I love the theme.
The "Meh" Bits (Because I'm Honest) Okay, no place is perfect. Here's what I'd ding:
- Minor Quibble: The gym could be bigger. But hey, I was lounging by the pool anyway.
My Final Judgment: Go! Just Go!
The 171 Urban Design Hotel is a winner. It's stylish, comfortable, and the staff is fantastic. The pool alone is worth the price of admission! Recommendation: 10 out of 10. Seriously, book it. You won't regret it.
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Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's perfectly-polished travel itinerary. This is a messy, glorious, probably slightly caffeinated dive into the Netherlands, specifically the 171 Urban Design Hotel. Prepare for tangents, triumphs, near-disasters, and enough cheese to make your arteries weep with joy.
Subject: Amsterdam & Beyond - A Dutch Disaster (Mostly Delightful)
Day 1: Arrival - Oh God, I'm Here (And My Luggage Might Not Be!)
- 9:00 AM (ish): Officially arrived at Schiphol Airport. Officially jet-lagged. Officially staring at the baggage carousel with the same level of intensity as watching the laundry go round. My bag is not there. Cue a silent scream into the perfectly-coiffed hair of the KLM check-in agent. She smiles. This is going to be a long trip.
- 9:30 AM: Filed a lost luggage report. The nice KLM lady said, "It happens, dear." Does it? Does it really? Because it's never happened to ME before! She gives me a little card with a reference number, which I promptly file away in the abyss that is my handbag.
- 10:00 AM: Take the train from Schiphol to Amsterdam Centraal Station. The train is punctual, which is already a victory. I gawp at the landscape, all impossibly flat fields dotted with grazing cows and windmills that look like giant, friendly robots. This is very different from my life in the city.
- 11:00 AM: Taxi to 171 Urban Design Hotel. The driver, a grizzled Amsterdammer with a handlebar mustache, tells me the best stroopwafels are "always the slightly undercooked ones, by the way." Life advice from a taxi driver. Good.
- 11:30 AM: Check-in. Whew. The hotel is actually cooler than the pictures. Stark, minimalist, with pops of vibrant color. My room? Gorgeous. A minimalist paradise that may or may not be a death trap for clumsy people like me.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch. Finally, some food. I’m famished. It's a cafe just across the street from the hotel, and I order the "local specialty" which is a sandwich, but the ingredients are a mystery. It turns out to be herring with onions and pickles. Huh. The texture is… interesting. I finish half of it, because, you know, respect for the Dutch culinary traditions.
- 1:00 PM: Stroll through the Jordaan district. Cobblestone streets, quirky shops, and canals reflecting the autumn light. It’s picturesque, but I’m also obsessively checking my phone for luggage updates. Still nothing. This is getting old.
- 3:00 PM: Canal cruise. Even the most hardened cynic has to admit: THIS IS BEAUTIFUL. The architecture, the bridges, the way the light dances on the water… Pure magic. I almost forget about my missing suitcase. Almost.
- 5:00 PM: Okay, I have to address the luggage situation. I'm going back to the airport. Well, I'll try. KLM customer service has never been so important.
- 7:00 PM: Went back to look for my luggage at the airport… still nothing! I'm going to need to buy some new clothes. Is there anything wrong with wanting to go shopping for a few different outfits?
- 8:00 PM: Had dinner at a trendy restaurant in the De Pijp neighborhood. Tried bitterballen (deep-fried meatballs). They are delicious! I try to focus on the food, but keep picturing my lost suitcase.
- 9:30 PM: Back at the hotel. Exhausted, slightly grumpy, but holding onto the hope my luggage will arrive before it’s time to leave. My view from the hotel window, and a glass of wine I went and bought from downstairs. Maybe this will be a good trip, after all.
Day 2: Van Gogh & Vices (Literally)
- 8:00 AM: (ish) Breakfast at the hotel - a selection of bread, cheese, and jam. I'm already obsessed with Dutch cheese. Still no luggage update. I am starting to believe I will never see my suitcase again. This is a catastrophe.
- 9:00 AM: The Van Gogh Museum. Oh. My. God. Seriously, the man was a genius. The brushstrokes! The colors! The sheer emotional intensity! I actually get a little choked up at the Sunflowers painting. Yes, I’m a cliché. But who cares?!
- 12:00 PM: Lunch near the museum. A simple sandwich so I can go back to the Van Gogh Museum as soon as possible. Maybe I can learn anything by looking at Van Gogh's work.
- 1:00 PM: Back to the museum again. I would stay there all day!
- 3:00 PM: Red Light District. Okay, confession time: I was intrigued. I went. It’s… an experience. A sensory overload of neon lights, narrow streets, and… yeah. Let's just say it's a different side of Amsterdam.
- 5:00 PM: Drinks at a cozy "bruin café" (brown cafe). These places are fantastic! Dark wood, low ceilings, the smell of old beer and good times. The perfect antidote to the Red Light District. Ordered a local beer and people-watched. There’s a lot of people-watching to be done in Amsterdam.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. Went back to the hotel to eat. The stress had me wiped, so I enjoyed a simple meal at the hotel and decided to go to bed early.
Day 3: Day Trip to Zaanse Schans - Windmills & Whimsical Wonders
- 9:00 AM: (ish) Train to Zaanse Schans. This is what postcards are made of. Windmills! Chocolate-box houses! Cows! The whole scene is so charming, it's almost unreal. It's like stepping into a children's book.
- 10:00 AM: Windmill tour. They are massive! And the way they turn, harnessing the wind… pretty amazing. I learned about how the windmills were used for everything from grinding mustard seeds to sawing wood.
- 11:00 AM: Cheese tasting. Heaven. Dutch cheese is a gift from the gods. Sampled Gouda, Edam, and some other cheeses whose names I can't even remember because I was too busy stuffing my face. My taste buds are in cheese-induced ecstasy.
- 12:00 PM: Walk through the quirky shops and cafes. I bought a pair of wooden shoes. They are ridiculously cute, but I'm not sure I'll wear them outside the house.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch. Enjoyed more cheese. It really is a food group all its own.
- 3:00 PM: Back to Amsterdam. The train ride felt short, and I had another cheese craving while looking up new places to visit the next day.
- 5:00 PM: Back to Amsterdam. I ordered something from the hotel menu, and went to bed early again. Still no luggage. Maybe I should just go on a shopping spree tomorrow.
Day 4: Going shopping for a new outfit and learning more about Amsterdam!
- 9:00 AM (ish) I needed a plan for today! I need a new outfit, and to go sightseeing. I'm thinking of going to the Anne Frank House. Maybe it's time.
- 10:00 AM: First, I went shopping. I found a nice dress and some new shoes. Maybe I can forget about everything that happened so far, I thought.
- 1:00 PM: Went to the Anne Frank House. This was the hardest experience of the trip so far, but also one of the most important. It's a sobering reminder of history.
- 3:00 PM: A late lunch at a lovely place near the Anne Frank House.
- 5:00 PM: Visited the Rijksmuseum to see Rembrandt. I have a feeling my bag is gone for good, and maybe I was already becoming a "Dutch Lady," with how much I loved the Cheese and the Dutch art.
- 7:00 PM: I went to bed early after a short meal at the hotel.
Day 5: Departure (With a Slight Sense of Melancholy)
- 9:00 AM: Last hotel breakfast. Feeling the bittersweet pull of leaving. I'm sad to go, but also… my bed is calling, and I'm getting a very strong craving for my own cheese. And my own clothes.
- 10:00 AM: One last stroll through Amsterdam. Just soaking it all in. The charming canals. The people. The cheese shops.
- 12:00 PM: At the airport to head home.
- **3:
Amsterdam's 171 Urban Design Hotel: The Unofficial FAQ (Because "Official" is Boring!)
Okay, seriously, WHAT is this "171 Urban Design Hotel" everyone's buzzing about? Is it even *that* good?
Alright, buckle up, because this isn't your cookie-cutter hotel review. Think of 171 like a secret handshake in a city of clogs and canals. It's not just a place to sleep; it's an *experience*. Picture this: tiny, quirky, art-filled rooms, each a unique personality. Think less "chain hotel blandness" and more "your eccentric artist aunt's cozy Amsterdam apartment, but WAY cleaner." Is it *that* good? Depends. If you're into sterile luxury, run away. If you crave something different? Yeah, it’s probably the best damn discovery I've made since stroopwafels.
What's the vibe? I'm a bit of a control freak, can I handle it?
Vibe check: Think "relaxed, cool, and a little bit kooky." It's not the place for starched collars and demanding, Karen-esque pronouncements. This place understands that you're there to *live*. Expect exposed brick, mismatched furniture (in a good way!), and a staff that's genuinely *nice* (and not just pretending to be polite like some places). If you need absolute control... pack a therapist. They'll probably appreciate the art too. Seriously.
So, the rooms... are they actually stylish or just... weird? (Be honest!)
Okay, the rooms. This is where it gets interesting. They're definitely stylish. But it's that *Amsterdam* stylish, which leans towards unconventional. One room was all about cool blues and what looked like a repurposed shipping container door for the wardrobe. Another (the one I *coveted*, honestly) was bursting with vibrant colors and vintage finds. Yes, a few are a little on the smaller side (it *is* Amsterdam!), but they’re designed with so much love and attention to detail that it just doesn’t matter. It's less "hotel room" and more "curated art installation you can sleep in." My honest verdict? They're fricking fantastic.
And the location? Is this place convenient?
Ah, location, location, location! 171 is in a fantastic spot, right in the heart of the Jordaan district. Seriously, *perfect*. It's a maze of charming streets, independent shops, and amazing cafes. You can walk to everything: Anne Frank House (book WELL in advance!), the canals, the museums... everything. I spent a good hour wandering around one evening just *knowing* I would stumble upon a gem of a bar. And I did. Several. It's almost *too* convenient. My bank account suffered.
Food and Drink? What's the deal?
Okay, this is where I have a small *confession* to make. I didn't actually *eat* at the hotel's breakfast. I *meant* to. But the cafes around the corner were just… irresistible. I spent most mornings stuffing my face with pastries and strong coffee, soaking up the morning light on those canals. (Please don’t judge me! I was on vacation!). But from what I saw, the hotel breakfast looked pretty good. And the bar? Oh, the bar! Cozy, well-stocked, perfect for a nightcap. I *did* have a very strong espresso martini there... several times. (Don't tell my therapist!).
Okay, I'm semi-sold. What's the biggest downside? Hit me with the truth, please!
Alright, the truth bomb. Firstly, the rooms aren't huge. If you're traveling with a mountain of luggage and you need to do laps in your room to feel comfortable, this probably isn't your jam. Secondly, the elevators can be... *charmingally* slow. Don't be surprised if you find yourself hoofin' it up the stairs, especially if you're on a higher floor. And the biggest thing? It's popular! Book well in advance, like, *months* in advance, if you want a shot at snagging a room. That's it, that's the tea!
Is it expensive? I'm on a budget, dammit!
Let's be brutally honest here, Amsterdam isn't cheap. And 171, while not *insanely* expensive, definitely isn't a budget backpackers hostel. It's more of a mid-range, slightly-splurgy kind of place. But, and this is a big BUT, the value you get for your money is pretty darn good. You're paying for the location, the unique design, the excellent service, and an overall experience that's worth the splurge. I'd scrimp and save for it. Heck, I'd skip a few dinners. It's worth it, honestly. I would go back in a heartbeat. I’m already checking dates. God, I need to go back.
Okay, so REALLY, would you go back? Be honest!
Absolutely, without a single doubt, YES. It's rare to find a hotel that feels less like a hotel and more like a place. More like a *home*. More like something that feels *personal*. Seriously, I’m already planning my return. I'm actually plotting a solo trip around that hotel! I’ve even started doodling some potential room designs in my notebook! I’m slightly obsessed, okay? Okay. Book it. Now. Seriously. Before I do. And please, let me know your favorite room if you do. (I'm still angling for that vibrant one...)
Tell Us About Your *One* Experience That Made It Worth It
Alright, so the one thing. The thing that cemented it in my memory, that made me a raving fan? It was a rainy evening. Now, Amsterdam in the rain: It already has its own magic. I got back to the hotel after spending the day wandering in and out of galleries, my shoes were *soaked*, my hair was a mess, and I was in full, post-art-overload stupor. The staff? They saw me. They didn't flinch at the soggy state of me. They *smiled*. They immediately offered me a steaming mug of hot chocolate (with real whipped cream!), and without even making me ask, pointed me towards the lobby's little fireplace. And I just sat there, wrapped in a blanket, watching the rain, feeling cozy, and breathing in the scent of woodsmokeMy Hotel Reviewst
