Description
Room Mate Aitana is a boutique hotel on IJdok that makes a comfortable base for a stay in Amsterdam. It feels a little different from the usual city hotel, with a modern design and plenty of space to settle in.
The hotel looks out over the IJ River and the city skyline, and those views are especially lovely first thing in the morning. Its clean, contemporary style sits comfortably alongside Amsterdam’s older architecture.
What really sets Room Mate Aitana apart is its personal service. The staff are friendly and happy to help, whether you’re after a good stroopwafel or directions to the Anne Frank House.
The rooms are spacious, comfortable, and stylish, with the sort of thoughtful touches that make it easy to feel at home. The beds are seriously cosy, so you might be tempted to sleep through your canal tour. Try not to.
Key Features
First, the location. Room Mate Aitana sits close to Amsterdam Centraal, making it easy to get around the city or head out on a day trip. You can walk to the station in about 10 minutes.
The rooftop lounge is a lovely place to unwind after a day out. Grab a glass of wine and watch the sun set over the city, or just take a breather between walks and bike rides.
The hotel also rents bikes, which is a handy way to explore Amsterdam. Just keep an eye out for tram tracks when you’re cycling. I learned that one the hard way.
There’s a fully equipped gym on site, too. If you’ve gone a bit overboard on stroopwafels, you can work off some of that energy without leaving the building. Though all the walking around Amsterdam might do the trick.
Business travelers can make use of the hotel’s meeting rooms, which come with the tech you need for a presentation. The views are rather good, although they could distract your clients.
The hotel restaurant serves Dutch and international dishes. For breakfast, try the Dutch pancakes. They’re excellent, and I may have been a little emotional about it.
The 24-hour reception is a real help if your plans go sideways. Arriving at 3 am after a missed flight? Someone will be there to welcome you, and they might even find you a cup of tea.
Some rooms have bathtubs, a treat after a day of museums and canal cruises. A soak with a view of the city is a pretty good way to end the day.
The bar is a handy stop for a nightcap or an espresso before heading out. The bartenders make good cocktails and are usually happy to share tips on local places to try.
Best Time to Visit
So, when’s the best time to visit Amsterdam? There’s no single right answer; each season has its own appeal, depending on what you’re after.
Spring is a lovely time to visit, especially from mid-March to early May, when tulip season brings colour to the city. You can also take a day trip to Keukenhof Gardens for an impressive display of flowers. Bring a light jacket, though. Dutch spring weather can still be chilly.
Summer, from June to August, is peak tourist season. The weather is warmish, the days are long, and festivals and outdoor events fill the calendar. Join locals for a picnic in Vondelpark or find a terrace beside the canals, but expect higher prices and bigger crowds.
Fall, from September to November, is my favourite time to visit. The summer crowds have eased, but the weather is often mild enough for exploring. Vondelpark’s changing leaves are lovely, and cultural events include Amsterdam Dance Event and the International Documentary Film Festival.
Winter, from December to February, has its own charm. It’s cold, of course, but the Amsterdam Light Festival brightens the canals, and a hot chocolate in a cosy brown café is hard to beat. If you’re lucky, you might even get to skate on frozen canals.
How to Get There
Getting to Room Mate Aitana is straightforward, however you’re arriving in Amsterdam. Here are the main options.
Flying into Amsterdam Schiphol Airport? The easiest option is the train to Amsterdam Centraal. Trains run every 10-15 minutes, and the journey takes about 20 minutes. From the station, it’s roughly a 10-minute walk to the hotel. Follow the signs towards IJdok and look for the modern building.
Taxis are available at the airport if you’d rather go door to door. The trip takes about 25-30 minutes, depending on traffic, but it can be hard on your wallet. Amsterdam taxis aren’t cheap.
If you arrive by train, Amsterdam Centraal is about a 10-minute walk from the hotel. Leave the station on the north side, towards the water, then turn left and follow the path along the IJ. It’s a pleasant walk, especially on a sunny day.
Driving to Amsterdam? Room Mate Aitana has a private parking garage for guests. Enter IJdok 6 into your GPS. Keep in mind that driving here can be tricky, with cyclists, trams, and narrow streets. If you’re not used to it, park the car and explore on foot, by bike, or by public transport.
Amsterdam’s public transport network includes trams, buses, and metros. If you’re coming from another part of the city, tram lines 2 and 12 will take you close to the hotel. Get off at the Centraal Station stop, then walk the rest of the way.
Feeling adventurous? You could arrive by boat. Several water taxi services can drop you near the hotel’s doorstep. It costs more than other options, but it’s a memorable way to start your stay.
