Element Amsterdam: your studio near the city

During a recent trip I had the opportunity to test theElement Amsterdam. You probably don’t know the Element chain, which is just starting to be deployed in Europe and is not yet present in France. A good reason to discover them during this short stay.

Element…by Westin

In the same way that Aloft is “A vision of W”, in other words an interpretation of W for a different target and a different purse, Element is a variation of Westin. A naturally less expensive version adapted to possible long stays or in any case for people who do not want to spread their budget around their hotel.

The Element Amsterdam: for business or leisure travel

I can’t tell if the Element Amsterdam is well located or not. It all depends on what you are looking for.

It is between the city and Schiphol Airport, close to some office areas and the Amsterdam RAI conference/exhibition center. So a priori it will be perfect for a business clientele that goes to these places and does not need to go to the city or for people who want to stay near the airport for less than the hotels in the airport area or because these hotels are full.

But it can also be suitable for a tourist clientele. As we will see later, all rooms / studios / suites are equipped with a kitchen with more or less living space depending on the size chosen. At this time, for a medium term stay, it can be interesting to move away from the center for a less expensive accommodation which allows to limit the restaurant costs.

A perfectly designed brand new hotel

I arrive by cab from the airport. From the very first steps, the reception of the hotel makes a very good impression. It must be said that the hotel is new (spring 2016).

The staff is very friendly, very professional, and as an SPG Gold member I am entitled to an “upgraded” room with a nice view.

A small, pretty, clean and functional studio

Going up to my room I notice that even the corridors make a very good impression.

I take possession of my room. As explained above, it is “simple” but equipped with a kitchen, a dining table – which I will use as an office desk – and a more than decent bathroom for an property of this type. Everything still looks new.

My room overlooks the terrace of the hotel bar. It must indeed be very nice in the nice season.

And the traditional visit in video…

I don’t have much to add. The bedding is of high quality for this price range, everything is clean, functional and it must be said that it feels like home.

You feel at home at Element Amsterdam

The hotel has a bar/snack bar where I will not go.

It also has a restaurant where I will have my dinner. On my way there I continue to appreciate the common areas that make this hotel feel like home.

A quality and affordable restaurant offer

Here I am finally at the restaurant. There too I let my eyes wander and I appreciate the setting.

In a hotel that allows guests to cook for themselves in their room I was expecting something minimal in terms of catering. Again, an excellent surprise. Both in terms of dishes and prices.

Nothing to say about the presentation of the dishes.

The service will be fast and smiling. Nothing to add.

This is also where breakfast is served (included in the rate). I have seen much less well in hotels with much higher pretensions.

In general, what surprised me the most at Element Amsterdam was the care given to absolutely everything.

Finally, the gym is also pleasantly large and well equipped for a hotel of this size.

My departure from the hotel will be like the stay. Fluid, seamless. They thank me with a big smile for coming, they thank me again for being a member of the SPG loyalty program, even before starting the check out they ask me if I want a cab so that it arrives as soon as possible.

In fact everything went so well that there is not much to tell.

Conclusion: the Element Amsterdam is a great deal

The only drawback concerning this hotel is its location for people wishing to stay in the very center.

For the rest, in a city where hotels – especially good ones – are not necessarily cheap, the Element Amsterdam is an excellent deal. The services are of very high level for this price range (less than 200 euros) and a meticulous care is brought to every detail. Sometimes you feel like you’re in a much higher-end hotel, and yet…you often see worse for more money.

And it’s important to feel good in a beautiful place. This is exactly what Element Amsterdam offers.

The entire photo album is available here.