Hotel Amsterdam The Red Lion

The Hotel Amsterdam De Roode Leeuw , located at the prominent Damrak 93-94, represents a fascinating intersection between Amsterdam's deep-rooted history and contemporary demands for comfortable accommodation. With an average rating of 4.0 stars based on more than 1,100 reviews, this establishment positions itself as a solid choice among the competitive offerings of urban accommodations. Its location is undoubtedly one of its greatest assets, as the hotel is just a stone's throw from Dam Square, directly across from the Bijenkorf department store, and within easy walking distance of both Central Station and the bustling city center. For visitors who want to use public transportation efficiently, or simply explore the city on foot, its geographical location is unsurpassed.

An Ancient History in a Modern Jacket

What sets this particular accommodation apart from the many other hotels in the area is the rich history that permeates its walls. The building that houses Hotel Amsterdam De Roode Leeuw originally dates back to the 15th century, making it one of the oldest accommodations in the Netherlands. Although the hotel only officially opened its doors in 1911 and remains one of the few privately operated hotels in the city, guests feel the echo of centuries-old hospitality. This historical foundation is combined with recent modernization; for example, the adjoining brasserie underwent a major renovation in 2019, preserving its historic character while bringing the facilities up to modern standards.

Brasserie De Roode Leeuw itself plays a central role in the experience. It offers an atmospheric setting overlooking the bustling Damrak, providing a unique vantage point for city life. The brasserie is more than just a breakfast room; it's a place where guests can enjoy a full breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a simple drink. The fact that even in the colder months, guests can sit on the terrace thanks to heating and air conditioning demonstrates a continuous effort to ensure maximum comfort, even in a dynamic city location.

The Plus Points of the Stay: Comfort and Convenience

The core of any good accommodation lies in the quality of the rooms, and De Roode Leeuw generally seems to score well in this regard. Guests who wrote positively about their stay emphasized the spaciousness, cleanliness, and modern interior of the rooms. There's a clear investment in the sleeping experience, with particular praise for the "fantastic" beds. This is crucial for travelers seeking peace and quiet after a day exploring the city.

• Modern Amenities: Rooms are equipped with climate control, free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, and tea and coffee making facilities. The bathrooms are described as luxurious.
• Room options: The selection is diverse and ranges from Budget rooms to Comfort, Superior, and even Junior Suites. Superior rooms offer additional luxuries such as a sitting area and sometimes a bathtub, which represents an upgrade from standard accommodations .
• Breakfast: The breakfast buffet is consistently praised as a highlight: abundant, fresh, and with healthy options like smoothies and yogurt. This is a major plus for guests who want a flying start to the day.
• Accessibility: The presence of a wheelchair-accessible entrance indicates an awareness of wider accessibility, a necessary factor in the modern hotel sector.

The general atmosphere is described as relaxed and welcoming, and the check-in process is often experienced as smooth. All of this contributes to the perception that this hotel combines an excellent guesthouse-like feel with the amenities of a full-fledged hotel.

The Location as an Extension of the Chamber

While the rooms themselves are highly rated, it's the central location that truly defines the stay. The proximity to Damrak and Dam Square means that the main sights, museums, and shopping areas are within easy reach. This reduces the need for prolonged use of public transport, although the proximity of tram and bus lines makes this an excellent base. However, for those seeking peace and quiet outside the city, it's important to remember that this type of accommodation in the heart of the historic center inevitably comes with urban life and the associated noise level, despite the soundproof windows.

Service Issues and Inconsistencies

Despite the strong overall rating, there are clear and recurring criticisms that potential guests should consider, particularly regarding the service and the hospitality experience. The experience seems to depend heavily on the staff member you encounter and the setting.

The Brasserie: Quality and Communication

While breakfast receives rave reviews, lunch and dinner experiences at the Brasserie are significantly less positive. One review specifically points to serious shortcomings in the kitchen, with both the steak and hamburger being considered poor quality (tough and dry). Furthermore, the pricing model is criticized, with the high cost of individual side dishes, such as fries (€7.50), making the initial price of the main menu misleading.

Even more concerning is the service experience in the restaurant. Reports indicate that staff seemed grumpy, showed no interest in guest satisfaction, and experienced communication problems due to a language barrier (not speaking Dutch), leading to unfulfilled requests. This contrasts sharply with the general praise for the friendly reception staff, indicating a clear inconsistency in service quality across the various departments of this establishment.

Specific Concerns about the Chambers and Security

While most rooms are described as modern and clean, one particular complaint deserves attention: Room 130 was described by one guest as "a bit creepy," suggesting that security staff should be more vigilant. While this may be an isolated observation, it's an indicator that not every room exudes the same high standard of ambiance and security. Minor, but still bothersome, operational complaints include slow elevators and awkward placement of amenities, such as a towel rack hung too high.

In addition, it is good to know that an additional city tax of 5% must be paid upon check-out, which is an additional cost for the stay, not directly included in the room price.

Positioning in the Market: More than a Simple Hostel

It's important to properly position Hotel Amsterdam De Roode Leeuw in relation to other accommodations. It's clearly not a large-scale resort ; it lacks the extensive facilities and focus on recreation one would expect from such a setup. Nor is it a collection of independent apartments or vacation homes , as the emphasis is on the hotel structure, the implicit 24-hour reception, and the central brasserie. Conceptually, it's closer to a traditional, well-maintained guesthouse or historic hostería , but with the four-star amenities one would expect from a modern city hotel.

For travelers who prefer budget-friendly albergues or hostels , this hotel, given its location and four-star status, can be a bit pricey, especially when factoring in the cost of individual meals and city tax. It primarily caters to tourists or business travelers who value location and a certain degree of historic charm over the minimalist efficiency of budget accommodations.

for the Potential Guest

Hotel Amsterdam De Roode Leeuw offers a unique opportunity to stay overnight in a piece of living history, with a location rarely matched in Amsterdam. The rooms generally offer a high level of comfort, especially in terms of sleep quality, and the breakfast is a guaranteed success. The overall 4.0-star rating is largely based on these pillars: location, comfort, and the historic ambiance of the accommodation.

However, potential guests should be aware of the operational inconsistencies. Those seeking flawless, uniformly friendly service and a culinary, high-quality dining experience risk being disappointed by the reported shortcomings in the brasserie. For the quick-traveler who primarily seeks a comfortable, centrally located base for a short stay and who considers breakfast their most important meal, the positives likely outweigh the negatives. For longer stays or for those who consider hospitality an integral part of the hotel experience, careful consideration of the reported service issues is essential when choosing this historic accommodation on the Damrak.