Amsterdam's Hottest Hotel: The Exchange Awaits!
Amsterdam's Hottest Hotel: The Exchange Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the gloriously chaotic world of Amsterdam's Hottest Hotel: The Exchange! Forget perfectly polished travel blogs, you're getting the real deal. Think less brochure and more… well, more me rambling about my experience. Let's get messy!
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First things first: Accessibility. This is HUGE for me, and The Exchange gets some serious brownie points here. They actually get it. Wheelchair accessible rooms? Yep. They've got facilities for disabled guests and an elevator, which, trust me, is a lifesaver when you're lugging around a suitcase heavier than your ex's emotional baggage. I didn’t personally test out the accessibility extensively (thankfully!), but it's clear they've put thought into it, which is more than you can say for a lot of places. Big thumbs up.
(Opinionated time!) Okay, so picture this: after a long train ride I roll in and need to, you know, relax. Ways to relax abound! Now, I’m not usually a spa person. I’m more of a “huddle in a blanket and binge-watch terrible TV” kinda gal. But, the Spa/sauna situation? Tempting. They had a sauna and a steamroom, and the reviews were pretty glowing. Sadly, I didn't get to the Pool with view or the Fitness center (that's where I failed and didn't go, for some reason). Still, the opportunity to unwind after a day of exploring canals and chasing stroopwafels? Yes please.
Cleanliness and safety: Okay, let's talk about the elephant (or the COVID-19 virus) in the room. The Exchange seemed to be taking things seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, and staff trained in safety protocol were all evident. They also had the usual suspects like hand sanitizer readily available. The room sanitization opt-out available is a nice touch for those who are less concerned. I felt pretty darn safe which is a huge relief when you're traveling, especially now. The cashless payment service was also super convenient, though, let's be honest, who actually carries cash anymore, unless you're, like, buying tulips from a sketchy street vendor?.
Speaking of things, Dining, drinking, and snacking: Woah nelly, where do I even begin? The options were plentiful. I'm talking restaurants, a bar, a coffee shop, PLUS 24-hour room service? Heaven. Pure, unadulterated heaven. The Western breakfast was amazing. I got to eat the breakfast [buffet]. The Asian breakfast was also available. Now, I am a sucker for a good coffee/tea in the restaurant, and I loved it. The Happy Hour was a true gift from the gods. I had the bottle of water and salad in restaurant because that is the best option, no debate. The snack bar. And there are some desserts in restaurant as well. I am not a big fan of the soup in restaurant if I am honest. The A la carte in restaurant was also available. I didn't see any Asian cuisine in restaurant and I thought that was odd. I enjoyed the poolside bar but didn't go to the Vegetarian restaurant, as I had a burger, shame. And I didn't have the alternative meal arrangement.
(Rambling about food time!) Okay, personal anecdote incoming: the first time I tried to order a coffee/tea in the restaurant, I accidentally ordered in almost perfect Dutch…but then my partner, as he ordered a waffle, spoke in only English, because. Why?. It's little quirks like these that make travel memorable, right? The food was delightful (I've already mentioned the buffet), and just all-around delicious. The variety was impressive.
Services and conveniences: Let's be real, traveling can be stressful. The Exchange gets this. Concierge? Check. Doorman? Check. Daily housekeeping? Double-check (and thank goodness!). They had a convenience store if you needed anything in a pinch, luggage storage and a dry cleaning service! The currency exchange was especially useful. The Air conditioning in public area was a lifesaver! This might seem boring but trust me, when you're navigating a new city, these small things can make all the difference. They also have invoice provided.
(The slightly-less-organized section: For the kids!) Okay, I don’t have kids but I saw several families while I was there, so I made a point to observe. The Exchange seems to be family/child friendly. They had babysitting service, kids facilities, and kids meal! My, what a hotel!
Rooms, gloriously described (yes, the important stuff!): Okay, now we get into the good stuff: the rooms! They offer ALL of the Available in all rooms I wasn't in a Couple's room, but the rooms were amazing. Now, I had a Air conditioning which was amazing but I will never do it again. The Alarm clock. The Bathrobes, let me tell you, a dream. The Bathtub that was an absolute goddess (I am a big fan of taking a bath. I brought a bottle of water. The Blackout curtains, because jet lag is a real thing. The Coffee/tea maker was such a comfort. I have a complimentary tea. The Daily housekeeping? Yes. The desk. The Extra long bed. The Free bottled water was a godsend. The Hair dryer. The High floor? Yes, I could feel I was on a high floor! In-room safe box. The Internet access – wireless. The Ironing facilities kept me sane. The Laptop workspace was a true blessing. The Linens. The Mini bar was stocked (and expensive!). The Mirror. The Non-smoking was a plus! The On-demand movies. The Private bathroom, as always, was a must. The Reading light. The Refrigerator. The Scale (ugh) was there. The Seating area? Very nice. The Separate shower/bathtub. The Shower. The Slippers. The Smoke detector. The Socket near the bed, essential for phone charging! The Sofa. The Soundproofing. The Telephone. the Toiletries were lovely. The Towels were soft, and I had a decent Umbrella. The Visual alarm. And the Wake-up service!
Getting Around: Airport transfer? Boom. Car park [free of charge]? You betcha. They have car park [on-site] and even a Car power charging station. And if you don't want to navigate yourself, there's a taxi service and valet parking. Very handy for those with a lot of luggage, or just feeling fancy.
(The messy wrap-up):
So, what's the verdict on The Exchange? Honestly, it’s fantastic, and I can't recommend it enough, especially if you're looking for a hotel that gets it when it comes to accessibility and comfort. It's stylish, clean, and the staff are genuinely lovely. It's not flawless—no hotel is—but the good definitely outweighs the "meh." Did I wish I had hit the gym? Yes. Do I regret all the stroopwafels? Absolutely not.
Booking Offer – Because You Deserve It!
Tired of boring hotels? Craving an Amsterdam escape that's both stylish and stress-free? Book your stay at The Exchange NOW and receive:
- A complimentary welcome drink upon arrival! (Because you deserve it.)
- 20% off spa treatments. (Melt away the stress of travel!)
- Free Wi-Fi throughout your stay. (Stay connected, my friend.)
- Guaranteed early check-in or late check-out. (Because arriving/leaving when you want is a life-saver.)
- Use code "AMSTERDAMEXPLORER" at checkout!
Don't just visit Amsterdam – experience it. Book your stay at The Exchange today!
**(Oh, and psst…they're pretty good for a **Proposal spot, too… just sayin'…)
Escape to Slovakia: Luxury at Penzion Tiberia, Trenčín
Okay, buckle up, buttercup. This itinerary… well, let's just say it's more of a loose suggestion than a concrete plan. Think of it as a roadmap scribbled on a napkin after way too much Dutch beer. We're staying at Hotel The Exchange in Amsterdam, which, let's be honest, already sets the bar pretty high. So, here we go… my attempt…
Amsterdam: A Whirlwind of Windmills, Wonder, and Well, Probably Cheese.
Day 1: Arrival & Disorientation (The Amsterdam Embrace)
10:00 AM (ish): Arrive at Schiphol Airport. Okay, so I thought I pre-booked a train ticket. Turns out, "pre-booked" in my stressed-out pre-trip brain translates to "vaguely considered." Cue the frantic app download and a minor existential crisis while trying to navigate the ticket machines. Found a very helpful (read: patient) Dutch woman who saved me from myself. God bless her soul.
11:00 AM: Train to Amsterdam Centraal Station. The journey? A blur. Blurry scenery, a faint smell of stroopwafels wafting from someone's bag, and an overwhelming sense of "Oh. My. God. I'm actually here."
11:30 AM: Check-in at Hotel The Exchange. This place is stunning. So, the hotel is like a fashion showcase: each room is designed differently. My room? Well, let's just say it's like I'm living in a Vogue editorial, the bed literally engulfed me in a world of linens and textiles. The architecture is amazing…I'm already loving it!
12:30 PM: First lunch in Amsterdam. Okay, it's more of a "scramble for something edible" situation. Found a little café around the corner, ordered a sandwich that I'm pretty sure was mostly bread, and spent 20 minutes staring at the canals, just… staring. That's what I do, and I'm not ashamed. It's research, you see, for my emotional reactions.
1:30 PM: EXPLORATION! I got on a bike…well, let's say it was a rental bike from a place that looked like they were trying to save the planet, a little place called "Green Bikes." And let me tell you, cycling in Amsterdam is a complete joy. Except for the constant fear of colliding with a gaggle of tourists or tumbling into the canal. I avoided both!
3:00 PM: Canal Cruise. Yep, touristy, I know. But seriously, do it. The city from the water is magical. I took a boat tour through those canals and it was the best way to see the city: beautiful houses, funny information from our captain, which was a nice older guy. I've been trying to find a good cafe, but I had trouble.
5:00 PM: This is where things get blurry. I tried to find a good cafe, but my tired feet and jet lag made me pick anything. Finally found a cafe and tried to catch up on some journaling, then got distracted by some people.
7:00 PM: Dinner. Well, a snack! Found a little place with Indonesian food and I had the best thing: kroepoek. The crunchy chips with a sweet chili dipping sauce… I could eat those every single day.
9:00 PM: Collapsed at the hotel. Seriously, I think my legs are still cycling. Read a book. Listened to the city noises. Drank way too much water. Passed out.
Day 2: Art, Anxiety, and Attempted Art History.
9:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. Oh, the breakfast! It's like a feast! And everything is amazing! Okay, back to reality…
10:00 AM: Van Gogh Museum. Ugh. Look, I appreciate art. Really. But crowds? They're my nemesis. And the sheer volume of people, the jostling, the silent judgements… I almost lost it. But the sunflowers? They were… well, they were sunflowers. And the self-portraits? You could feel the sadness in them. It was beautiful and horrible at the same time. I needed to hug someone afterward, or maybe just sit in a dark room.
12:00 PM: Found a cute little cafe around the corner to regroup. A massive cup of coffee and a quiet corner.
1:00 PM: The Rijksmuseum. Okay, I can't get through everything. I got a glimpse of Rembrandt's The Night Watch. It was overwhelming. I actually welled up. It's a big deal, okay? So, I'm not the kind of person who gets emotional over paintings, and suddenly – tears. I blamed jet lag.
2:30 PM: Left the museum. Needed air. Needed a cigarette (I don't smoke, but I almost did). Needed something… real.
3:00 PM: Wandered. Just wandered. Found a cheese shop. Tried a gazillion cheeses. Almost bought them all. Restrained myself.
4:00 PM: Tried to visit the Anne Frank House, but the line was around the block. Nope. Not today. Maybe tomorrow. Or maybe, just… no.
5:00 PM: This is where the day gets hazy. More wandering, more cheese. More overwhelming feelings. Found a bench and just sat, watching the world go by.
7:00 PM: Dinner. Found an Italian place. Pizza was the perfect thing for the end of the day, a comfort food.
8:30 PM: Back to the hotel. Journaling. Thinking. Maybe drinking too much wine.
10:00 PM: Just, wow. Back to the hotel room to relax and think about another day.
Day 3: Flowers, Fries, and Flights (The Wind-Down?)
- 9:00 AM: Final breakfast, more stroopwafels.
- 10:00 AM: Visit the Bloemenmarkt (floating flower market). The colors! The smells! The sheer quantity of tulips! Bought way too many souvenirs.
- 11:00 AM: Took a final walk alongside the canals, enjoying them.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch. Fries…duh. With mayo, of course.
- 1:00 PM: The final hour. I checked out of the hotel and went to the airport.
- 2:00 PM: Boarding the plane. Goodbye! I promise to tell you when I get back and what happened!
Final Thoughts:
Amsterdam isn't just a city; it's an experience. It's the wind in your face, the scent of fresh-baked bread, the unexpected tears in an art museum. It's exhaustion and exhilaration, frustration and fulfillment. It's messy. It's human. And it's probably one of the best trips I've ever taken.
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Amsterdam's "Hottest Hotel" - The Exchange: FAQ (and My Unfiltered Thoughts!)
What's the big deal about The Exchange? Everyone seems to be drooling over it. Like, *why*?
Okay, so, the *hype*. It's real. And honestly, it's mostly justified. But let's be clear: it's not for everyone. The primary reason for the buzz is the *clothes*. Yep, you read that right. Each room at The Exchange is designed like a piece of clothing. Think: a room inspired by a tailored suit, a ballgown, a fluffy sweater... you get the idea. It's a concept that's simultaneously incredibly weird and unbelievably cool. And, of course, Instagram LOVES it. Picture perfect, darling!
But beyond the aesthetics? The location is killer. Right in the heart of the Red Light District… which can be a *lot* to take in. Also, the staff, generally, are *super* friendly. (More on that later, there was one guy who was… well, let's just say his enthusiasm bordered into manic.)
Are the rooms truly as wild as the pictures? Like, do they shove a whole *room* inside a 'dress' or something?
Okay, so the photos? Yes, they're real. But they don't *quite* capture the full… commitment. I stayed in the 'Corset Room'. You know, like, the one with the, seemingly, boned walls? Yeah. It's a lot. You’re basically sleeping INSIDE someones fashion fantasy! It was… snug. Like, uncomfortably, unexpectedly snug. I’m not the world's most claustrophobic person, but I had a moment. I think a small panic set in when I couldn't find a light switch… in the dark, corseted, cave… but then I remembered the welcome bottle of wine. Problem solved.
And the textures! Wool, silks, pleats… it's a sensory overload. Be prepared to touch *everything*. Seriously. I, embarrassingly, spent a solid 10 minutes rubbing my face against a velvety headboard. Don't judge me. You will too. It's a tactile experience, almost a performance. You're *in* the art.
Red Light District location… seems… intense. Is it safe? Are you constantly dodging… things?
Okay, let's be honest. The Red Light District is… well, it's distinctive. It's not for the faint of heart, or for those easily offended. It's loud. It's busy. It's… something else. But, generally, yes it is *safe*. Amsterdam has a strong police presence. I never felt genuinely threatened.
But yes: you will see things. You will hear things. Expect it. Embrace it (or hide in your corseted room, I don't judge). Don't wander around aimlessly at 3 AM, drunk and flashing your phone. You’ll be fine. Just, you know, be aware of your surroundings. And maybe don't make eye contact with *everyone*.
What about the food and drinks? Any good?
The Exchange itself doesn't have a full-blown restaurant, but there's a lovely, chill little cafe downstairs. Breakfast is... well, it's breakfast. Nothing mind-blowing, but decent. Think pastries, yogurt, coffee. The real magic, however, is outside. You're *surrounded* by options. Street food, charming little cafes, fancy restaurants… Amsterdam is a foodie paradise. Don't feel obligated to eat *every* meal at the hotel. Explore!
I highly recommend seeking out a local "brown cafe" for a proper Dutch experience. They are usually super cozy and full of character (and beer!). One place I stumbled upon had a tiny, surly cat who was clearly judging everyone. I loved it.
Okay, the service: the hype train for this hotel seems more about interior design. But, is the service any good?
This is where things get… mixed. Generally, the staff are lovely. Young, enthusiastic, trying their best. They *seem* to genuinely enjoy working there. But, and this is a big BUT, they can sometimes feel a little… green. I had a few mix-ups with my booking. Nothing disastrous, but the communication wasn't always crystal clear.
And then there was the guy at the front desk. I’m not mentioning names! Who was… *intense*. Like, "Welcome to The Exchange! This is the Best Hotel Ever! You're Going to Love it!!!" every time I walked past, which, was quite a bit. After a while, I started avoiding him. Sorry, enthusiastic guy… but sometimes, a "hello" is enough. And honestly? The enthusiasm sometimes bordered on… well. I was a little scared of him. I'm just saying.
Is it worth the price tag? It looks expensive.
It *is* expensive. There's no getting around that. You’re paying for the novelty, the location, and the Instagram-ability. If you're on a budget… probably not. There are plenty of perfectly nice, more affordable hotels in Amsterdam.
But if you're looking for a unique experience? If you're an art lover, a fashion fanatic, or someone who just wants to stay somewhere truly unforgettable? Then maybe. Just… prepare your wallet. And maybe bring some ear plugs, just in case.
So… would you actually recommend it? Be honest!
Okay. Honest answer? Yes, *and* no. I *loved* it. And I hated it. I’m serious. The 'Corset Room' was amazing, and the design was incredible, and the staff were cute… and for most of the time made everything perfect. But It wasn't perfect. It's not for everyone. You have to be prepared to embrace the weirdness, the location, and the potential for minor service hiccups. You're paying more for a 'statement' than purely a place to crash.
If you're open-minded, adventurous, and willing to spend a little extra? Go for it. Just don’t expect perfection. And definitely prepare yourself for the Red Light District. And maybe book a room with a slightly less… structured design. And maybe, just maybe… avoid the overly enthusiastic front desk guy. But go. Seriously. It's an experience you won't find anywhere else. Oh, and take a lot of pictures. For Instagram. Of course.
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