Staying in Amsterdam is tricky. You want the history, but you probably don't want the noise of a thousand drunken stag parties or the smell of stagnant canal water under your window at 3:00 AM. That’s usually the trade-off. However, NH Amsterdam Centre Stadhouderskade 7 sits in this weirdly perfect pocket where the upscale Oud-Zuid neighborhood meets the frantic energy of Leidseplein. It’s a bit of a local secret, honestly. While tourists fight for cramped, overpriced rooms in the Red Light District, savvy travelers realize that being just across the Singelgracht canal offers a vastly different, more "grown-up" version of the city.
The building itself has some serious history. It isn't just a modern glass box. It was built back in 1928 for the Olympic Games held in Amsterdam. You can still feel that Art Deco DNA in the bones of the place, even if the interiors have been polished to a high-shine modern finish. It’s an interesting juxtaposition. You have this massive, sturdy brick facade that looks like it belongs in a period drama, but once you step through the doors, it’s all sleek lines and Dutch minimalism.
The Reality of the Stadhouderskade Location
Let's talk about the street. Stadhouderskade is a major artery. It’s busy. If you’re looking for a silent, cobblestone alleyway where you can hear a pin drop, this isn't it. But—and this is a big but—the NH Amsterdam Centre Stadhouderskade 7 location is arguably the best "base camp" in the city for culture junkies. You are literally across the street from the Vondelpark. You can walk to the Rijksmuseum in about six minutes. The Van Gogh Museum? Maybe eight if you’re a slow walker.
Most people get the geography of Amsterdam wrong. They think the "Centre" is Dam Square. Technically, sure. But the soul of the city moved south years ago. By staying at this specific address, you’re positioned at the gateway to the Museum Quarter. You avoid the "Disney-fied" version of Amsterdam and get the version with high-end boutiques, world-class art, and actual Dutch people living their lives.
What the Rooms are Actually Like
Rooms in Amsterdam are notoriously tiny. It’s a city built on swamp land; space is a premium. However, because this building was designed with grander intentions, the rooms at NH Amsterdam Centre Stadhouderskade 7 tend to feel a bit more breathable than your average canal house hotel.
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The design is very "NH"—lots of whites, greys, and hardwoods. It’s clean. It’s functional. But the real win is the soundproofing. Given that Stadhouderskade is a bustling ring road, you’d expect to hear every tram and bicycle bell. You don't. They’ve invested heavily in double or triple glazing. It creates this eerie, pleasant silence the moment you shut the window.
One thing to watch out for: the "Single" rooms. They are honest-to-god single rooms. If you’re a solo traveler, they’re a bargain. If you’re trying to squeeze two people in to save a buck, don’t. You’ll hate each other by day two. Opt for the Superior rooms or the Suites if you actually want to unpack your suitcase.
The Secret Garden and the Gym
Hardly anyone talks about the patio. In the back of the hotel, there’s this courtyard garden. In a city as dense as Amsterdam, having a private outdoor space that isn't a crowded public park is a massive luxury. It’s the kind of place where you grab a coffee—or a Heineken, let's be real—and just decompress after fighting the crowds at the Anne Frank House.
Then there’s the wellness area. It’s not a sprawling spa like you’d find in a desert resort, but for a city-center hotel, it’s solid. There's a sauna and a steam bath. Most importantly, the gym is actually functional. It’s not just a dusty treadmill in a basement. It’s well-lit and has enough equipment to justify that extra stroopwafel you ate at the Albert Cuyp Market.
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Navigating the "Leidseplein" Trap
Being so close to Leidseplein is a double-edged sword. On one hand, you have every tram line in the city converging right there. You can get anywhere. On the other hand, Leidseplein can be a bit... much. It’s loud, it’s touristy, and the restaurants right on the square are mostly mediocre.
If you’re staying at NH Amsterdam Centre Stadhouderskade 7, use the location to your advantage by heading away from the square. Walk five minutes south into the Pijp district. That’s where the real food is. Go to Yerba for insane plant-based dining or Omelegg for the best breakfast in the city. The hotel’s own breakfast is actually quite good—NH is known for its massive buffet spreads—but if you want to eat like a local, explore the side streets of Oud-Zuid.
Logistics: Getting There and Getting Around
Don't take a taxi from Schiphol. Just don't. It’ll cost you 60 Euros and you’ll get stuck in traffic on the A10.
Instead, take the train to Amsterdam Centraal and then hop on Tram 2 or 12. They drop you almost at the front door. Or, better yet, take the "Airport Express" Bus 397. It stops at Leidseplein, which is a three-minute walk from the hotel. It’s faster, cheaper, and honestly more convenient.
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Once you’re at the hotel, rent a bike from the front desk. Yes, it’s a cliché. Yes, the traffic at the Stadhouderskade intersection looks terrifying. But the hotel is located right at the entrance to the Vondelpark. You can cycle through the park to reach the western side of the city without ever having to dodge a car. It’s the safest way to practice your "Dutch cycling legs" before you brave the inner city canals.
Why Travelers Choose This Over the NH Collection
You’ll notice there’s another NH nearby—the NH Collection Amsterdam Barbizon Palace or the Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky. Those are "Collection" hotels, meaning they’re pricier and more formal. The NH Amsterdam Centre Stadhouderskade 7 property is the "Mid-range King." It provides 90% of the luxury at about 60% of the price. You’re paying for the location and the reliability. In a city where "boutique" hotels often mean "we converted a literal closet into a bedroom and charged 300 Euros," the NH offers a standardized level of comfort that is actually quite refreshing.
Practical Insights for Your Stay
- Request a High Floor: If you want the best views of the city skyline and the Rijksmuseum towers, ask for a room on the 5th floor or higher.
- The Water Situation: The tap water in Amsterdam is some of the best in the world. Don't buy plastic bottles. Use the carafe in the room.
- Leidseplein Trams: Use the GVB app. It gives you real-time updates for the trams right outside the door. If the 2 is delayed, the 12 will get you to the same place.
- Check-out: They are usually pretty strict about the 12:00 PM checkout, but they have a secure luggage room. Drop your bags, spend your last day in the Vondelpark, and head to the airport from the Leidseplein bus stop.
If you want to experience the "Grand" version of Amsterdam without the "Grand" price tag, this is the spot. It's close enough to the chaos to be convenient, but far enough away to let you actually sleep. Just remember to bring comfortable walking shoes—the walk from the hotel through the Museumplein is one of the most beautiful stretches in Europe, and you'll want to do it every single morning.
Actionable Next Steps
- Book Directly: Check the NH Discovery loyalty portal first. They often give a 5-10% discount for "members" even if you just signed up five seconds ago.
- Download the GVB App: Before you land, get the Amsterdam transit app. It makes the tram system outside the hotel entrance much less intimidating.
- Map the Museumplein: If you plan on visiting the Van Gogh Museum or Rijksmuseum, book your time slots weeks in advance. Being at Stadhouderskade 7 means you can take the earliest slot possible and beat the tour buses.
- Pin "De Pijp" on your GPS: Skip the tourist traps in Leidseplein for dinner and head to the nearby Pijp neighborhood for authentic local dining.