NH Collection Amsterdam Barbizon Palace – Perfectly Located near the Train Station

If you are looking for an upscale property that embraces Amsterdam’s unique architecture, NH Collection Amsterdam Barbizon Palace is where you should stay. It is steps from Amsterdam Central Station, making it the perfect jumping-off point for your adventures in the Netherlands.

NH Collection Amsterdam Barbizon Palace – photo courtesy: NH Collection

The 5-star property was constructed from several 17th-century townhouses and a 15th-century chapel, which is evident in the diverse room styles available, especially those featuring exposed wood beams and canal views.

Location

A 30-minute taxi ride will get you to the property from Schiphol Airport, but it’s even easier (and much cheaper) to take the train to Central Station and walk to the hotel. Once you’re ready to explore the city’s canals, you’ll find plenty of options just outside the property’s entrance. It’s also just a short walk to other points of interest, such as Dam Square and the trendy Jordaan neighborhood.

Room Features

After checking in, a member of the hotel staff offered to show me to my room. I initially thought this was just a courtesy, but it was actually because my room was on two levels, and they wanted to assist me by carrying my luggage up the staircase located inside my room. This expansive bi-level suite offered views of the city and canals, featuring two sitting areas (one of which had a sofa that converted into extra sleeping space), as well as a large sleeping area.

The property features 268 rooms, including various room types, such as a superior single ideal for business travelers and a family room that accommodates up to four. Air conditioning, an espresso machine, a kettle, and a mini fridge come standard.

Food and Dining

A robust breakfast buffet is available for guests, with offerings such as ham and cheese, fruit, croissants, mini pancakes, and espresso drinks. Those wanting fried eggs or another hot dish can place an order with the servers.

Tucked just off the hotel’s front entrance is Vermeer, an elegantly understated spot where a multi-course tasting menu with optional wine pairing is on offer. I had the opportunity to enjoy a meal there and found everything from the bread course to the dessert to be inventive and delicious. Helmed by Chef Sebastian Baquero Garces, the contemporary French restaurant showcases local producers, highlighting the diverse range of Dutch produce and meats. A meal there is the perfect way to celebrate your time in Amsterdam.

For those seeking small plates and a more casual atmosphere, head to Vermeers Wijnkamer, located just off the hotel lobby. If you get hungry outside open hours, 24-hour room service is available.

Facilities and Amenities

A spacious lobby with ample seating is located just past the check-in desk. Here, you’ll find a table with fruit-flavored water and local candies for when you need a sweet treat.

Take the elevator downstairs to the exercise room and Turkish bath, complete with sauna and steam room. Massages can be arranged at extra cost.

If you are planning a celebration or business gathering, banquet, or conference, facilities are available.

NH Collection Amsterdam Barbizon Palace features its own boat jetty, allowing guests to book a private boat tour of the canals or enjoy a floating meal.

Things Nearby

Amsterdam is a very walkable city, and you can also easily access the tram system from this property. I spent my time here walking everywhere, from the Jordaan neighborhood to the Museum Quarter.

Here are a few of my favorite activities nearby:

• Visit the Our Lord in the Attic Museum to see a historic canal house that was converted into a place of worship.
• Visit Cacao & Spice chocolate shop, where shopkeeper Salomé offers single-origin chocolates, homemade truffles, and other tasty treats. You can also book a tour with Salomé through ToursByLocals, where she shares her own deep insight into this area of Amsterdam.
• Swing by Wynand Fockink to try genever, the juniper-flavored spirit that’s popular here.
• Discover Amsterdam’s vibrant food scene on a culinary and canal tour with Eating Europe.

Rates

Rates start at around $118/night. 

Check rates online at Expedia, Booking.com, Agoda.com, or Hotels.com.

Final Verdict

This property’s location near the train station and its upscale amenities make it a solid choice for visitors to Amsterdam. Don’t miss a meal at Vermeer while you are there.

Review and photos by San Francisco Bay Area travel writer Kate Loweth. Her stay was organized by NH Collection, but thoughts and opinions are her own.