NH Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky

I have stayed several times in the Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky in Amsterdam and I always thought it's a nice affordable 5-star hotel. The location is unbeatable, it lies just opposite the royal palace on Damrak Square. It's only one or two stops from the central station, if you are travelling light, you can even walk which will take you about 10 minutes.

The downside of the location is that Damrak Square is full of drug dealers - they sell not the ones that are legal in the Netherlands, but the serious stuff.

The hotel itself consists of a whole block of buildings which historically were merged into the the hotels body. So you will find a lot of different room types. The most expensive ones are high ceiling rooms facing Damrak Square. The interieur of the rooms is at least 20 years old, if not older.

Few people know that the Krasnapolsky also offers apartments for long term stays. By chance I was able to stay in one of those for a few days and I must say they are much nicer, very well equiped, furniture is newer (leather armchairs and sofas) and we got a very good price for it. Generally speaking the Krasnapolsky is on the lower edge of the price range of 5-star hotels in Amsterdam. And this is for a reason. Most of the rooms are in desperate need for a make-over.

My last stay at the Krasnapolsky was the worst experience I ever had there. The room was so worn out that I almost could not believe that this is a 5-star hotel. And then there was this huge brown stain on the side of the bed which was utterly disgusting. We should have refused to stay in this room. Because when we checked out I mentioned the shabby state of the room, the reception did not even bother to react. They should have had the courtesy to offer anything: vouchers, discount, anything would have been welcome - but nothing! I felt really ripped of and I don't think I will ever book the Krasnapolsky again.

The hotel has had a glorious past - when it opened in the 19th century, it was the place to be. But that's history. What is left from this era is the winter garden where breakfast is served. A trip back in time and really worthwhile seeing - and maybe even having breakfast here.

city center location

run-down rooms