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One Day in Amsterdam

One Day in Amsterdam
Amsterdam has been on my travel bucket list for years and we finally had the opportunity to visit! This city was a surprise for me. I knew it would be beautiful but I also think I had a preconceived notion from pictures I've seen online and social media. I expected a muted, dreary city but Amsterdam is lively with pops of color.

HOTEL OPTIONS

We only had one full day in Amsterdam and, luckily, I had enough Chase Ink Business points to book The Hoxton Hotel. From the second we walked in, we were impressed with what it had to offer! This 4 star hotel is ideally located on one of the canals and the views from our room were fantastic! I've seen prices for this hotel range from the $200s to $300s a night depending on the time of year.

THE HOXTON HOTEL

 

Luxury Hotel Amsterdam

 

 

Chic Amsterdam Hotel on a Canal

 

 

Where to stay in Amsterdam, Netherlands

 

There is so much we loved about this hotel. Let me count the ways.

  1. The bar and restaurant are super chic and very lively. The whole hotel has a very cool style and vibe.
  2. Complimentary mini breakfast every morning - just leave your breakfast bag hanging on the door with your selections. You can add OJ, a banana, yogurt & granola - all for free.
  3. Excellent WIFI.
  4. Comfy bed.
  5. Heated copper towel rack that is always on and looks cool to boot.
  6. Luxurious crystal champagne and wine glasses available in the room so pick up some wine!
  7. Coffee and tea bags + an electric tea kettle to heat up water.
  8. Most importantly - it's centrally located. We walked everywhere!

There were a few things that could have been better for the 4 star rating.

  1. Our windows didn't open because they were painted shut. It's a very old hotel so I can let that slide.
  2. The coffee bags were on the weak side, but I just added an extra and it was great.
  3. The bar is pricey but that's to be expected from higher end hotels.

Best Hotel Amsterdam

Standard Double Canal View Room

 

 

Amsterdam hotels free breakfast

Best bars in Amsterdam

 

PULITZER AMSTERDAM

We didn't get a chance to stay at this luxury 5 star hotel but my brother-in-law, who was traveling with us, did so we stopped by to check it out. All I can say is WOW. This hotel was stunning. It is also centrally located on a canal and in walking distance to everything.

 
5 star Hotel Amsterdam

Classic Room King

WHAT TO DO

There are a number of things to do in Amsterdam but our favorite activity was taking a private boat ride through the canals. I opted for a private boat ride because, in past experiences, the shared rides can be overcrowded and, frankly, not very comfortable. When we got to Amsterdam, I saw just that - 20 people sandwiched into little boats. Since this was probably my one time in Amsterdam, I wanted to really be able to take in the city from the water so we booked

Private Boat . Amsterdam

This was the best choice we could have made because it was so relaxing, enjoyable and a wonderful way to see the city from the water on our last night in Amsterdam! Captain Reinhard provided historical information about Amsterdam, too, during the 1.5 hour cruise. This boat, Farahilde, was built in 1908 and in true Amsterdam eco-friendly fashion, it is electrically powered! It was so beautiful. If you're in Amsterdam, definitely Consider Private Boat . Amsterdam. It was a wonderful experience!

 
Best Amsterdam Canal Cruise

 

Amsterdam Canal Cruise

BOOK a Canal Cruise

Outfit Details - Mauve Blazer & Jeans

Canal Boat Ride Amsterdam
 
PRICING
1-12 passengers with finger foods and refreshments included: strawberries, Lindt chocolate, Amsterdam cheese, tomatoes, cashews, soda, juice and water.
  • 1.5 Hours - € 275
  • 2 hours - € 350
  • 3 hours - € 500
  • 1 day - €1250
  • Alcohol extra 
Champagne - € 60-80 per bottle
Cava, Prosecco, white wine, red wine - € 25 per bottle
Beer - € 2.50

THANK YOU FOR HAVING US! 

Amsterdam Canal Cruise

RESTAURANTS WE LOVED

With limited time in this amazing city, we had to make the best of our meals and we did!

BREAKFAST & LUNCH

LIBERTINE CAFE
The super hipster concierge at our hotel suggested we grab lunch at Libertine so I googled it to do a little of my own research. I was surprised the reviews were only 3.8 out of 5 but the menu looked good so we tried it out.
It was great!
I love a restaurant that has style + good food and this cafe had it all. I got the veggie risotto and it was delightful. The prices were typical for any large European city at € 4.50-16 per entree.
Libertine Cafe Amsterdam
Libertine Cafe Amsterdam

 DINNER

We had such a lovely dinner at Restaurant Van Puffelen. Not only is the decor ultra chic, the food was fantastic and decently priced for an upscale joint. This is also the meeting point for the Private Boat ride. Be sure to make a reservation.

2 courses - € 28.50

3 courses - € 35

Wines - € 4.50-9  per glass

 

Best restaurant in Amsterdam

 

 MORE THINGS TO DO IN AMSTERDAM 

  Amsterdam walking tour                    Amsterdam Day Trip                    Van Gogh Museum Tickets Amsteram

 

 

 

I hope you have more than one day to spend in Amsterdam, but if not, you'll have an amazing time soaking in the city and culture!

We really enjoyed Amsterdam and I hope you do too!

UNTIL NEXT TIME,

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AMSTERDAM PRINT COLLECTION

Amsterdam Travel Pink Wall Art Photography Prints

 

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Day Trip to Amsterdam Travel Guide

 

 

Amsterdam Travel Guide