XO Hotels Blue Square

First Impressions

Walking up to XO Hotels Blue Square, you’ll notice it sits in what feels like a genuinely local Amsterdam neighborhood — not the touristy canal district everyone talks about. The Geuzenveld-Slotermeer area is honestly one of those places where actual Amsterdammers live, which I found refreshing after dealing with crowds elsewhere in the city. This three-star spot has a modern, straightforward vibe that doesn’t try too hard to be something it’s not.

Getting Around

Here’s what I really appreciated — you’re actually well-connected to central Amsterdam without paying those insane city center prices. The Sloterdijk station is close enough that you can hop on a train and be at Amsterdam Central in about 10 minutes. Plus, there’s decent parking here, which anyone who’s tried to park near the Red Light District will tell you is worth its weight in gold. The neighborhood has that authentic Dutch residential feel, with local cafés and shops that tourists rarely stumble upon.

The Room Experience

My room was clean and functional — think modern hotel basics done well rather than anything fancy. The beds are comfortable enough, and honestly, the shower pressure was better than some pricier places I’ve stayed. You get what you need: decent Wi-Fi, a proper desk if you’re working, and windows that actually open (which is more important than you’d think in Amsterdam). The design is sort of minimalist-meets-corporate, but it works when you’re spending most of your time exploring the city anyway.

Practical Perks

The hotel restaurant serves straightforward international fare — nothing groundbreaking, but solid enough for breakfast or a quick dinner when you can’t be bothered venturing out. What I found useful was having actual local Dutch options nearby for when you want something more authentic. The staff here seem to genuinely know the area well, which means you’ll get real recommendations instead of the usual tourist trap suggestions.

Why Guests Love It

Look, XO Hotels Blue Square isn’t trying to be the fanciest place in Amsterdam, and that’s exactly why it works. You’re getting solid value in a real neighborhood, with easy access to everything the city offers without the markup. It’s the kind of place where you’ll sleep well, start your day without stress, and actually have budget left over for all those Dutch cheese tastings and canal tours. For travelers who want to experience Amsterdam like locals do — at least when it comes to where they rest their heads — this spot delivers exactly what it promises.