Nhow Amsterdam RAI, situated next to the renowned RAI exhibition and convention centre in Amsterdam, is an architectural marvel created by the visionary Rem Koolhaas’s OMA and offers a vibrant hub, welcoming business travellers, tourists and locals alike.
You’d think staying next to Amsterdam’s convention centre might be a bit of strange move but the hotel in the south of the city is just a 10 minute ride from the airport (and the same into the city centre) by the frequent and affordable metro, meaning that while it might not have the charm of an old canal ring townhouse destination, it more than makes up for convenience and style.
With three triangle towers sitting upon each other, the Rem Koolhaas designed hotel is just as iconic as his other spectacular stacked buildings including; the De Rotterdam complex (huge multi-use towers that are also home to another nhow), Interlace, the vertical village in Singapore, and the cantilevered spectacle of Seoul National Museum of Art.
Each corner of the nhow triangle is home to a different theme, so depending on your view of the city (which for us stretches out to the south with the Ajax Stadium in the distance) you get ‘sent’ to experience a different destination.
We’re in Asia and our room includes hues of deep reds and pinks, hand painted paper lanterns, and a large Japanese inspired headboard replete with geisha girl. The view of the green flat lands of the Netherlands spans out below us and is a contrast to the Asian scene inside the building.
The theme of complimenting continents continues throughout the hotel. Curved mural-covered vibrant patterned walls adorn the 17th floor restaurant and the first floor bar. Colourful illustrated rugs and vibrant magenta floors are a welcome splash of colour. It’s a contrast to the usual corporate style of convention centre hotels and feels a bit more Vegas than subtle standard beige.
Food is certainly served with a view at nhow Amsterdam. Breakfast is an assortment of fresh and healthy choices (or naughty if you choose). Grab freshly made waffles with a dollop of sweet delights (of course) with a Bloody Mary accompaniment, or a more healthy continental selection with cheeses and chia seeds, freshly prepared juices and plenty in between. Dinner offers up a casual and subtle nod to Asia (we liked the tasty prawn and lemongrass noodles) but if Asian food isn’t your thing then there’s a selection of burgers and fries. The menu is small but easily caters for different tastes.
Once you’ve finished dinner you can head down to the bar for the treat of a free drink. When we checked in we were informed that if we were happy to keep our ‘do not disturb’ sign on the door and not have our room cleaned the following day, we would earn ourselves a drinks voucher. The initiative is a way of preserving both wasted staff time as well as energy spent on washing towels and sheets used for a short amount of time. We were of course more than happy to oblige and enjoy a glass of red wine instead of fresh towels.
Things to do
You can walk to the beautiful area of De Pijp in 15 minutes. Take in cool designer stores, independent bars and restaurants and the lovely international market that serves up plenty of different cuisines. In recent years, this vibrant district, which was once predominantly working class, has transformed into one of the trendiest and most sought-after destinations in Amsterdam.
Jump on the Metro
From the hotel either the Orange M53 line from Amsterdam RAI or the Blue M51 line from Europaplien will get you into the city centre. Get the Blue line to Rokin for city centre shopping or a boat trip. Head on the Orange line to Weesperplein and take a walk to Artis, the Plantage and our favourite tap room, Brouwerij ‘t IJ.
Alternatively get off the Metro at Amsterdam Centraal and get the free ferry to NDSM where 10 acres of land is being reclaimed for art spaces, digital festivals and weekend flea markets.
To book a room at the nhow RAI Amsterdam visit the website here.
