Travelled with: Group
Having previously stayed multiple times at the WestCord Fashion Hotel, we decided to try the WestCord City Centre Hotel on a more recent trip to Amsterdam. Our excellent experience at the Fashion Hotel gave me high expectations, and I was curious to see how the city centre version compared. I wasn’t disappointed.
Location and First Impressions
The location of this hotel is nothing short of outstanding. It’s literally right in the middle of everything, just one street back from Damrak. From here, you can easily walk to Dam Square, the canals, the Red Light District, and countless bars, restaurants, and shops. If you’re in Amsterdam to explore the heart of the city, this is an unbeatable base.
As with most hotels in such a prime location, prices can be on the higher side, but given the convenience, it feels like money well spent. Another pleasant surprise is that although the hotel is central, the street it’s on is quiet enough, so you’re not disturbed by the constant buzz of Damrak itself.
Rooms and Cleanliness
The rooms at WestCord City Centre are modern, compact, and very clean. While space is at more of a premium compared to the Fashion Hotel, everything is well designed, functional, and comfortable. For a short city break where you’ll be spending most of your time exploring, the rooms are more than adequate. Housekeeping kept everything spotless throughout our stay.
Breakfast and Dining
Breakfast was a highlight. The buffet offered lots of options, from hot dishes like eggs and bacon to lighter choices such as pastries, fruit, and yogurt. It’s a great way to start the day before heading out into the busy streets of Amsterdam. While the hotel doesn’t have an extensive restaurant or bar setup like the Fashion Hotel, the sheer number of dining options right on the doorstep more than makes up for it.
Staff and Service
One of the standout features of the WestCord chain, in my experience, is the staff – and the City Centre Hotel was no exception. The team here were excellent and very helpful throughout our stay. For example, they arranged a taxi for us to the airport on our departure day, which made everything seamless and stress-free. Small touches like this leave a lasting impression.
Why Choose the WestCord City Centre?
If your priority is exploring the city centre attractions like Dam Square, the canals, shopping, and nightlife, this hotel puts you in the perfect spot. It combines the reliability of the WestCord brand with a location that’s hard to beat. While rooms are on the smaller side, the cleanliness, good breakfast, and great service make it an excellent choice for a short city trip.
Conclusion
The WestCord City Centre Hotel delivers exactly what you’d want from a central Amsterdam stay: a clean, modern base right in the middle of the action. The location is superb, breakfast is plentiful, and the staff go out of their way to help. While it can be a little expensive due to the location and the rooms aren’t the most spacious, these are small trade-offs for such a convenient base.
Having enjoyed the Fashion Hotel previously, I’m happy to say the WestCord City Centre Hotel lived up to the same high standards.
If you want to stay close to all the main attractions without being right on the busiest street, this hotel is an excellent pick.
My Rating: ★★★★☆
Until next time, slán agus beannacht!
Considering this hotel as a base for your Amsterdam exploration? Check out the below travel card offers. Our favourite is the Amsterdam Pass! With this you’ll enjoy access to two of the city’s most iconic museums — the Van Gogh Museum and the Rembrandt House — and round off the experience with a classic European highlight: a scenic cruise along Amsterdam’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed canals.
