Hotel New Century

Located at Fogostraat 10 in Amsterdam Nieuw-West, Hotel New Century advertises itself as a three-star accommodation. At first glance, it appears to be a functional base with basic amenities such as free Wi-Fi, a restaurant, and bright rooms with flat-screen TVs. However, a deeper dive into guest experiences reveals a persistent and worrying pattern of serious problems, which contrasts sharply with the neutral description. This article analyzes the available information to paint a realistic picture for anyone considering this accommodation .

The promise versus the harsh reality

The official descriptions and photos of many hotels often paint an idyllic picture. This is also true for Hotel New Century; it is presented as a simple, modern hotel. However, the reality described by countless visitors is fundamentally different. The most alarming and frequently mentioned complaint concerns hygiene. Guests do not complain about minor imperfections, but about structural and unacceptable uncleanliness. One reviewer described the carpeting throughout the building as "rancid" and "filthy," a sentiment shared by many. There are reports of mold in the bathrooms, peeling wallpaper, and a general sense of disrepair that one would not expect in even the most basic hostels .

A persistent pest problem

The most disturbing issue highlighted in several independent reviews is the presence of bedbugs. Several guests reported being covered in bites after a short stay and even seeing the pests crawling into their rooms. This is a definite red flag for any type of hospedaje . One guest reported leaving after just an hour due to the unsanitary conditions and the bedbugs. Another, who had the courage to confront the staff, said they were told that management was aware of the complaints and that cleaning was inadequate. In a written response to the consumer program Radar in October 2023, the hotel's former management acknowledged that they had tried unsuccessfully to combat a bedbug infestation, confirming the historical nature of this serious problem. This is a crucial factor that fundamentally undermines the quality of a stay, whether at a luxury resort or a budget-friendly albergue .

State of maintenance and facilities

Besides the critical hygiene issues, there are also many complaints about deferred maintenance. Examples cited by guests include a sink that doesn't drain, a window that wouldn't open or close, and an elevator that "has a mind of its own." These kinds of defects indicate a lack of investment and attention to the hotel 's basic functionality. Even the most basic expectations of a paid apartment or hotel room, such as a functioning bathroom and a securely closing window, don't seem to be guaranteed here. Some guests were afraid to use the shower for hygiene concerns, which negates the essence of a hotel stay.

Atmosphere and staff

The overall atmosphere of the hotel is perceived by some as unpleasant. A striking detail shared by one guest is the presence of signs at the reception desk prohibiting the use of nitrous oxide and bringing "ladies of pleasure." While this may be intended to maintain order, it creates an unpleasant impression regarding the type of problems the hotel faces. Opinions are divided regarding the service. Some positive reviews mention friendly staff, but negative reviews mention unfriendliness and a reception that is not continuously staffed, with breaks of half an hour. This can be problematic for guests who arrive late or have urgent questions about their accommodations.

Location and accessibility

The hotel is located in Amsterdam Nieuw-West, well outside the tourist center. This can have advantages and disadvantages. The distance to the city center often means a lower price compared to centrally located hotels. Accessibility by public transport is reasonable; tram line 1 has a stop nearby (Matterhorn) and takes travelers to the city center in about 30-40 minutes. This is an important consideration for visitors who rely on public transport. The hotel's proximity to the A4 and A10 highways makes it easily accessible for drivers. Nevertheless, the location has been considered a disadvantage by some due to the travel time to major attractions. You won't be booking villas or cabañas in a quiet, idyllic setting here, but rather accommodations on the outskirts of the city.

Important recent developments

A crucial piece of information is the recent change of ownership. In their response to Radar in October 2023, the previous management indicated that the hotel operation was sold in September 2023 and that the hotel was closed for major renovations. The hotel's website has since been renamed "Hotel Fogo Amsterdam," indicating a rebranding. This is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it offers hope that the new owners will address the deep-seated hygiene and maintenance issues. On the other hand, it means that historical reviews, while painting a serious picture of the past, may no longer reflect the current state of this hostería or posada . Potential customers are therefore strongly advised to specifically search for recent reviews from after the reopening under the new name.

A high-risk choice

In summary, the image of Hotel New Century (now possibly Hotel Fogo) is extremely problematic. The overwhelming number of consistent and serious complaints about poor hygiene, broken facilities, and a persistent bedbug infestation make it a very risky choice for any type of traveler. While the price and the availability of basic amenities may seem attractive, the reported drawbacks far outweigh this. The recent sale and renovation offer a glimmer of hope for improvement. Nevertheless, until a significant number of positive, verified reviews appear under the new name, travelers seeking reliable vacation rentals or a worry-free stay are advised to exercise extreme caution and consider alternative options.