Botel
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Summary of reviewsBotel stands out as a unique lodging option in Amsterdam, primarily praised for its distinctive setting on a boat surrounded by water. Its strategic location near a free ferry service ensures quick and hassle-free access to Amsterdam Central Station, making it ideal for those wanting to explore the city while enjoying a peaceful retreat. The neighborhood is quiet, trendy and well-connected, featuring cafes, restaurants, a supermarket and scenic river views.
Guests largely commend the breakfast for its freshness, variety and value with a hearty mix of both continental and hot items overseen by attentive staff. While there are a few critiques regarding limited options and basic presentation, the positive feedback overshadows these minor issues, rendering a satisfactory start to the day.
Dinner service at Botel faces mixed reviews. While the boat itself lacks direct dinner options, the surrounding area compensates with a variety of well-received dining establishments, including pizzerias, ice cream shops and trendy restaurants. The on-board bar, open until midnight, provides a cozy spot for reasonably priced drinks, although some guests found bar service inconsistent.
Rooms at Botel are compact but clean and comfortable, offering a charming boating experience with scenic views. Many guests appreciate recent renovations that provide contemporary styling and practical living spaces, though some amenities like coffee machines and effective sound insulation are missing. Overall, the rooms provide a good blend of comfort and convenience suitable for short stays.
Cleanliness garners positive feedback with many guests noting that both rooms and common areas are well-maintained. However, some reviews point to inconsistencies, such as occasional issues with vacuuming and mold. Despite this, the diligent housekeeping services are generally appreciated for keeping the accommodations fresh and tidy.
The staff at Botel receive high praise for their friendliness and helpfulness, significantly enhancing guests' overall experience. Check-ins are smooth and staff across all departments—from reception to housekeeping—are noted for their professionalism and courteous service.
Wi-Fi quality at Botel is generally seen positively with many guests reporting reliable and accessible internet throughout the hotel. Although there were occasional remarks about spotty or slow connections, the free and functional service is well-regarded.
Families find Botel particularly appealing with activities such as feeding seagulls and swans providing entertainment for children. The friendly, child-oriented atmosphere and various breakfast options cater well to family needs, though room sizes might feel cramped for larger families.
The bed comfort and cleanliness vary with many guests finding them comfortable and well-maintained, though some report issues like inconsistent firmness and occasional cleanliness lapses.
Overall, Botel offers a compelling mix of affordability, convenience and unique charm, making it a standout choice for short-term stays. Its three-star rating is well-reflected in the practical amenities and friendly service, but those seeking luxury might want to manage their expectations regarding room size and certain facilities. For budget-conscious travelers, Botel delivers a memorable stay with easy access to Amsterdam's vibrant city life.
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Guests largely commend the breakfast for its freshness, variety and value with a hearty mix of both continental and hot items overseen by attentive staff. While there are a few critiques regarding limited options and basic presentation, the positive feedback overshadows these minor issues, rendering a satisfactory start to the day.
Dinner service at Botel faces mixed reviews. While the boat itself lacks direct dinner options, the surrounding area compensates with a variety of well-received dining establishments, including pizzerias, ice cream shops and trendy restaurants. The on-board bar, open until midnight, provides a cozy spot for reasonably priced drinks, although some guests found bar service inconsistent.
Rooms at Botel are compact but clean and comfortable, offering a charming boating experience with scenic views. Many guests appreciate recent renovations that provide contemporary styling and practical living spaces, though some amenities like coffee machines and effective sound insulation are missing. Overall, the rooms provide a good blend of comfort and convenience suitable for short stays.
Cleanliness garners positive feedback with many guests noting that both rooms and common areas are well-maintained. However, some reviews point to inconsistencies, such as occasional issues with vacuuming and mold. Despite this, the diligent housekeeping services are generally appreciated for keeping the accommodations fresh and tidy.
The staff at Botel receive high praise for their friendliness and helpfulness, significantly enhancing guests' overall experience. Check-ins are smooth and staff across all departments—from reception to housekeeping—are noted for their professionalism and courteous service.
Wi-Fi quality at Botel is generally seen positively with many guests reporting reliable and accessible internet throughout the hotel. Although there were occasional remarks about spotty or slow connections, the free and functional service is well-regarded.
Families find Botel particularly appealing with activities such as feeding seagulls and swans providing entertainment for children. The friendly, child-oriented atmosphere and various breakfast options cater well to family needs, though room sizes might feel cramped for larger families.
The bed comfort and cleanliness vary with many guests finding them comfortable and well-maintained, though some report issues like inconsistent firmness and occasional cleanliness lapses.
Overall, Botel offers a compelling mix of affordability, convenience and unique charm, making it a standout choice for short-term stays. Its three-star rating is well-reflected in the practical amenities and friendly service, but those seeking luxury might want to manage their expectations regarding room size and certain facilities. For budget-conscious travelers, Botel delivers a memorable stay with easy access to Amsterdam's vibrant city life.
Unusual Hotel
Botel in Amsterdam is a floating hotel docked on the IJ River, where guests can sleep inside giant rooftop letters that spell “BOTEL.” Each letter hides a themed loft (like a skate ramp or space pod) while the main ship offers cabin-style rooms with views of the water. Set in the creative NDSM Wharf district, the hotel combines playful design, waterfront living, and a short ferry ride to the city center for a stay that feels part art installation, part urban adventure.
Family Friendly Hotel
3-Star Hotel
Guest Reviews
The Botel enjoys a prime and unique location, being set on a boat surrounded by water. Guests consistently highlight the convenience of its proximity to a free ferry service, which operates regularly and shuttles them to Amsterdam Central Station in just 10-15 minutes. This makes reaching the city center exceptionally easy and stress-free, perfect for both exploring the bustling city and enjoying a peaceful retreat away from its hustle and bustle.
The neighborhood itself is described as quiet, trendy and well-connected with plenty of interesting surroundings, including cafés, restaurants and even a supermarket nearby. Visitors particularly appreciate the scenic views from the Botel, observing the river, swans and street art. This combination of accessibility and tranquil environment, along with the original concept of staying on a boat, provides guests with a memorable experience.
The strategic location also boasts affordable parking options, adding to the convenience for those arriving by car. The peaceful ambiance of the area complements the quick access to Amsterdam's vibrancy, making the Botel a standout choice for travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation.
The breakfast experience at Botel generally receives positive remarks from guests with frequent praise for its quality and variety. Many found the breakfast to be delicious, fresh and well-stocked, offering good value for money. Guests appreciated the attentive staff and the clean, well-maintained buffet area. There were mentions of a hearty and extensive spread that included a mix of continental and hot breakfast items such as fresh bread rolls, croissants, eggs, bacon, sausage and a variety of cheeses and vegetables.
However, there were some criticisms: a few guests felt the breakfast was basic or reminiscent of a hostel style and certain items, like the coffee, could be improved. Some reviews noted the limited selection and the need for more options, including more fruit. A small number of guests found the breakfast to be disappointing or expensive, particularly given that it wasn't included in the room rate. Issues with breakfast timing and the occasional lack of refill for specific items like espresso machine capsules were also mentioned.
Despite these drawbacks, the overall sentiment leans towards a positive breakfast experience, making it a satisfactory start to the day for most guests staying at the Botel.
Dinner at the Botel comes with mixed feedback from guests. There is no dinner service directly on the boat and the dining area and bar facilities are often closed, requiring guests to go to another boat for food service. Despite this inconvenience, there are numerous dining options nearby that have been well-received. Great pizzerias, ice cream shops and trendier restaurants are within walking distance and very good brasseries and cafes surround the area. Guests have appreciated the great deals available at these nearby eateries and highly recommend checking them out.
The Botel does have a cozy bar with a good selection available until midnight and drinks are reasonably priced. Some guests enjoyed ending their day at the friendly bar on the deck or in the lounge. However, there have been occasions when bar service was unavailable. For those looking for a quick bite, vending machines are the only on-site option in the evening, which might be disappointing for some. Overall, while the Botel itself lacks dinner service, the surrounding area makes up for this with ample and inviting dining establishments.
Botel offers a unique staying experience right on the water, providing clean and comfy, albeit compact rooms. While the rooms are undeniably small, they are generally tidy and functional, making them suitable for short stays. The charming boat character adds to the charm and the location is extremely convenient for quick access to the city center by ferry.
The rooms, despite being compact, have been recently renovated in a contemporary style, ensuring a pleasant and practical living space. Cleanliness appears to be a strong point with many guests noting that rooms are consistently clean, comfortable and adequately furnished for shorter visits. The views from several rooms are particularly praised, especially those overlooking the water or ferry port.
However, it's worth noting that the sound insulation is not the best, leading to some noise disturbances from neighboring rooms and hallways. Also, the bathrooms are typically very small, reflecting the general compactness of the rooms with limited space to store personal items. The lack of certain amenities like coffee machines, kettles and air conditioning are mentioned, although basic necessities are mostly covered.
The atmosphere can feel somewhat hostel-like with basic facilities and practical, no-frills decor. While some rooms have charming and cozy decor with nice touches like practical lights by the beds, others might feel a bit outdated and cramped.
Overall, Botel offers a good mix of comfort and convenience at a reasonable price, particularly for brief stays and those looking to enjoy a unique boating experience right in Amsterdam.
Travelers staying at Botel can expect a mixed experience when it comes to the beds. Many guests found the beds to be very comfortable with numerous mentions of comfy mattresses and soft bedding that contributed to a restful night's sleep. The bunk beds, although a unique feature, were generally described as comfortable with some guests appreciating the supportive nature of the mattresses.
However, several reviews noted issues that might detract from the overall experience. A number of guests found the beds to be either too hard or rock hard, while others described them as too soft, indicating some inconsistency in mattress firmness. The size of the beds was also a common point of concern with many reviews mentioning that the beds and rooms felt too small and cramped, particularly for families.
Cleanliness was another area where opinions varied. While many reviews praised the beds for being clean and well-maintained, some guests reported finding stains, hair and dirt on the bedding with a few even pointing out poorly cleaned or unmade beds upon arrival.
The design and practicality of the bed frames also came under scrutiny. Metal bed frames, in particular, were frequently noted as uncomfortable and even dangerous with guests highlighting issues like sharp edges and poorly spaced bunks that made climbing difficult or risky.
In summary, while Botel offers a unique accommodation experience with a number of comfortable beds, potential guests should be aware of the variability in bed quality and cleanliness, as well as the compact size of the rooms and beds, which might not suit everyone's preferences.
'Botel', located in the heart of Amsterdam, presents a mixed picture when it comes to cleanliness as experienced by its guests. The more positive remarks praise the clean and practical rooms, comfortable and clean accommodations and fresh bedding and towels. The common areas and facilities, including the lobby and café, are well-maintained and tidy. Housekeeping services are diligent, ensuring rooms are cleaned daily with some guests noting meticulous cleaning in the bathrooms and well-kept corridors.
However, several reviews highlight areas that need significant improvement. Complaints include insufficient vacuuming, dirty floors, dust accumulation and issues with mold and humidity. Other guests noted problems like scuff marks, stained carpets and dirty bathroom fixtures. Some mentioned disruptive cleaning practices and inadequate soundproofing, adding to their discomfort.
In summary, while 'Botel' provides clean and practical accommodations for many, inconsistency in cleanliness and maintenance needs attention to meet guests' expectations consistently.
The staff at Botel generally receive high praise for their friendliness and helpfulness, making guests feel welcome and at ease. Numerous reviews highlight the pleasant, polite and accommodating nature of the team, including those at reception, in the kitchen and at the bar. Several guests compliment the staff's professionalism and efficiency, noting that they were always available to assist with various needs and provided excellent service.
Check-ins are often described as smooth with reception staff showing genuine warmth and willingness to help, even allowing early check-ins when possible. The bartenders and housekeeping staff also received commendations for their attentive and high-quality service. Some staff members stand out for their exceptional courtesy and welcoming demeanor, making personalized efforts to enhance guests’ experiences.
However, not all feedback is positive. There are occasional mentions of certain staff members being standoffish or rude. A few guests have noted experiences with untrained or uncooperative personnel at reception. Despite these isolated incidents, the majority of reviews reflect a positive overall impression of the staff's dedication to guest satisfaction.
Overall, Botel's staff are perceived as a strong asset, contributing significantly to the welcoming atmosphere and positive guest experiences reported in the reviews.
Botel offers a generally satisfactory Wi-Fi experience for its guests with many reviews highlighting the good or very good quality of the connection. Most guests reported that the Wi-Fi was reliable and accessible throughout the hotel with no major issues regarding lag or disconnection. Positive feedback emphasized steady and strong Wi-Fi signals that reached all rooms, making it convenient for basic internet usage.
However, there were a handful of less favorable comments noting that the Wi-Fi could be spotty or slow at times. Some guests had difficulties with streaming services like Netflix due to poor quality reception and a few remarked on the lack of Wi-Fi or bad connection in certain areas or rooms.
Despite these occasional issues, the overall sentiment towards the Wi-Fi at Botel was predominantly positive with free and functional internet connectivity being available at all times as a noteworthy point. The hotel's pricing and convenient location further add to its appeal.
Botel offers an interesting stay that is particularly appealing for families with children. Guests frequently mention how great and fun it is for kids with activities like feeding seagulls and swans from the window providing endless entertainment. The ferry ride associated with the Botel is also highlighted as a separate attraction that both children and adults enjoy.
Parents appreciate the friendly and child-oriented staff, which significantly enhances their overall experience. The breakfast options, ranging from traditional cooked meals to continental choices, are enjoyed by all family members, adding to the convenience.
The rooms, while small for some families, are generally considered sufficient for short stays. Bunk beds are a hit with children, transforming the stay into a memorable adventure. Though some reviews suggest the accommodations could be cramped, particularly for larger families or those with young children, there are positive remarks about larger family rooms and the layout that allows for convenient family use.
Overall, Botel proves to be comfortable and provides good value for money, especially for families with children and teenagers. The family-friendly atmosphere is frequently mentioned and many reviewers note that their children had a great time, making it an excellent option for family trips.
Botel offers an intriguing and affordable stay, especially suitable for short visits of one or two nights. The hotel is highlighted for its reasonably priced rooms and overall good value for money. Many guests appreciated the unique and safe surroundings, finding it an original and convenient location with easy access to central Amsterdam via a free ferry service.
The accommodation features practical and sufficient amenities, including daily housekeeping and basic, nicely organized facilities. The rooms are simple yet clean with friendly staff contributing positively to the overall experience. Cleanliness and hygiene standards are adequate for a three-star establishment, though the hotel does lack air conditioning and some guests reported small and aging bathrooms not fully up to three-star standards.
Despite its rustic and rather basic appeal, the Botel is recommended by several guests, particularly for its cost-benefit ratio and the great location near boat stops. However, for those expecting more luxurious accommodations, it might fall short with issues such as thin walls, occasional noise and modest room facilities. Nevertheless, for travelers seeking budget-friendly lodging with convenient transport links, Botel offers a satisfactory option within its category.
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Location
The neighborhood itself is described as quiet, trendy and well-connected with plenty of interesting surroundings, including cafés, restaurants and even a supermarket nearby. Visitors particularly appreciate the scenic views from the Botel, observing the river, swans and street art. This combination of accessibility and tranquil environment, along with the original concept of staying on a boat, provides guests with a memorable experience.
The strategic location also boasts affordable parking options, adding to the convenience for those arriving by car. The peaceful ambiance of the area complements the quick access to Amsterdam's vibrancy, making the Botel a standout choice for travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation.
Breakfast
However, there were some criticisms: a few guests felt the breakfast was basic or reminiscent of a hostel style and certain items, like the coffee, could be improved. Some reviews noted the limited selection and the need for more options, including more fruit. A small number of guests found the breakfast to be disappointing or expensive, particularly given that it wasn't included in the room rate. Issues with breakfast timing and the occasional lack of refill for specific items like espresso machine capsules were also mentioned.
Despite these drawbacks, the overall sentiment leans towards a positive breakfast experience, making it a satisfactory start to the day for most guests staying at the Botel.
Dinner
The Botel does have a cozy bar with a good selection available until midnight and drinks are reasonably priced. Some guests enjoyed ending their day at the friendly bar on the deck or in the lounge. However, there have been occasions when bar service was unavailable. For those looking for a quick bite, vending machines are the only on-site option in the evening, which might be disappointing for some. Overall, while the Botel itself lacks dinner service, the surrounding area makes up for this with ample and inviting dining establishments.
Rooms
The rooms, despite being compact, have been recently renovated in a contemporary style, ensuring a pleasant and practical living space. Cleanliness appears to be a strong point with many guests noting that rooms are consistently clean, comfortable and adequately furnished for shorter visits. The views from several rooms are particularly praised, especially those overlooking the water or ferry port.
However, it's worth noting that the sound insulation is not the best, leading to some noise disturbances from neighboring rooms and hallways. Also, the bathrooms are typically very small, reflecting the general compactness of the rooms with limited space to store personal items. The lack of certain amenities like coffee machines, kettles and air conditioning are mentioned, although basic necessities are mostly covered.
The atmosphere can feel somewhat hostel-like with basic facilities and practical, no-frills decor. While some rooms have charming and cozy decor with nice touches like practical lights by the beds, others might feel a bit outdated and cramped.
Overall, Botel offers a good mix of comfort and convenience at a reasonable price, particularly for brief stays and those looking to enjoy a unique boating experience right in Amsterdam.
Beds
However, several reviews noted issues that might detract from the overall experience. A number of guests found the beds to be either too hard or rock hard, while others described them as too soft, indicating some inconsistency in mattress firmness. The size of the beds was also a common point of concern with many reviews mentioning that the beds and rooms felt too small and cramped, particularly for families.
Cleanliness was another area where opinions varied. While many reviews praised the beds for being clean and well-maintained, some guests reported finding stains, hair and dirt on the bedding with a few even pointing out poorly cleaned or unmade beds upon arrival.
The design and practicality of the bed frames also came under scrutiny. Metal bed frames, in particular, were frequently noted as uncomfortable and even dangerous with guests highlighting issues like sharp edges and poorly spaced bunks that made climbing difficult or risky.
In summary, while Botel offers a unique accommodation experience with a number of comfortable beds, potential guests should be aware of the variability in bed quality and cleanliness, as well as the compact size of the rooms and beds, which might not suit everyone's preferences.
Cleanliness
However, several reviews highlight areas that need significant improvement. Complaints include insufficient vacuuming, dirty floors, dust accumulation and issues with mold and humidity. Other guests noted problems like scuff marks, stained carpets and dirty bathroom fixtures. Some mentioned disruptive cleaning practices and inadequate soundproofing, adding to their discomfort.
In summary, while 'Botel' provides clean and practical accommodations for many, inconsistency in cleanliness and maintenance needs attention to meet guests' expectations consistently.
Staff
Check-ins are often described as smooth with reception staff showing genuine warmth and willingness to help, even allowing early check-ins when possible. The bartenders and housekeeping staff also received commendations for their attentive and high-quality service. Some staff members stand out for their exceptional courtesy and welcoming demeanor, making personalized efforts to enhance guests’ experiences.
However, not all feedback is positive. There are occasional mentions of certain staff members being standoffish or rude. A few guests have noted experiences with untrained or uncooperative personnel at reception. Despite these isolated incidents, the majority of reviews reflect a positive overall impression of the staff's dedication to guest satisfaction.
Overall, Botel's staff are perceived as a strong asset, contributing significantly to the welcoming atmosphere and positive guest experiences reported in the reviews.
Wi-Fi
However, there were a handful of less favorable comments noting that the Wi-Fi could be spotty or slow at times. Some guests had difficulties with streaming services like Netflix due to poor quality reception and a few remarked on the lack of Wi-Fi or bad connection in certain areas or rooms.
Despite these occasional issues, the overall sentiment towards the Wi-Fi at Botel was predominantly positive with free and functional internet connectivity being available at all times as a noteworthy point. The hotel's pricing and convenient location further add to its appeal.
Family
Parents appreciate the friendly and child-oriented staff, which significantly enhances their overall experience. The breakfast options, ranging from traditional cooked meals to continental choices, are enjoyed by all family members, adding to the convenience.
The rooms, while small for some families, are generally considered sufficient for short stays. Bunk beds are a hit with children, transforming the stay into a memorable adventure. Though some reviews suggest the accommodations could be cramped, particularly for larger families or those with young children, there are positive remarks about larger family rooms and the layout that allows for convenient family use.
Overall, Botel proves to be comfortable and provides good value for money, especially for families with children and teenagers. The family-friendly atmosphere is frequently mentioned and many reviewers note that their children had a great time, making it an excellent option for family trips.
3 Star
The accommodation features practical and sufficient amenities, including daily housekeeping and basic, nicely organized facilities. The rooms are simple yet clean with friendly staff contributing positively to the overall experience. Cleanliness and hygiene standards are adequate for a three-star establishment, though the hotel does lack air conditioning and some guests reported small and aging bathrooms not fully up to three-star standards.
Despite its rustic and rather basic appeal, the Botel is recommended by several guests, particularly for its cost-benefit ratio and the great location near boat stops. However, for those expecting more luxurious accommodations, it might fall short with issues such as thin walls, occasional noise and modest room facilities. Nevertheless, for travelers seeking budget-friendly lodging with convenient transport links, Botel offers a satisfactory option within its category.
No, Botel doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Botel.
No, Botel doesn't allow dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at Botel.
No, Botel doesn't have a gym.
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