This hotel is an experience in and of itself! Although I did not stay here during my last visit, I had to drop in to show off this jewel to my friends/travel buddies (especially considering I had been talking about it since the onset of travel planning). You do not have to be a hotel guest to take advantage of the bar offering hemp beers, spirits, snacks and much more. While the location is as not as centrally located as others, it is a short bike or tram ride away from the more touristy sections. Frederiksplein is a special and beautiful area with much to see including plush parks, canals and most everything else needed to provide amazing Amsterdam adventures!
Upon entry, one encounters a lounge area with comfy chairs, couches and the like. Straight ahead, a bar (which becomes the Hemple Temple Nightbar in the eve) accompanied by greetings from the bartender/concierge/hostess, etc. The woman behind the bar on my most recent visit was just as pleasant and welcoming as in past experiences. Unfortunately she kindly advised that she could only serve for a mere 10 minutes more due to housekeeping obligations..yep, she also cleans the rooms, bathrooms and basically the whole of the hotel. Mind you this place is quite small when compared to most American, even boutique, hotels, but she definitely takes on quite a bit in a day. As we began retreat so as not to bother her, she graciously offered to serve up drinks and allow us to sit outside stating it was not a bother at all. When we decided to explore as opposed to sit, she politely provided recommendations and directions. She was a gentle, lovely soul whom, I believe, most would benefit from simply being in her presence.
I had the pleasure of staying at this hotel while on one of my more budget conscience, college student salaried trips. The rooms are affordable and amusing in that each room is decorated by different theme (ours seeming to be of Moroccan variety). Elegant, colorful silks draped the windows, bed and pillows plus a splendid view...it was truly magical!
While the Hemp Hotel does have rooms offering private bathrooms, we did not have such luxury during our penny-pinching stay. The shared toilet/shower is a few flights of narrow stairs up, which proved to be a bit of a pain for pee in the middle of the night; yet we never seemed to run into issue regarding wait time for shower, etc.
My recent trip could not accommodate a stay at this hotel as I was traveling with two others and double rooms are the biggest they have; however, I would most definitely and very highly recommend a stay at this hotel!
*As previously stated, this is a smaller and quite popular hotel therefore I suggest booking as far in advance as possible to ensure the room you want is available.
*Also, this is a smoking friendly hotel meaning you may walk into a cloud on your way in...for some this may serve as a warning, for others a wondrous bonus!
You will not regret a stay or even just a stop-in at the Hemp Hotel! read more