This is our second stay at the Hotel Nadia and we will be back.

Location

The hotel is away from the central areas but is still within easy walking distance with Dam Square being about a 5 minute walk away and it’s either an easy 15/20 minute stroll from Central Station or a short tram ride. Because it’s slightly off the main areas, we have not experienced any drunken groups wandering loudly past in the early hours. Its worth remembering that it is a city location and the trams run right outside so yes, there is some noise from the traffic and the nearby church bells but this certainly did not detract from the experience.

Hotel

Be warned, on entering the hotel you will be greeted by the steepest steps known to mankind. As the website indicates, it is not suitable for the elderly, disabled and possibly young children who are just starting to negotiate stairs. However, the stairs are part of what makes the hotel that extra bit special, and you don’t have to lug your luggage up and down them as the very friendly and enthusiastic staff are genuinely happy to do this for you. Plus you are given a choice of soft drink on your arrival in reception (at the top of the first flight) to help you recover.

The whole hotel is quirky and small and full of character. It’s a family run affair and everyone is genuinely helpful and welcoming. You are given a handful of useful maps and information on arrival and the reception which is staffed 24 hours can help from posting your postcards to giving you directions.

Bedrooms

As you’d expect from a period building, rooms are small but clean and comfortable. They come equipped with en suites, kettle, TV, fridge and safe. They are cleaned everyday. Plus you are greeted by a bunch of lovely flowers which is a nice touch.

Breakfast Room

This is also a fairly small room so can get quite busy. However, breakfast runs for a decent time slot (about 2 ½ hours) so there is plenty of time to chill and wait your turn. The views are lovely overlooking the canal and church. It’s self service and a basic continental breakfast but it’s an all you can eat one.

Cats

Meet ‘Hello’ and ‘Goodbye’ the two hotel cats who can usually be found snoozing behind the glass window opposite the breakfast room. They are kept in the private quarters so do not roam the hotel but if you’re lucky you will be allowed in to meet them.

Top tips

Visit Sara’s Pancakes a couple of doors down from the hotel for every kind of pancake imaginable. If you are looking for a quieter coffee shop try Paradox which about a 5 minute walk away. Great music, relaxed atmosphere and great hot chocolate. There are a few lovely places to eat right near the hotel but we highly recommend San Jovanys next to the Albert Heijn Supermarket where you’ll get the most delicious steaks.

Summary

The perfect hotel to use as a base for exploring and we highly recommend it.

This is a well located, cosy, quirky hotel near the centre which is relatively inexpensive by Amsterdam standards. It is located within walking distance to most major attractions and is near to tram lines.

The staff were friendly and excellent, I had arrived at 7:30am after a 24 hour flight and hadn't slept too much. They provided me with a room as soon as one was available, after 12 but still before check in time.

The breakfast was average with a lack of protein such as eggs or bacon. The rooms are exceedingly small but this is typical for Amsterdam, where there isn't much floor space considering they restrict the height of the skyline to a low level to protect the character of the historic part of the city. There is a nearby, fairly inconsiderate church that keeps ringing it's bells throughout the night - does it have planning permission for bell noise? I doubt it. The stairs were steep but who cares? I feared for my safety about the stairs having read some reviews on here in advance but it was no big deal. Overall, i'd easily stay there again.

We got a double and a family room. The familly room (for four people) is particullary amazing, with a front view to the canals, a lot of space, free coffee/tea, fridge, electric keetle and a large dining table. The breakfast was also a pleasant surprise. The only problem was a strong paint smell on the room. Some people may complain about the stairs, but there's no way a hotel in that area won't have them. The staff was very friendly with information and helping with the luggage.

Booked a room here for 4 days and the service and staff were brilliant.Its in a good location for the red light district and easy to get to and from the airport.
We were given an upgrade on arrival to a canal view room and flowers in the room as it was my girlfriends birthday which was a lovely surprise.We had a great stay and would go back.