NH Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky, Amsterdam, Netherlands - Reviews and Hotel Information

This hotel is rated as a 5-star, and we agreed based on our impressions of the main lobby/check-in area and the service we experienced from the staff. Keep in mind, though, that we booked an apartment, not a hotel room, so we can't give any info on what those are like. Although ours was the smallest apartment size, a "Junior", it was actually larger than I expected and was fine for a couple (also with a roll-away bed if needed). There are other, larger units available in two sizes up. The story goes that the Kras started out many years ago as a coffeeshop, and grew into the establishment it is today, with the hotel company having bought up the adjoining canal houses and creating the hotel and apartments. There are over 400 hotel rooms and 36 apartments. From any photos it looks like a smallish building, but the canal house exteriors are also the hotel. It's pretty much the entire block on that side of Dam Square. Formerly operated by the Golden Tulip hotel chain, recently aquired by the NH chain as of 2004.

I would NOT book one of these units with the expectation of having old-world styled furniture and decorations and charm. Ours was pretty much modern, mid-level hotel/motel furniture. I would ask about the specific location of an apartment if considering booking one and concerned with noise from outside, as it took us a while to get used to voices from the streets and some other outside city sounds. In our case, that just added to the sense of adventure; if we wanted total quiet we would have stayed home. Considering the fact of so many apartments, and the different buildings with their own entrances and layouts, some units are more away from the streets. Be aware that not all the apartments are canal-view, so request specifically if desired when booking. Go here for some basic pics and booking info:
Krasnapolsky Apartments

Our apartment was located around the corner from the main hotel entrance. Connected, adjoining buildings. We had a private entrance to our building with a door key, with three other apartments up the stairs from us. Modern, electronic card lock on the apartment door. Although it was a first-floor unit by description, it was actually up one flight of those famous Amsterdam stairs. Overall a great arrangement for security purposes, with controlled access to our building and in reality on the second floor so no one could access our windows. Our sitting area faced the canal on the back side of that block, a cool view. Included a TV/VCR and stereo system (a shame no DVD or flat-screen), couch and two chairs, coffee table and lamps, writing table, private toilet in the apartment, separate room off the bedroom with shower/lavatory/washer-dryer, kitchen area with stove top/microwave/small refrigerator/sink, all the dishes/glasses/utensils we needed, coffeemaker, and a bedroom with a huge bed and another TV. Iron, ironing board, hair dryer, and other goodies. And squeaky-clean throughout. All for only 89 Euros per night TOTAL (not per-person), not including a 5% city tax. (2004 prices, and will be higher in peak Summer months.)

For a 7-night stay, daily housekeeping is NOT included, although I'm sure it could be had for extra bucks. We liked that aspect, with no one coming into the unit except us all week. There were ample towels to last, and for the clean freaks there was the washer/dryer and a nifty vacuum cleaner. We did our own light housekeeping and found it added to the experience of feeling that we lived there instead of being in a hotel. Note that having a washer-dryer also allows being able to pack less clothing for easier travel.

Even though an apartment, all the hotel amenities were available including room service. The beautiful Winter Garden restaurant that's part of the hotel, and listed as a historic place, is something to see. The hotel also has several other restaurants/bars/pubs.

NH Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky, Amsterdam

NH Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky

Amsterdam Hotels