The Hoxton, Amsterdam

"How did it strike you on arrival?While strolling along the Herengracht in the canal ring, you could easily walk right by The Hoxton Amsterdam. There aren't any doormen standing outside the unassuming facade, and a stark black awning hangs above the simple doorway entrance. But with lots of personal touches and plenty of style, the Hoxton Amsterdam successfully combines a quintessential Amsterdam experience with boutique hotel style, all at affordable prices. Nice. What’s the crowd like?Hip East Londoners, successful visual artists, and globe-trotting DJs. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.The 111 rooms flawlessly incorporate the historic details of the buildings that they occupy, but with trendy, geometric-inspired pieces. Picture timber herringbone flooring and rich textiles in muted tones combined with hexagonal mirrors and angular brass chandeliers. Many rooms also offer views over the canal. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that find its way into your suitcase?Each morning, a paper bag containing breakfast (yogurt and fresh fruit) is delivered to your room and left to hang on the door, at your request. Just fill out the form the evening before. The food: Worth it?On-site restaurant and cafe Lotti's is open all day, serving an eclectic mix of dishes from its open kitchen. Order the Lotti's Benny ($18) of poached eggs, Dutch smoked salmon, hollandaise, and sourdough toast if the yogurt parfait won't cut it. At dinner, the menu mixes Dutch favorites like herring ($14) with rye bread and homemade pickles with items from the wood grill, like slow-cooked duck breast ($27) with blackberry jus. A live DJ spins Thursday through Saturday. Bottom line: worth it, and why?The Hoxton offers exceptional value in the sometimes overpriced city of Amsterdam." - Meredith Bethune