Next to Oosterpark, Hotel Arena occupies a monumental building that, according to the hotel, was once an orphanage and a care home. It is a 4-star hotel with a restaurant, a terrace and a former chapel used for events. It is a good fit if you are interested in staying in a historic building in the east and don’t mind walking or cycling to the centre.
Location and getting around
The hotel is on s-Gravesandestraat, at the edge of Oosterpark. Rembrandtplein is about a 25-minute walk and the Bloemenmarkt flower market about 30. Dam Square and the Rijksmuseum are about 35 minutes on foot. The hotel rents bicycles, a quick way to cover those distances.
Rooms and facilities
Every room is different. Many keep features of the original building, such as high ceilings, large windows, wooden beams or sloping walls. All have a flat-screen TV, air conditioning, a seating area and a private bathroom.
The café-restaurant faces the park and has a terrace. Breakfast can be buffet, continental or à la carte. There is free wifi and, according to the hotel, 24-hour reception, meeting rooms and the former chapel for celebrations.
Who it suits
- Travellers interested in architecture and buildings with history.
- Companies or groups organising meetings or events.
- Anyone who wants a park next door for running or walking.
Good to know
As the rooms are all different, size and layout vary from one to another: if you have preferences, say so when you book. Check-in is from 15:00, with photo ID and a credit card, and check-out is before 11:00.
For other areas, see the hotels in Amsterdam.