Grand Amsterdam hotel with a rich past and surprising design

Arena Hotel / Amsterdam / Netherlands

This is Hotel Arena. Located in the eastern part of Amsterdam, The Netherlands. The building (or buildings) that the hotel is situated in has a long history. Constructions started here at the end of the 19th century and was originally a home to orphaned catholic girls (hence the old chapel that is still the centre point of this group of buildings). Over the years this has been an hideout for Belgian refugees during the Great War, an elderly home, a shelter for the homeless and a hostel until it was finally transformed into a design hotel in the beginning of the 21st century. 15 years after opening their doors, the hotel once again went through a massive spruce up and reopened in 2017 in its current splendor.

If you’ve read this blog before you know that I am a huge fan of old buildings that are given a second life after careful renovations. And Hotel Arena is a great example of that. All the old structures, staircases, beams and brickwork have been kept and are now a constant reminder of the past.

The interior design really brings out the best in the building. The look is all very contemporary and well thought through without becoming too fancy or end of creating a cold disconnection between me as a guest and the building. There is a fine line between the two. The fab design has awarded them a membership in the exclusive German Design Hotels community and it is easy to see why.

Since all the original buildings have been kept in their original state, the rooms vary a lot in look and size. When we stayed here I ended up in a beautiful room with impressive ceiling height and tall windows. A perfect room to come back to and relax in after a hectic day exploring this city of cities.

Welcome to Hotel Arena! You actually enter the hotel through the leafy Oosterpark. A perfect “lobby”.

The hotel is massive, with both an old part and a newer extension.

When this building was first built this was an orphanage for catholic girls and that is why this chapel still has a central place.

Ok, how awesome is this old wood and marble staircase. I wish I could have one like this at home.

These staircases (there are several of them) are so stunning.

I don’t think I have ever stayed in a room with a cooler room number than this one…

Great design, solid wood floors, high ceilings, tall windows and plants. No wonder it was difficult to leave my room.

Something I want to highlight from my stay at Hotel Arena are all the lamps. They have done such an excellent job with all the different light fixtures, both in the room and in the common areas.

More great lamps in the corridor leading to the reception area.

The group of buildings that are Hotel Arena. Right outside your door you’ll find the Oosterpark, A popular hang out for the residents of this part of Amsterdam. So grab a coffee and engage in local life.

To be in The Netherlands in the Spring when the flower fields are in full bloom is such a great experience. The scent from these fields of hyacinths was almost overwhelming.

RG inside info

This place is perfect if you…

…want to stay in a really great design hotel centrally located in Amsterdam but not in the middle of the madness. The Hotel Arena is located in the leafy Oosterpark in the up and coming East Amsterdam area. The central parts of Amsterdam are within walking- or biking distance.

My favorite thing about this place…

…I think I will say the location. I always like to stay in great urban hotels located a little bit outside of the absolute centre of town. Like this one that is in the middle of a residential area which gives you a taste of how the locals live and spend their lazy Saturdays.

What not to miss when staying here…

…is to explore the east! It is easy to end up spending most of the time in the central parts of town around De Pijp, Jordaan and the neighboring areas, but the east has great things to offer with a restaurant- and bar scene that is becoming more and more interesting by the month.

If you like this place you might also like…

The Wilder, Dublin, Ireland

Gastwerk, Hamburg, Germany

Factory, Münster, Germany

Location