If you’re not familiar with the Mövenpick brand started in 1948 by a Swiss hotelier, you’ll get to understand what it’s about quite quickly. When you enter the spacious, airy lobby of Mövenpick Hotel Amsterdam City Centre, modern design is at the forefront, with sitting spaces decorated with contemporary furniture and artful touches. The inviting 408-room property has pretty much anything you’d need or want, whether you’ll be settling in to explore all Amsterdam has to offer or coming for a quick stay.

Mövenpick has more than 80 hotels worldwide, so you can see how much thought and care have gone into the details large and small.

STREET CRED: IT’S ALL ABOUT LOCATION

The hotel is just a 15-minute walk from central station, where you can catch the train to other European cities or head to the airport. The property is right on the IJ River so you may have a view of the water or the skyline of the city. It’s a bit away from the main tourist attractions, which is both good and bad.

Even during my visit to Amsterdam in December, the city was very busy with loads of tourists. The hotel was in a quieter area, which is nice after you’ve had a busy day hitting attractions and weaving through the crowds. To get to the heart of the action, you may need to take taxis (which are quite expensive) or hop the tram, which runs right in front of the hotel.

WHO HANGS HERE: IS THIS HOTEL FOR YOU?

It was a mixed bag of guests at the Mövenpick. There are oodles of business folks who spend their breakfast working away on laptops. On some days, the lobby was packed with cruise passengers waiting for their room keys, checking in overnight just before they leave for their voyages from the cruise terminal next door. And, of course, tourists looking for a good location and a hotel with plenty of perks and amenities at a reasonable rate.

THE STRAIGHT GOODS: WHAT’S IN THE ROOM?

No stranger to hotel rooms, I can tell right away if a room has been designed with prioritizing guest comfort in mind. This one definitely was. It had a lot of smart design features to appreciate, from easy-to-reach plugs and USB ports to good quality black-out curtains. It also had a small bar fridge that we kept well-stocked with local beers and yogurt for a quick snack, plus the basics for making tea and coffee in the room.

Bonus marks for the bed. We had a king-sized bed (sometimes difficult to find in Europe), which had an excellent, medium-firm mattress, crisp bed linens and substantial, fluffy pillows. Nightstands were a good size so I could keep all my must-have essentials (iPad, lip balm, phone) nearby.

GOOD EATS: COCKTAILS AND CUISINE

The Lobby & Lounge Bar was a hit among guests. I never saw it empty during my stay. I can understand why. The signature Swiss Chocolate cocktail attracts repeat customers, as does the smartly crafted classic drinks.

The main 220-seat restaurant is a light-filled space with views overlooking the harbour and the city. It has a cozy vibe and plenty of menu options focused on European cuisine and international favorites like a juicy, expertly cooked steak, classic burgers and seafood. There are well curated wine selections to go with your meal, including Mövenpick’s own labels.

BRAGGING RIGHTS: WHAT ELSE HAS IT GOT?

I was fortunate to score an executive king room, which included access to a designated lounge on the second floor for those guests. In such a busy hotel, quieter areas like these are appreciated for enjoying the breakfast buffet or an at-the-end-of-the-day drink. It’s a nice perk to have.

When you’re looking for an energy recharge, head to the Finnish sauna (complimentary for hotel guests). There are hot and cold showers, an ice fountain and a relaxation room. Thankfully for night owls and early risers, you can book a massage 24 hours a day for ultimate bliss.

If you’re feeling guilty after eating too many stroopwafels, hit the gym where there’s a full array of fitness equipment.

Work out a bit longer because you’ll want to enjoy chocolate hour, a signature experience, available on a complimentary basis to guests across Mövenpick properties. The Amsterdam one is no exception. From 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the lobby, guests can indulge in some of the hotel brand’s legendary sweet treats.

A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE THINGS: WHAT STOOD OUT?

I adore a good bathroom. This one ticked all the boxes. The heated floor was delightful, especially when coming back to the room after spending the day walking outside in the cold. And the big fluffy towels were better than I’ve seen in some other luxury properties.

My husband and I looked forward to the breakfast buffet each morning. It was nicely laid out with an array of pastries, cheese, meat, cereal, yogurt, etc. And the coffee was excellent. The restaurant also featured a DIY waffle maker, which proved popular among guests. Chefs were on hand ready to whip up customized omelets, too.

PARTING SHOT: IF WE COULD CHANGE JUST ONE THING

The hotel can get quite busy when the cruise-ship guests fill the rooms. A few more staff during peak times would help things to continue to run smoothly. That said, this Accor-affiliated property has high standards. The staff is lovely, responding to requests with a smile.

We found rates in April starting at US$445.

Photos courtesy of Accor Hotels & Resorts.

Michele was a guest of the hotel. It did not have editorial approval.