There are two types of people in this world: those who do Airbnb and those who stay in hotels. Okay, maybe I’m oversimplifying things but even so I’d firmly place myself in the first of those categories when travelling abroad.
While it can often feel like you get more bang for your buck when renting an apartment over booking a hotel room, I also love the comfort and informality of staying in an Airbnb. Whenever I grab keys from a lockbox and let myself into a rented apartment the first thought that crosses my mind is: “Oh, I could live here!”
But there’s a new concept hotel in Amsterdam that threatens to convert me.
The Jan Luyken Amsterdam is a 62-bedroom boutique townhouse hotel in the heart of the Dutch city where guests are invited to enjoy the space as if it were their own – with the bonus of someone stocking the fridge for you!
Originally built as three residential houses in 1899 by architect P. van der Vliet, a hotel had existed on the site before its relaunch in 2023 following a multi-million-pound refurbishment. While the building’s original character is left intact, all that remains of its previous hospitality offering is a particularly quirky and very retro elevator.
What actually is the concept?
The first difference between the Jan Luyken townhouse and a regular hotel greeted me in the ‘lobby’ (just imagine I’m doing air quotes). By incorporating mobile check-in and digital keys, the need for a traditional front desk is gone. Instead there’s a self-serve bar and an effortlessly cool young man with an iPad sipping coffee. It turns out he’s one of several very helpful house hosts who will be “discreetly on hand” 24 hours a day.
While I enjoy a glass of Appel-aardbeiensap Schulp (a delicious non-alcoholic Dutch beverage that you need to try) at the bar the host emails me the digital keys that open the main door to the building and my room and explains how this whole thing works.
Food and drinks are available all day and night in the townhouse’s shared kitchen – you’re free to help yourself. In the mornings between 7-11am the usual fare is laid on, but instead of buffet-style it’s as if you’re fixing yourself a breakfast at a friend’s house… if that friend has been up all night preparing freshly baked goods and overnight oats.
In the early evening, the cheese, pickles and rye bread come out to be enjoyed alongside a glass of wine. This may seem like a minor detail, but you can roam the shared space (kitchen, library, bar and courtyard garden) with your food and drink which feels far less formal than usual hotel settings. I’m here for it.
On top of the shared living spaces there’s a bijou gym decked out with scandi-style wooden gym equipment, textured cork walls and floor to ceiling windows looking out to the garden. I’m not one for Instagramming in the gym but this space could convince me otherwise.
What are the rooms like?
The room I’m staying in is large and has enough comfortable seating and table space that I could quite happily while away an afternoon. In fact, I take full-advantage of the king size and super-comfy bed for a daytime disco nap. The Insta-friendly aesthetic continues with textured, natural fabrics in vibrant warm tones, funky wall art and soft furnishings made in Amsterdam from Elle La and Bonnie Barlag.
The bathroom is well lit and includes both a bath and shower with CODAGE Paris products provided.
Who is the Jan Luyken for?
There’s a real mix of visitors at the Jan Luyken Amsterdam: a handful of couples (old and young), a family with teenage kids, a mother and her adult daughter, the odd solo traveller and a group of colleagues in town on business. I’m here with my partner after catching the Eurostar from Kings Cross. We’re staying for three nights but I could comfortably do the whole week here.
The hotel is just a stone’s throw from the iconic Museumplein; home to the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Stedelijk Museum, as well as the world-renowned concert hall Concertgebouw.
If museums aren’t your thing, Amsterdam’s chicest shopping street – P.C. Hooftstraat, affectionately known as “the PC” – is right round the corner as well as the famous Vondelpark and, of course, the famous canal district.
Everything is walkable from the Jan Luyken, and over the four days we’re in the city we only take the tram once (even though it’s raining 70% of the time).
How much does it cost?
Rooms range from single to a full studio (with its own private entrance) and start at £130 per night.
A stay at the Jan Luyken Amsterdam would fit a whole range of occasions and party sizes. Personally, I’m keen to go back and stay in the private studio for my next “landmark” birthday.
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