Inntel Hotels Amsterdam Zaandam

Built in 2010, the Inntel Hotel Amsterdam Zaandam features an iconic patchwork facade composed of nearly 70 individually stacked traditional Zaan houses in several shades of green, with details such as white trim, dormer windows, and terra-cotta roofs. From the outside in, the hotel pays homage to its location, which is known for its quaint houses, windmills, and early industry and food production. There's a giant tea cookie light in the lobby restaurant, and the pool features a large mural of a windmill-studded, Dutch landscape. The decor is modern, with a clean, industrial vibe. The lobby has three-toned tiled floors, square couches, and iron chandelier accent lights. Classic green siding, which matches the exterior of the building, creates a lobby partition while also adding a homey pop of color. The casual restaurant lets in lots of natural light with classic small-paned windows that run along an entire wall. The hotel is geared toward both business guests and tourists, with more business travelers during the week and tourists on the weekends and in the summer. 

While the Inntel Hotel has Amsterdam in it's name, the hotel is not technically in Amsterdam but rather in the northeastern city of Zaandam, a popular tourist area in its own right. The entrance features a beautiful terrace, which is directly along the canal. The hotel also overlooks the train station along with a nicely developed, modern area with shops, cafes, and restaurants. From the Zaandam train station across the street, guests can be at Amsterdam Central Station in about 15 minutes. Trains run regularly throughout the day and stop after midnight. The open-air Zaans Museum is about a 10-minute drive from the hotel and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is less than 25 minutes away via public transport. Parking is available at a lot across from the hotel, and hotel guests get a slightly reduced rate.

Guest rooms at the Inntel Hotel range in size from the entry-level Taste Deluxe Room to the largest two-room, Founder's Suite. The rooms' minimalist, modern decor displays details inspired by regional products and industry. The highlight in each unit is a full wall mural behind the bed, which might show painted ads or historic black-and-white photos from the region. Most rooms have a vibrant red or blue chair for a bright pop of color and warmth. But some guests find the decor sparse and lacking in coziness.

Rooms are air-conditioned and include mini-fridges, down comforters, safes, tea- and coffee-making facilities, and 26-inch flat-screen TVs with 60 channels. Upgraded rooms might include kitchenettes, separate baths and showers with rainfall showerheads or whirlpools, Illy espresso-makers, robes and slippers, and iPod docks. Bathrooms are modern, with white walls and gray tiled accents and have walk-in showers or shower/tub combos plus hairdryers, magnifying mirrors, and individually packaged toiletries. The stylish Tsar Peter Suite features bathroom fixtures by Alessi. 

Inntel Hotel Amsterdam Zaandam has a full roster of features befitting its upscale status and its iconic look. Puur Saen is the hotel's casual dining spot on the first floor serving local dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It includes a bar and a seasonal outdoor terrace that overlooks the canal. Guests find the restaurant food quite good, but the breakfast buffet costs extra. Room service is available during limited hours. 

The hotel has a small but stylish and modern indoor pool area, a sauna and steam room, and a small spa that offers a variety of massages. There's also a sparse fitness area with just a stationary bike, an elliptical, a treadmill, and a weight-training machine.

The hotel has seven stylish meeting and event rooms that can host from 15 to 250 guests. A computer is available in the lobby for guest use, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. Reception is open 24 hours, and guests can purchase some snacks and essential toiletries in the lobby. There's also a concierge, and laundry, dry cleaning, and parking are all available for an extra fee. Dogs are allowed for a fee as well.