Review of Ambassade Hotel, by Joanna Monkhouse

Amsterdam's Ambassade Hotel was founded in 1953 and is still privately owned. The original hotel has expanded considerably and now consists of ten 17th and 18th-century houses between the Herengracht and Singel canals. Many of the 59 rooms have canal views. The Ambassade is a hotel with a personal approach, friendly staff, and a relaxed atmosphere that is well suited to guests looking for some old-fashioned charm.

The facilities

The cream and pale blue breakfast room has double-height windows overlooking the canal, and the buffet (7-11am, weekends 'til 11.30am) offers a good selection. Room service is available 24 hours a day. The chandeliered salon is red and gold, flooded with sunlight during the day and furnished with antiques, paintings, Persian rugs and a 18th century grandfather clock. The hotel boasts a library filled with first editions signed by the authors - the Ambassade is popular for literary launches. A small business centre has recently been added to the hotel's facilities, and free email access is available. The Koan Float Centre located next door provides massage and floatation. The Ambassade rents bikes to its guests to allow them explore the city the traditional way and join Amsterdam's 550 000 bicycles.

The rooms

Every room has been individually decorated in Queen Anne style, with antique furniture and modern comforts (tv, minibar, safe, 2 phone lines) and each is unique in layout due to the structure of the different houses. There is a lift but some rooms can only be reached by climbing steep staircases, and the warren of halls and passageways that connect the rooms mean that wheelchair access is difficult. The Ambassade's welcoming staff show guests to their rooms, helping to negotiate the maze. There are 7 suites and an apartment that is fitted with a small kitchen and well suited to longer stays. The attic rooms are smaller but charming, with high ceilings and original, exposed beams. Some bathrooms have showers, some have baths, and some have a combination of the two.