Holiday Inn Express Amsterdam - Arena Towers by IHG

The hotel stands out as an exceptional choice for event attendees and concert-goers, boasting a signature feature of being just a few minutes' walk from major venues like the Ziggo Dome and Johan Cruyff Arena. Its prime location, coupled with excellent public transport links, also makes it highly suitable for business travelers and international tourists who are comfortable using the metro to reach the city center. Guests consistently highlight the hotel's remarkable cleanliness, the overall comfort of its accommodations, and the genuinely friendly and helpful staff who go above and beyond. While generally praised for its breakfast, some guests note a desire for more hot options. The hotel is also recommended for families, couples, and friends seeking a convenient and comfortable base. For an enhanced experience, consider requesting a room on a higher floor for better views, and be mindful of potential traffic congestion around the hotel during major events if arriving by car.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests find the hotel's facilities generally convenient, particularly appreciating the presence of a 24/7 mini market or self-service shop, often referred to as a 'Wundermart', which provides easy access to snacks and drinks. The hotel also offers luggage storage services, which many guests find very useful for early arrivals or late departures. While the elevators are available, some guests have noted they can be slow or limited in number, leading to occasional waits. A recurring point of feedback, often negative, is the absence of a mini-fridge or refrigerator in the rooms, which can be inconvenient for longer stays or for storing personal items. Similarly, some guests express a desire for more closet or cupboard space. Additionally, a common observation is that room windows cannot be opened for fresh air, and the air conditioning system sometimes struggles to maintain desired temperatures, leading to stuffiness for some.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel consistently receives high praise for its overall cleanliness, with many guests describing rooms and common areas as spotless. Guests frequently commend the comfortable beds and report enjoying quiet rooms, contributing to a restful stay. While many find the room size adequate and even spacious, some reviews indicate that certain rooms can feel small or tight. The bathrooms are generally noted for their cleanliness and the quality of the showers. However, there are mixed reports regarding housekeeping consistency, with some guests experiencing missed daily cleanings or issues with amenities like soap dispensers not being refilled. Occasional noise levels from hallways or neighboring rooms have been mentioned by light sleepers. Feedback on mattress comfort is varied, with some finding them too soft. The effectiveness of the air conditioning is also a point of mixed feedback, with some rooms reported as being hot or stuffy. Despite these minor points, many rooms offer pleasant views, especially from higher floors.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's breakfast consistently receives positive feedback for its quality and variety, with many guests describing it as delicious, complete, and satisfying. The buffet style offers a good selection of food items. However, some guests express a desire for more extensive hot breakfast options, specifically noting the absence of fresh orange juice or traditional scrambled eggs and omelettes. The restaurant and bar areas are available, and while some guests find the food quality good, others perceive it as somewhat pricey for the value. A significant positive aspect highlighted by multiple guests is the hotel's excellent handling of food allergies and the availability of gluten-free options, which is greatly appreciated. For guests with early departures, the option of a packed breakfast is a thoughtful and convenient service. Despite some minor critiques regarding specific hot items or coffee quality, the breakfast experience is largely seen as a strong point.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a major highlight, particularly for those attending events, as it is just a short walk from the Ziggo Dome, Johan Cruyff Arena, and AFAS Live. Its proximity to the Bijlmer ArenA station (a 5-10 minute walk) provides excellent accessibility to public transport. Guests appreciate the easy and quick train or metro connections to Amsterdam Centraal, typically taking 20-30 minutes, and to Schiphol Airport, which is about a 15-minute train ride away. The surrounding area is described as quiet and convenient, with various shopping options, restaurants, and a supermarket within walking distance. While parking is available, guests frequently note its high cost and potential access difficulties during major events due to traffic management. There is also ongoing construction work nearby, which some guests mention, though it generally does not significantly impact the stay.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receives overwhelming praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and excellent customer service. Guests frequently highlight the welcoming demeanor of the reception staff, who are often commended for their efficiency during check-in/check-out processes, though some isolated instances of delays or inflexibility have been noted. The breakfast staff are particularly lauded for their attentiveness and positive attitudes, ensuring a pleasant start to the day. Similarly, the bar staff are recognized for their engaging and friendly service. Many reviews emphasize the staff's willingness to go above and beyond to assist with various guest requests, including providing directions, transport information, accommodating early check-ins or late check-outs, and addressing room-related issues like safe malfunctions. The staff's strong English proficiency is also a significant asset, facilitating smooth communication. Overall, the family-friendly service and genuine hospitality contribute significantly to a positive guest experience.

Additional Information
Guests frequently comment on the hotel's overall value for money, often considering it an economical option for staying in Amsterdam, especially when balancing location with cost. It is widely regarded as a suitable choice for business travelers due to its convenient transport links and functional amenities. However, a recurring point of concern revolves around the clarity and application of tax and fees, with some guests reporting confusion or issues with double charging upon check-out. While the hotel is generally perceived as a standard Holiday Inn property, some reviews highlight a perceived difference or confusion when comparing it to the adjacent Holiday Inn Express, noting this hotel as more premium. Recognition of loyalty program benefits appears to be mixed, with some members receiving perks like room upgrades, while others feel their status is not always acknowledged.