More about Lloyd Hotel & Cultural Embassy
36. Lloydhotel
by 36waterfalls
I haven't stayed here, so I can only update you on the history of the building!
The Lloydhotel was built between 1917-1920 to serve as an emigrants hotel. It had room for 900 visitors and functioned as a 'waiting room'. From this place people moved to South America. The hotel had seperate dorms for men, woman and families. It also had a small hospital on site.
During WWII it was used as a prison for collaborators, during the 1960's as a prison for juveniles.
Today the Lloyd Hotel has gone back to doing what it does best; being a hotel. It opened in August 2004 and has 117 rooms, quite unique; differing from 1 to 4 stars. It still has a library with books and information on its history and the migration era.
Walking the JAVA island
by pieter_jan_v
The former East side of the Amsterdam harbour has been transformed into a new suburb with outstanding architecture and wondeful living environment.
A 6 km walk from the Central Station will take you along some amazing new buildings and some historical leftovers in this part of Amsterdam.
The first landmarks leaving from the station are:
-Muziekgebouw aan 't IJ
-Passenger Terminal.
Take a left across the Jan Schaeffer bridge to the Java Island.
Both sides as well as the inner corridor offer interesting views.
The small side canals gives unespected look throughs and have a total of 9 special designed little bridges.
At Loods 6 at the North side there are some trendy art shops.
At the East side of the Java Island there are buildings with names like The Black Widow, Barcelona, Piraeus and the Emerald Empire.
Via the Verbindingsdam we arrive at Sporenburg with the bulky Whale building.
To the East the diagonal gardens are surprising.
Via the Python bridge we enter Borneo Island.
Return via the Southside, the Entrepot harbour.; the most interesting part of the island.
At the Panamalaan 2 more interesting new buidings, Batavia and Hoop, Liefde en Fortuin can be found.
Go West via the Oostelijke Handelskade and admire the Lloyd Hotel and have a drink at Club Panama. Walking shoes (maybe rain gear) and water.
Lloyd Hotel - 1920
by yooperprof
This "new" boutique hotel has a fascinating history that is far removed from its present "four star" trendiness!
It was originally constructed specifically to be a transient and temporary housing facility for new emigrants from Eastern Europe - most of whom were just passing through on their way to the Americas. As many as 900 people were expected to be accomodated here, with separate facilities for single men and well, as well as larger units for entire families. If emigrants did not meet the strict health and sanitation requirements, they would be detained here for weeks or months, and eventually might be forced to return to their homes in Europe.
Later, during World War II, the occupying Nazis used the building as a detention and interrogation center. And after the war was over, the new Dutch government transformed the place into a low security detention center!
The present incarnation of the Lloyd has witnessed its transformation to a four star hotel with a trendy location and fashionably historic decor. It's as if the unhappiness of so many people who stayed here is being tempered the laughs and leisures of the new high-flying elite. So it goes!
It's worth entering the Lloyd for a glimpse at the dining room (one of the old eating halls) and the bar (the main waiting room). Some beautiful restoration work was performed throughout the facility - creative re-use, certainly.
Unique, wonderful and off the beaten path!
by TripAdvisor Member SubrosaReview
Lloyd Hotel Amsterdam
Our taxi brought us from the Airport, and as we passed a 3 story table on the corner, we realized our hotel was a bit outside of the center and located in the wonderfully clean and unique design district. (Hint. Take the train from the airport… it is quicker, cheaper, and right on the tram or a short taxi ride from central station).
The taxi driver told us that our hotel was an old prison for children and has been referred to as the Lloyd Hotel for many years by delinquent youth! I was curious how he knew the lingo of these youth… and looked at my partner like ‘what are we getting ourselves into’!
Our anxiety was quickly diminished on arrival. Although it has a distant feel of old school house, the design is clean and comfortable. The rooms range in categories from shared bathroom accommodations to luxury theme suites... The public areas are open and resemble large living rooms or common areas at a rich kid’s school…
Staff was efficient and helpful, we arrived but our reservation hadn't...so they quickly set us up and we checked in for the night without too much delay.
We found our 5star room had all the comforts and a bit of oddities that made it interesting. The beds and linens were soft and comforting, the pillows fluffy down and the amenities were adequate.
The restaurant is ala carte with simple and excellent food cooked to perfection. The main dishes are not overdone with spices or sauces (those you order to your liking on the side). Choices of perfectly prepared veggies, chips and salads are available and the home made desserts are wonderful!!
Free Wireless is the key, allowing us to roam freely in the hotel and work as needed.
The hotel hosts a cultural center, which has cultural nights... our stay coincided with one on Africa (the night before our flight to Africa left!).
Rent the bikes and ride into town, it is close and loads of fun!!
This hotel is highly recommended for those who like unique eccentricities, good service and a great meal.
Very cool hotel!
by TripAdvisor Member SarahBella
I stayed in the Lloyd hotel with my boyfriend for a fun trip to Amsterdam...The only set back with this hotel is that it wasn't very close to Centraal Station, not like stated in a few websites...but it was about a 5-10 min cab ride away.
Anyway, we started off in a 2 star bedroom, which was very funky, with a huge comfy bed and feather pillows. Had a great nights sleep, and it was very quiet.
We were moved into a 5 star room a little later on, which was HUGE with a massive bathtub, and a little living room area. I enjoyed the modern look to the hotel, which could be seen everywhere.
Breakfast...we ordered the buffet, and just picked a few things since we were on the run, apparently, they expect you to pig out on it, so it was a bit pricey.
The staff were very friendly, and the food was great :) They have a lovely little back patio where you can sit in the evening and have a drink. I would def. stay in this hotel again!
Skip this hotel
by TripAdvisor Member LushOne
This hotel seemed to be a glorified hostel. The hallways and rooms - we stayed in a 4 star room - were sparse and still prison-like. The shower in our room left the entire bathroom in a puddle and, since it was exposed and placed between the bedroom and the front door, it was nearly impossible to avoid the mess. On the plus side, the room was rather large, but it was noisy. We could hear other guests drunkenly singing all night long.
Another major drawback to the hotel is the location. One must take a train to get back into the city center, and there is virtually nothing to do in the immediate area.
There are a number of other hotels in Amsterdam that are far more appealing than this 'hostel' with more warmth, better service and that are less expensive as well. Unless you like the look and feel of a prison, I'd skip this hotel.
Quirky and fun!
by TripAdvisor Member Padston
This is certainly not a hotel for a romantic break away but great for a group of people visiting Amsterdam. Just been on a hen party and stayed there and really enjoyed it. The rooms were fairly basic but quirky and the bed was one of the most comfy I have slept in! The bathroom was roomy, but bit wierd no shower curtain meaning it got soaked! The staff were really friendly - very helpful and spoke perfect English. The hotel is only a mnute from the nearest tram stop and then 5/10 minutes into Centraal, really handy for the centre. I wouldnt come here with my husband but for a fun trip with lots of mates where you need somewhere functional but nice to sleep, this is it!
Great Hotel
by TripAdvisor Member marine45
My wife and I have returned from a great weekend in Amsterdam the Hotel could not have been better, great staff, brilliant location. The Lloyd is a old building (pre 1930) that has been completely refurbished to a high standard ( I you are looking for old fashioned) this Hotel is not for you. The staff are young and enthusiastic but not in your face trying to sell this and that, the food is very good we were told that all the food was organic however we have no way to proof that, but the taste was great. Trams are the accepted mode of transport and they are so good you have no need of a car. From the Airport jump the Amtrak, get your ticket from the machine about 7.00eu for two (the machines are a little frustrating but you will get the hang of it) the staff at the airport and rail station are extremely courteous and friendly and very helpful. From Central station jump on a 26 tram to the Hotel (tell the driver you are going to the Lloyd and they tell you when to get off over the PA system.(cool eh!!) The rooms are very minimalist however the beds are superb with real feather quilts etc. Going into the centre of town jump the 10 tram and enjoy the night life. We have been before and would certainly go again, the Dutch are possible the best europeans of us al, l and we could learn many lessons from them in terms of how to welcome our visitor's to our city's.
Forum Posts
Hotel Areana and Lloyd hotel(s)--Worth the $$$?
by jcwatson
Thinkin' about staying in either the Lloyd or Hotel Areana when I arrive in about 3-4 weeks. R either one of these hotels any good and worth the price? From their websites, the decor looks cool...especially Hotel Areana. Do share:->
RE: Hotel Arena and Lloyd hotel(s)--Worth the $$$?
by pieter_jan_v
I think you mean the Hotel Arena; see the experiences of other VT-members at:
http://www.virtualtourist.com/hotels/Europe/Netherlands/Provincie_Noord_Holland/Amsterdam-463377/Hotels_and_Accommodations-Amsterdam-Arena_Hotel_Amsterdam-BR-1.html
The Lloyd Hotel is more on its own and is outside the normal booking circuit and due to that not present as an Amsterdam hotel subgroup.
This hotel aims at creative clientele like writers, painters and musicians.
I have visited the hotel a good year ago and spoke to the PR-manager and she was very helpful. See my tip at:
http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/tp/140319
Arena is nicely located near the Vondelpark, outside the city center.
The Lloyd is somewhat East but interestingly located in the Eastern docks.
PJ