Casa400, Amsterdam
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There are certain psychological mechanisms one can use to decipher whether a hotel is worth your time or not. Everyone will have their own markers for this, with some being far more obvious – and thus applicable to a greater mass – than others. However, there are always hotels that inexplicably buck that trend, and Casa400 is one of those hotels.
Located in the outlying suburbs of Watergraafsmeer, the hotel could never claim to have a coveted, central location. However, sitting just two minutes from the closest metro and tram stops, everything within the city is just 10 minutes away. Being slightly out of the city also offers a strange benefit to Casa’s patrons in that it puts an emphasis on mastering Amsterdam’s public transport network. This may sound like an odd thing to comment on but having stayed in Amsterdam at least four times, I have always been within walking distance of all the local amenities. However, only until this most recent visit do I feel at all connected with the city as a whole. This was a unique experience in that regard and a complete change in personal mindset. Considering that Casa400 costs a fraction of what a similar hotel would be going for in the city centre, this is a major bonus in my book.
The hotel markets itself as a three star property and also has a student halls of residence during term time. However these two entities are kept completely separate from one another. There are also substantial MICE facilities available which would be perfect for conferences of varying sizes.
The rooms are modern and clearly have a lot of thought behind them. Everyone staying at the hotel receives complimentary Wifi and rooms come furnished with a large flat screen TV, huge desk and refrigerator.
There is one final defining characteristic of Casa400 where the hotel makes a monumental effort to buck the trend and confuse its placement in the market, and that’s in its staff. Everyone, whether behind the desk or serving food in the restaurant, was happy to help and go above and beyond what would be expected at a similar hotel. There was an eagerness to help and the service was welcoming.
While in Amsterdam we went out for the day and saw some of the city’s major sights. When we got back to the hotel I realised I had left my phone somewhere along the way. The hotel staff called around everywhere we had been and managed to relocate the phone for me. It capped off a great stay and put the final shine on the experience. While being a test I wouldn’t want to repeat very often, it was one in which Casa400 passed with flying colours.
To see images from the hotel please click here.
Hotel Casa 400 is a member of Great Hotels of the World Classic Collection. Double rooms start from £66. For more information or to book, please visit www.ghotw.com or call 020 7380 3658.
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