I arrived at Centraal Station, in Amsterdam, and was surprised that I could see the NH Barbizon Palace from where I stood. It’s situated in a great, central location. Everything is reachable by walking or a simple tram ride, and all the trams leave from Centraal Station. This makes it very easy for getting back to at night, and means you can decide to head out somewhere on a whim without having to work out whether or not its possible.
The reception is very luxurious – very high ceilings, spotlessly clean. Our check-in was quick and easy. There is a concierge who will happily take your luggage up to your room in one of the three elevators.
Our room was on the first floor. Having read reviews on this website before going, I was concerned it might be small, but it was perfectly spacious. Like most European hotels, a double room consisted of twin beds, but they had been pushed together and thankfully covered by a double mattress so we weren’t falling down the middle of the beds all the time.
The bathroom was light and clean, with a bag of complimentary toiletries. The list was quite exhaustive, containing everything from a hairbrush to a dental kit. You can also call housekeeping if you’ve let something at home, and they will bring it to you free of charge.
There was a bath/shower combination, and one sink, underneath a large mirror. There was also a hairdryer and kettle.
In the wardrobe, there was an iron, ironing board, tea and coffee set, dressing gowns and two packs of slippers. There was also a spare blanket and pillow. You could call housekeeping if you wanted a special type of pillow – eg. goose feathers or hypo allergenic.
The room had air conditioning, but we didn’t really need it, even in August. The window also opened if we needed it to.
The room had wireless internet access, and if you didn’t bring a laptop, you could hire one.
The hotel television had lots of channels, plus a few pay TV channels, showing everything from Jaws to the Ring 2 and of course erotic movies.
Our room overlooked the square, which could be quite noisy during the day, but the trams stopped around midnight and there aren’t any nightclubs within the square, so it was okay.
Room service runs all night, and the hotel also has a restaurant and bar, but we didn’t check these out. They provided us with a book and a magazine about Amsterdam which made for interesting reads.
There was one problem when we were there, for some reason, charged for room service we did not order. We discovered this by checking the bill on the television, and immediately went down to reception, which seems to be manned almost all night. The woman working said usually you have to sign a receipt for room service, but checked in the filing cabinet and ours wasn’t there. She couldn’t explain the room service and although she wasn’t apologetic, she cancelled the fee without quibble. She did, however, say it was a shame she couldn’t investigate it properly which was annoying because it sounded as though she was implying we might be lying.
Maid service runs for most of the day. We took our ‘do not disturb’ sign off at 4pm and they came round and cleaned our room quickly and efficiently while we were out.
The night before we checked out, we went to reception and inquired about the airport shuttle. It has to be booked in advance, so she just made a note and told us the timetable – it leaves regularly, at 11 euros per person.

We stayed in this hotel the last week of July 2005. The hotel is situated over the road from Central Station. The location is just perfect for getting around Amsterdam. The hotel is extremely stylish and the rooms are just pefect with absolutely everything you need and the most comfortable beds. The rooms are cleaned and everything replenished on a daily basis - you even get a mint on your pillow each day. Shoe shine facilities and ice machines are situated on each floor with an ice bucket provided in your room for you to fill up. The staff are most friendly, very welcoming and helpful. Check-in is 3.00 p.m., however, we arrived at approximately 11.00 a.m. and they stored our luggage and had our rooms ready for about 1.30 p.m. If you travel to Amsterdam from the airport by train (very cheap and frequent) all you need to do is come out of Central Station - look to your left across the road and you will see the welcoming sign of the Barbizon Palace. We will be going back to Amsterdam soon and will without hesitation be staying in this fabulous hotel.

We stayed here the weekend of July 9th 2005. I was not very happy. We were supossed to stay at the NH Krasnapolsky however they were overbooked and sent us to the Barbizon Palace. The reason we booked the Krasnapolsky was to be away from the central station and the construction work and to be away from the red light district but ended up there since the Barbizon is across from the station and a small road next to it leads to the Red Light District.

Our booking was also messed up, they had us in a smaller room than requested, service was less than par and the price in my opinion far to high for the quality of the hotel. We paid 198 euro/night for a very small room that needed some work. We also couldn't check in until 5PM, 3 hours past the normal check in time b/c of all the disorganization.

Perhaps I am most disapointed since we didn't choose the Barbizon but were forced to stay there since the hotel had overbooked guests. To make up for it they offered us a drink at the bar....water or a soft drink (no alcohol....)and a gift, a cheap looking toiletry bag....for a hotel that claims it is 5 stars, it was a pretty sad gift.

I won't be staying at an NH hotel again, my experience was extremely disapointing.

First, it is important to remember that 5 star in the US and 5 star in Amsterdam mean 2 very different things. That said, this hotel is an excellent value for the location, and has an even better staff.

Our room (1 King Bed on the 3rd floor) was a converted loft space, complete with exposed beams and the old hoisting wheel in the ceiling. Three large windows looked out to the neighboring street where restuarants and bars abound. The bathroom was clean and basic, with towels refreshed nightly. The room had a smallish feel to it, but handled our clothes and luggage just fine. There was one small chair and table. This was not a room to spend a significant time lounging about in.

The hotel staff is impressive. Friendly, knowledgable, and more than accomodating. The concierge was excellent - giving hnest and candid feedback about restuarants and activites we were considering. Every request made of staff was filled promptly and with a smile.

The hotel is across from the Central Train Station and just borders the Red Light District. You are about a 10 minute walk from both Dam Square and the Jordaan - about a 25 minute walk to the Leidesplein. The tram system, centrally located across the street at the train station, makes getting around the city both easy on the feet and quick - if you don't want to walk.

We will definitely stay there again. We spent 3 nights in very comfortable surroundings - but don't anticipate 5 star elegance a la the Ritz in NY - you simply will not find it here.