V NESPLEIN in Amsterdam - Hotel Review with Photos

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Updated: May 30, 2022

Essentials
• Location: On the corner of Rokin and Nes.
• Hotel website: nesplein.hotelv.com
• Hotel phone: +31-(0)20-662-3233
• Check prices for V Nesplein

Review of Hotel V Nesplein in Amsterdam.

The luxurious V Nesplein features trendy decor, minimalist rooms with designer vintage furniture and superb bathrooms, and a popular restaurant and bar.

V Nesplein – Trendy boutique hotel in the super-central Medieval Center.

Former office block turned trendy boutique hotel, right in the heart of Amsterdam’s Medieval Center, and popular with Dutch media celebs and globetrotters alike. Inside, the decor is a mix of mustard-yellow wallpaper, nineteenth and early twentieth-century theater posters, scuffed leather chairs, and quirky Dutch design, such as the grand chandelier hanging to waist height. The rooms are open-concept and spacious for Amsterdam, with amber wallpaper, parquet floors, large TVs, Nespresso machines, and rain showers with Etika bath products in the white-tiled bathrooms. The onsite restaurant and bar is a local favorite, and the hotel is perfectly located for sightseeing and dining out.

V Nesplein – Location

Area: Extremely central. Overlooking a tiny square, on a narrow pedestrian street lined with alternative theaters, 3 minutes’ walk (250m) from Dam Square and the Royal Palace. Right on the edge of the Red Light District, 13 minutes on foot (1 km) from Centraal Station and the historic Canal Belt, and a 15-minute tram ride (2 km) from the Museum Quarter. The nearest tram stop is on Dam Square.
Address: Nes 49.
Nearest Transport: Bus & Tram: Dam (500m), Metro – Nieuwmarkt (700m).
How to Get There: Take the train from Schiphol Airport to Centraal Station, then the tram (4, 9, 16, 24, 25) to Dam stop, 4 minutes’ walk (300m) from the hotel.
Private Transfer: We use and recommend Welcome Pickups car service. Booking through a private car service will cost only a bit more than a taxi – about €50 from Schiphol Airport – but can be worth it to avoid the long taxi queue and for the convenience of paying ahead.
Handy to: The Royal Palace, Dam Square, Amsterdam Museum.

V Nesplein – The Basics

Ages: The hotel has an adult feel, and is popular with a mix of tourists on a city break and business travelers. Limited amenities for children.
Private Pools/Jacuzzis: No private pools/jacuzzis.
Laundry: In-room laundry service.
Extras: The “living lobby” comes with a guest library and an open fireplace for colder days. The young staff offer genuine local recommendations, rather than just a list of the main tourist attractions.
When to Book: Reserve 3 to 4 months in advance for the mid-March to mid-May tulip season, the July and August high season, and the Christmas-New Year period.
How to Book: Booking.com will have the best rates.
Phone: +31-(0)20-662-3233
Email: stay@hotelv.nl
Website: nesplein.hotelv.com

V Nesplein – Amenities

Pool: No pool.
Spa: No spa, but in-room massages can be arranged.
Fitness Center: No fitness center.
For Disabled Guests: Not suitable for guests with disabilities.
For Families: Baby cots and high chairs are available, and extra beds cost €50, but otherwise there are no special child-friendly features.

V Nesplein – Food and Drink

Restaurants: The bright and buzzy Lobby Restaurant (7am-10pm) with an outdoor summer terrace is locally famous for its flammkuchen (pizza-style dish from Alsace). Other mains are globally-inspired brasserie dishes, with more substantial mains (ribeye, red gurnard with polenta) served in the evenings. Reservation recommended even at lunchtime. $$.
Lounge/Bar: Amsterdammers and guests alike perch on stools at the wooden Lobby Bar. There’s an extensive selection of wines by the glass, and local liqueurs. Inquire about the Vieze Boekje (“dirty little book”) of off-menu wines that the sommelier acquires during his travels.
Breakfast: Not complimentary. A la carte breakfast items at the Lobby Restaurant cost from €5 to €15, and range from eggs Benedict and full English breakfast to American pancakes, filled bagels, and croque madames. Breakfast is served from 7am to noon.
Room Service: 24-hour room service available from the Lobby Restaurant.

V Nesplein – Rooms

Room Types: V Comfort • V Superior • V Suite • List of all Rooms
Smoking Rooms: Hotel V Nesplein is 100% smoke-free.
Best Room: The roomy V Suites all come with vintage furniture and spacious rain showers. Ask for a suite facing away from the courtyard for a quieter stay.
For Families: No family rooms per se, though all rooms can accommodate an extra bed.

V Nesplein – Local Transport

Walking: Easy walking distance to Anne Frank House, Museum Quarter, attractions in the Medieval Center and the Red Light District, Nine Streets shopping neighborhood. Numerous restaurants, bars, and shops within a few minutes’ walk.
Tram: Direct tram connections from the Dam stop to Centraal Station, southern canal ring and Leidseplein, plus the Museum Quarter.
Taxis, Uber: Taxis and Uber charge around €35 from the airport to the hotel. Within the city, Uber rides cost around half of taxi fares. It’s often quicker to walk, cycle, or jump on a tram.

V Nesplein – What’s Nearby?

Recommended Nearby Tours

Rederij Kooij – Private canal tours in a vintage wooden boat. Start location: 250m.
Offbeat Amsterdam: Amsterdam Red Light District Tours – Several options of Red Light District walking tour – with a group, with a private guide, and with exclusive private guides who’ve worked in the sex industry for decades. Start location: 250m.
Offbeat Amsterdam: Red Light District Walking Tours – Entertaining 90-minute tours that depart from Dam square, and take in the history of the sex worker industry and highlights such as a peep show, hidden street art, and the Amsterdam Museum of Prostitution. Start location: 250m.
Prostitution Information Centre – Fascinating information center where you get the answers to everything you’ve ever wanted to know about Amsterdam’s prostitution industry. Hour-long walking tours (€15 per person) depart from here at 5pm on Saturdays. Start location: 600m.
That Dam Guide – Intimate, small-group, 2-hour tours that provide an excellent all-round view of the sex industry. Guides explain Amsterdam’s laws and working conditions, and point out the good and bad sex shops, peep shops, live theaters, and strip clubs. Start location: 800m.
Stromma – Open boat canal tours, hop-on, hop-off boats, and 100 Highlights canal cruise. Start location: 1 km.
Amsterdam City Tours – Coach tours depart for the Keukenhof flower gardens and Zaanse Schans windmills from the I Amsterdam tourist office. Start location: 1 km.
Lovers Canal Cruises – Hour-long, small boat canal cruises depart from the dock near the Anne Frank House. Start location: 1.5 km.
Blue Boat Company – Open-boat cruises, themed kids’ cruises, evening cruises, and Hard Rock burger cruises. Start location: 1.5 km.

Best Nearby Restaurants

Mappa – Solid, no-nonsense Italian food: homemade pizza and ravioli, plus an excellent wine list of tipples from small producers. (50m).
Van Kerkwijk – Intimate, subtly-lit little place with a daily changing menu of French classics, Moroccan tajines, curries, and other internationally-inspired dishes. (50m).
FuLu Mandarijn – Good mix of Cantonese and Sichuan dishes in smart surroundings. Offerings include dim sum, sea bass in hot chili broth, Kung Pao chicken, and Peking duck with pancakes. (150m).
Upstairs Pannenkoekenhuis – Traditional Dutch pancakes in tiny 16th century house, sampled by Anthony Bourdain in The Layover. Reserve ahead, as there are only 4 tables. (200m).
TER Steakhouse – Prime cuts of meat seared to your specifications. Dinner bookings advisable. (300m).
Lucius – Local institution, popular as ever after 4 decades. Expect refined seafood dishes, from the pike the restaurant is named after to steamed razor clams with chili. Reservations strongly advised. (400m).
Flore – Elegant, luxurious surroundings, imaginative Michelin-starred cuisine, an excellent wine list and superb cheese selection. One for special occasions; reserve well ahead. (500m).
Bhatti Pasal – Large portions of Nepalese dishes in very central location. Excellent momos. (500m).

Best Nearby Bars and Breweries

Bubbles & Wines – This sleek wine bar attracts a lively, stylish clientele with its 50+ wines and champagnes by the glass, and superb bar snacks. (75m).
Bierfabriek Amsterdam – Hip, brasserie-style microbrewery with private tap tables, 4 own brews on tap, and an accompaniment of rustic dishes. (100m).
The Tara – Maze-like Irish pub that’s a big expat favorite. Good for catching football on the big screen. (100m).
Café de Dokter – Amsterdam’s smallest pub, run by the descendants of the doctor who founded it in 1798. Expect candlelight, chandeliers, and atmospheric bric-a-brac, plus good whiskies and beer. (400m).
Café Oporto – This pint-sized brown café has friendly staff, football on TV, inexpensive beer, and a great location near Dam square. (500m).
De Drie Fleschjes – Characterful 17th century tasting house that specializes in liqueurs and jenevers. The accompanying snack of choice here is meatballs. (500m).
Café Belgique – Chilled-out Belgian beer bar, with 8 brews on tap at the carved wooden bar, and many more bottled options. (500m).
Café Schuim – Mural-bedecked grungy bar that gets seriously packed on weekends, and in the evenings. Younger crowd. (600m).

Nearby Shopping and Cool Shops

3D Hologrammen – Holographic art, jewelry, and homeware. (200m).
Hans Appenzeller – Local jewelry designer; original designs in gold and stone. (200m).
Laundry Industry – Urban wear for men and women by the eponymous Dutch design house. (200m).
PGC Hajenius – Art deco tobacco emporium with private humidors and sumptuous smoking lounge. (250m).
Concrete – Locally-designed t-shirts, trainers, and jeans. Also doubles as an exhibition space for street art and photography. (400m).
American Book Center – Largest English-language bookshop in Amsterdam. (500m).
De Bierkoning – Over 1,500 bottled beers from the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and the UK. (500m).
Athenaeum – One of Amsterdam’s largest independent bookshops, with numerous travel guidebooks, and books on fashion and design. (500m).
By Popular Demand – Quirky, original gifts in the form of cool gadgets and hard-to-find home decor. (600m).
Mark Raven Amsterdam Art – Mark Raven’s city scapes, posters, and t-shirt art. (700m).
Magna Plaza – Upmarket shopping mall, best for fashion, jewelry, and souvenirs. (700m).

V Nesplein – The Hotel

The hotel features retro leather seating and quirky 21st-century Dutch design.

The interior of V Nesplein hotel is a mix of retro leather seating and quirky 21st-century Dutch design, such as the waist-length chandelier in the lobby.

Lobby Bar is popular for its range of wines, local liqueurs, and off-menu wines.

The Lobby Bar has an extensive range of wines by the glass and local liqueurs, as well as interesting off-menu wines (ask the barman). Popular with locals and guests alike. Open till 11pm.

The Lobby Restaurant is known for Flammkuchen and brasserie dishes.

The Lobby Restaurant (open 7am-10pm) is a local institution, so it’s worth making reservations even for lunch. Flammkuchen (pizza-style dish) is the specialty here, with a supporting cast of globally-inspired brasserie dishes.

V Comfort rooms have modern amenities, but the street-facing rooms can be noisy.

The V Comfort rooms all come with designer vintage furniture, comfortable V Dreamer beds (either king-size or twin), smart TVs, and bathrooms with rain showers. There isn’t much of a view; ask for a room at the back if you’re a light sleeper.

V Superior rooms are roomier than the V Comfort rooms.

The V Superior rooms also come with either twin or king-size beds, and all the standard amenities; they’re roomier than the V Comfort.

V Comfort Rooms feature twin rain showers, and some even have a bathtub.

All rooms come with rain showers; some of the V Comfort rooms also come with bathtubs.

The V Suites are particularly spacious with comfortable seating areas, and 1 or 2 sofas.

Nationaal Monument is located at Dam square, a block from the hotel.

A block north of the hotel, Dam square is Central Amsterdam’s busiest square, filled with visitors and buskers, and home to the Nationaal Monument, dedicated to WWII’s fallen.

The Royal Palace is a major tourist attraction.

The big attraction here is the Royal Palace, the official residence of the King of the Netherlands. When the king’s away, you can check out the sumptuous rooms.

Nieuwe Kerk is famous for its beautiful chancel and temporary exhibitions.

Just north of the Royal Palace, the 15th century Nieuwe Kerk is well worth a look for its beautiful oak chancel, and excellent temporary art and photography exhibitions.

Madame Tussaud’s is located on the corner of the square.

On the corner of the square, the Amsterdam branch of Madame Tussaud’s is the place to take selfies with wax figures of royalty and celebrities, if that’s your thing.

Magna Plaza is an upmarket shopping center.

Directly behind the Royal Palace is the Magna Plaza, a grand, upmarket shopping center filled with jewelry shops and fashion boutiques.

Mark Raven sells Amsterdam-inspired art and t-shirts.

A block north, the central branch of Mark Raven Amsterdam Art sells posters of Amsterdam cityscapes, and t-shirts adorned with Amsterdam scenery.

By Popular Demand sells cool gadgets and homeware.

Next door to the Magna Plaza is By Popular Demand, an original gift store that stands out among numerous tacky souvenir shops in the Medieval Center. Come here for cool gadgets and homeware.

De Bierkoning is popular for its local and international craft beers.

Heading south from the Magna Plaza, busy Spuistraat is dotted with restaurants, bars, and a few shops. On the corner, just southwest of the Royal Palace, De Bierkoning is an excellent place to stock up on craft beers sourced both locally and elsewhere in Europe.

Café Schuim is favored mostly by the younger crowd.

Around the corner, the grungy Café Schuim is very much part of the younger local scene in contrast to largely touristy bars that cluster around nearby Spui square.

Concrete hosts street art exhibitions, and sells casual urbanwear.

Further south, Concrete occasionally hosts street art exhibitions, and sells casual urbanwear: locally designed t-shirts, sneakers, and jeans.

Lucius serves refined seafood dishes in a romantic ambience.

Across the street, Lucius has been a local institution for over 40 years. Refined seafood dishes, romantic ambience. Reservations highly recommended.

Magic Mushroom sells a big range of marijuana, magic truffles, and accessories.

While most smart shops selling herbal highs are concentrated in the streets near Centraal Station and in the Red Light District, Magic Mushroom along this stretch of Spuistraat is recommended for its range of marijuana, magic truffles, and accessories.

Laundry Industry specializes in urban wear.

A block east along St Lucienstraat, Laundry Industry is the most central branch of the Dutch design house specializing in urban wear for men and women.

The Amsterdam Museum showcases 1,000 years of the city's history.

Right nearby, the Amsterdam Museum is an entertaining romp through 1,000 years of city history, complete with hands-on exhibits and dressing up opportunities for kids.

Art Plein Spui is held every Sunday in Spui square.

At its southern end, Spuistraat ends in Spui square, one of the most popular gathering spots in the Medieval Center. On Sundays, it hosts the Art Plein Spui, an outdoor book and art market.

American Book Center is Amsterdam's largest English-language bookshop.

Adding to the Spui’s literary reputation, the square is home to 2 excellent bookstores. American Book Center is the largest English-language bookshop in town, featuring pretty much any genre.

Athenaeum has a wide selection of books on travel, fashion, and design.

Nearby, Athenaeum is a large, independent bookstore with an excellent selection of travel guidebooks, and books on fashion and design.

Bhatti Pasal serves inexpensive and good Nepalese fare.

Half a block south of Spui along the Voetboogstraat lane, Bhatti Pasal is one of several Nepalese restaurants in Amsterdam. Inexpensive, large portions.

Café de Dokter is Amsterdam's smallest 18th century pub.

The tiny medieval lanes just north of Spui hide numerous atmospheric bars. Café de Dokter is a tiny 18th century pub – Amsterdam’s smallest – decked out with eclectic antiques, and good for a beer or whisky (if you can squeeze in).

Rokin canal is full of cruise boats through the day.

Just east of Spui, the wide Rokin canal is busy with canal cruise boats during the day.

On the east side of the canal, the Allard Pierson Museum houses a superb archaeological collection, from ancient Greek ceramics and an Egyptian mummy to early Mesopotamian artifacts.

Hotel De L’Europe's Michelin-starred Bord'eau is an excellent place to celebrate.

South of the museum is the 5-star Hotel De L’Europe. If you have a special occasion to celebrate, a reservation at the Michelin-starred Bord’eau is a good option.

Upstairs Pannenkoekenhuis is famous for its traditional Dutch pancakes.

Just north of the museum and facing the narrow Grimburgwal canal, the Upstairs Pannenkoekenhuis is arguably the best place in town to try traditional Dutch pancakes (Anthony Bourdain thought so). It’s inside a tiny 16th century house, so reserve ahead.

Hans Appenzeller is known for its original gold jewelry designs.

Directly opposite, you can browse original gold jewelry designs at Hans Appenzeller. Or check out 3D holographic art and jewelry next door.

Bier Fabriek features private tap tables, rustic dishes, and brews.

From here, narrow Nez street, dotted with alternative theaters, runs back to Dam square, passing the hotel en route. There’s a good microbrewery here, too: Bier Fabriek has private tap tables and rustic dishes to accompany its brews.

Mappa serves excellent Italian dishes and wines from small producers.

A little way up the street, Mappa serves solid Italian dishes, accompanied by Italian wines from small producers.

Van Kerkwijk offers a daily changing menu of Moroccan tagines and French dishes.

Nearer Dam, just north of the hotel, is Van Kerkwijk with its daily changing menu of Moroccan tagines, French dishes, and more.

Bubbles & Wines is a stylish place to enjoy wine or champagne.

Nearby, Bubbles & Wines surpasses most Amsterdam bars when it comes to sheer class: it’s a stylish place with dozens of wines and champagnes by the glass, and superb bar snacks to match.

PGC Hajenius is renowned for its art deco interior, cigars, and private humidors.

Rokin, the Medieval Center’s main thoroughfare, runs parallel to Nez. Near Spui square, PGC Hajenius is a tobacco emporium that’s worth a peek for its art deco interior. Buy your cigars here, and try them in a private humidor.

Next door, The Tara is one of the city’s most popular Irish pubs, attracting a large expat and visitor crowd. Good for catching the game on the big screen.

FuLu Mandarijn offers authentic Sichuan and Cantonese dishes.

Closer to Dam, FuLu Mandarijn is a smart, mid-range Chinese option, with an extensive menu of authentic Sichuan and Cantonese dishes.

De Drie Fleschjes is one of Amsterdam's best bars for jenevers and local liqueurs.

North of Dam square, the Damrak thoroughfare takes you all the way to Centraal Station. Branching off Damrak to the east, tiny Zoutstraat lane is home to several characterful bars. De Drie Fleschjes, a 17th century tasting house, is the best place in central Amsterdam to sample a wide range of jenevers and other local liqueurs.

Café Belgique has several bottled and on tap Belgian beers.

A little further west, Café Belgique is a local favorite for Belgian beers, with 8 brews on tap, many more bottled ones, and a good little people-watching terrace.

Most canal cruise boat companies offer cruises from the dock off Damrak.

Just off Damrak is the dock for most canal cruise boat companies. Have a look at a few, since some offer open-boat and small group tours that can explore the narrow, less well-trodden canals, while others have large boats that may only navigate the main canals.

Sexmuseum Amsterdam is Amsterdam's bigges and most popular erotic museums.

Across the street from the boat dock, Sexmuseum Amsterdam is the most entertaining of the city’s erotic museums, with several floors of the world’s earliest nude photos, X-rated ceramics through the ages, mannequins recreating scenes from the Red Light District, and more. Over-18s only.

TER Steakhouse is well-known for its expertly-grilled cuts of meat.

Behind the hotel, Damstraat runs east towards the Red Light District. Just before Oudezijds Voorburgwal canal, TER Steakhouse has a solid reputation for its expertly-grilled cuts of meat.

Oudezijds Voorburgwal canal is extremely picturesque.

The Oudezijds Voorburgwal canal is particularly picturesque, with the St Nicolaaskerk visible in the distance.

A block east of TER Steakhouse, the Hash, Marijuana & Hemp Gallery has entertaining exhibits on hemp art, marijuana cultivation, and the use of the ‘holy herb’ in religion. Check rates and availability: V Nesplein.

Hotel V Nesplein in Amsterdam

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