XO Hotels City Centre

First Impressions

When I first walked up to XO Hotels City Centre, I’ll be honest — it’s not the kind of place that screams for attention from the street. The building blends into the historic facades along Beursstraat, which is actually part of its charm. You’re right in the heart of Amsterdam, and this three-star hotel gets that it doesn’t need to compete with flashy exteriors when the location does all the talking.

Location That Actually Matters

Here’s what I love about staying here — you can walk to Dam Square in about three minutes, and the Central Station is maybe a five-minute stroll. I mean, you’re literally surrounded by everything that makes Amsterdam worth visiting. The narrow streets around the hotel are packed with those classic brown cafés and little shops that tourists usually have to hunt for. Plus, if you need to catch a tram anywhere, the stops are right there.

The Room Reality

The room I stayed in was compact — and I’m being generous with that description. But you know what? It worked. Everything felt thoughtfully designed for the space they had, and the bed was surprisingly comfortable for a good night’s sleep. The bathroom was small but functional, with decent water pressure that actually mattered after long days walking around the city. Don’t expect a lot of room to spread out, but honestly, who spends much time in their hotel room in Amsterdam anyway?

Practical Details

The staff here really know their stuff about the neighborhood — they’ll steer you toward the good local spots instead of just handing you a tourist map. Breakfast happens in a cozy space downstairs, nothing fancy but solid enough to get your day started. I appreciated that they kept things simple rather than trying to oversell what they could offer. There’s no parking on-site, but that’s pretty standard for this part of Amsterdam — they’ll point you toward nearby options if you’re driving.

Why Guests Love It

What makes this place work is that it doesn’t try to be something it’s not. You’re paying for an excellent location and a clean, comfortable place to sleep in one of Europe’s most expensive cities. The value proposition is solid — you’ll spend way less here than at the bigger hotels nearby, and you’ll still be within walking distance of everything that matters. It’s the kind of spot where you check in, drop your bags, and immediately head out to explore because Amsterdam is right outside your door.