Amsterdam hotel with rich heritage has received a classy, fun Hoxton make-over

The Hoxton Lloyd / Amsterdam / Netherlands

As you know by know if you have been reading some of my previous posts, I have a tendency to look for and stay at independent hotels rather than chain hotels. The reason? I think that many of the independents dare to be a bit bolder in their design in order to stand out, doing things that are truly unique. But, my dear readers, there are of course some exceptions to this rule. Chains like Ace, Palihotels, Freehand, The Standard, Soho House, Experimental Group and Nobis manage to create hotels that are both interesting and unique while still being part of a chain. And one chain that deserves to be mentioned in this context is Hoxton (or Ennismore as the group is callled). They are the ones that have bringing the old Lloyd hotel into their world of fun, effortless, cheeky design and urban hedonism and given this hotel a new boost.

The Lloyd was commissioned by the Royal Holland Lloyd Shipping Company in 1921 and has had several different purposes over the years; a hotel for emigrants waiting to depart for their new life, a shelter for Jewish war refugees, a prison and finally a hotel (which I have actually stayed at which you can read more about here). And recently the Ennismore Group stepped in and have given the Lloyd Hotel a Hoxton make over, keeping a lot of the old quirks while bringing in more light and color.

This 136-key hotel is located off the beaten Amsterdam path, in the Eastern Docklands, a short tram ride from the central station. It is standing right next to the river IJ in what is a calmer, more residential part of town. A lot of the interior from when this was the Lloyd Hotel has been preserved while a lot more color, patterns and art work has been added (on top of a general spruce up when it comes to the infra structure). Makes me happy to see that for example the original tile work is still there blending in with all the new additions.

The feeling in the public areas (except for the Argentinian style bar) is very light and bright, but the rooms (at least ours) was a direct contrast, with more muted colors and an overall sombre look with wall panelling, patterned fitted carpets, heavy velvet drapes and original stained glass windows.

When you (reluctantly) leave the hotel, this part of Amsterdam has more to offer than one might first think. Behind the hotel, in the eastern part of town there is a lot to discover and plenty of those independent shops and restaurants that the Dutch do so well. And when you are done exploring, there is a super comfy bed waiting for you at the Hoxton Lloyd.

Welcome to the Hoxton Lloyd Hotel in Amsterdam!

A large part of the original interior has been preserved, like the tiles in the corridors.

Patterns and colors in abundance in the lounge area.

The narrow corridor leading to our room. The original tiles have been matched with colorful fitted carpets.

Our cozy room. If the corridor and public areas are light and bright, our room was the opposite, cozy and dark with fitted carpets and heavy drapes.

The evening in setting over Amsterdam and the Hoxton.

Breakfast is served á la carte and must not be missed.

Even the public bathrooms look good at the Hoxton Lloyd.

Around the corner from the hotel there is a street called Czaar Peterstraat, a street with a lot of restaurants and shops. One of our favorite Amsterdam haunts have one of their restaurants here, it is simply called D&A Hummus Bistro and well worth a visit.

RG inside info

This place is perfect if you…

…appreciate, when visiting big cities, to stay in a calmer part of town. If you like chain hotels that still manage to keep an edge and unique design point of view, I know you will like to book a stay at the Hoxton Lloyd.

My favorite thing about this place…

…is to have stayed at this hotel before when it was the Lloyd Hotel and get to stay at it now, after Ennismore (which is the owner of the Hoxton chain) has given the hotel one of their make overs. Makes me so happy to see that the vibe and the soul of the Lloyd has been preserved even though the look is totally different.

What not to miss when staying here…

…is to stay local. There is a great little area around the corner of the hotel, Czaar Peterstraat where you’ll find some great independent shops, restaurants and cafés.

If you like this hotel you might also like…

The Hoxton Amsterdam the Netherlands

The Hoxton Southwark London, UK

The Hoxton Shepard’s Bush London, UK