Sir Adam Amsterdam is a new kind of hotel. And one I have been super keen to try out ever since I eyed it on Instagram. A small chain, with a new, fresh approach to hotels. They have a handful of locations across Europe, with this one in Amsterdam one of their very first venues.
North Amsterdam has up and come. This thriving neighbourhood is like a little village within the city, laidback but packed with cultural goodies. So it’s no surprise that Sir Adam and a host of other cool, creative enterprises have made this corner of Amsterdam their home.
To get there, you need to hop on a communal ferry and cross the River IJ. Boats leave every five minutes from behind Amsterdam Centraal Train Station, they run all through night and each and every ride is completely free!
In terms of food and drink, North Amsterdam spoils you for choice. And right next door to Sir Adam Amsterdam, you’ll find the contemporary architecture of EYE, a film museum and cultural space that’s well worth a visit. There’s a restaurant, a cinema and a huge atrium where cool cats hang out with a cup of coffee or a glass of wine.
Sir Adam Hotel is located in the brand new, 22 storey A’DAM tower, which overlooks the river and the city centre. And it’s not alone. A variety of music enterprises (including Sony, electronic music masters ID&T and A’DAM Music School) also occupy the floors of this high-rise creative community.
Taking inspiration from its neighbours, Sir Adam has a musical theme going on. There’s loads of music memorabilia around the place. The suite has an acoustic Gibson guitar for you to play around on. And background music in the hotel’s lobby is predictably well-curated.
Talking of the lobby, this is the hotel’s central hub and your first taste of Sir Adam. It acts as a communal restaurant, bar and co-working space.
A huge mural adorns a wall. Bare concrete facades are softened by mid-century modern furniture in plush velvet. And floor to ceiling windows look out onto the river making everything airy and bright.
Digital nomads sit tapping away on laptops whilst city locals and hotel guests soak up the super chill vibes. Or make use of the foosball table and retro arcade games. The design is a masterclass in Millennial cool.
Heading up to the room, I was greeted by yet more mid-C-mod and industrial stylings. I stayed in the Sir Deluxe Corner, which had amazing 180 views of Amsterdam through big picture windows.
Standout features? A pillow menu. Art from local artists up on the walls. A Bluetooth record player (so you can play your own tunes or pick up some choice vinyl from reception). An espresso machine. And a rainfall shower.
There were also sweet little window seats so you could take a perch to look out over Amsterdam and the ferries going back and forth across the river.
For even better views, you can head up to the A’DAM Lookout observation deck up on the roof. You have to buy a ticket but there’s a discounted rate for hotel guests.
I’d never experienced Amsterdam from those kind of heights before – a full on 360 view (albeit on a slightly cloudy day). And I can’t think of another building so close to the centre of Amsterdam where you can get up so high so it’s definitely worth the entry price.
The Butcher Social Club is Sir Adam’s on-site restaurant. And as you’ve probably gathered from the name, it’s a pretty meaty affair with a plethora of burgers and steaks on the menu (and a few veggie-vegan options).
Open from early till late every day, the resto serves breakfast too – a range of pastries, eggs, waffles and juices. Cocktails, beers and boozy milkshakes are on offer at the bar and there’s an outdoor terrace for eats and drinks when the weather permits.
Gym bunnies will be pleased to find state-of-the-art equipment, a schedule of group classes and in-house personal trainers if you really want to feel the sweat.
Wi-Fi is, as you’d expect from a newish hotel, excellent. And there are bikes for hire, so you can make like a real Amsterdam local and go cycling the streets.
Did I mention the hotels deep connection to music? 😉 Visit the music library next to the reception and pick up your favourite vinyl records to play in your room. Its always sounds better on vinyl.
I loved exploring North Amsterdam, an area I hadn’t previously spent much time in. And Sir Adam was the perfect base. Reasonably priced (maybe because it’s out of the standard tourist centre), comfortable and super cool, it’s one I’ll be heading back to soon.
To check availability or book a room at Sir Adam Amsterdam click here.
Like this review of Sir Adam, Amsterdam? Check out my other Amsterdam hotel reviews here.
