Arrival/Check-in: After a KLM flight from New York’s JFK, we arrived early at the hotel. Staff welcomed us, allowed us to check in, and stored our luggage until the room was ready. With time to spare, we took a short walk to a nearby café for breakfast. When we returned, our room was prepared and our luggage had been delivered.
GUEST QUARTERS: We stayed in Room 322, which looks out over the canal behind the hotel. The room layout is practical: a luggage bench sits near the entrance, and immediately to the right is the bathroom, which has a single sink and a large shower. A second sink would be a welcome improvement for couples or families sharing the space.
On the opposite wall a closet contains a built-in station for the coffeemaker and several drawers. The room features a king-sized bed with two nightstands, a comfortable sitting area with a chair and ottoman, and a dedicated work area with a desk and chair.
SERVICES/AMENITIES: Staff throughout the property were consistently friendly. We enjoyed chatting with the bartenders at Mama Makan Bar & Terrace and often stopped there after visiting museums. Ronan and Boss, who worked the bar, made the evenings enjoyable and relaxed. We also had dinner at the bar one night, where a conversation with a German couple traveling with their dog sparked lively discussion about travel, pets, and why they preferred the Hyatt Regency—parking, location, and dining options were their top reasons.
© FRANCIS X. GALLAGHER
The hotel’s Indonesian restaurant, Mama Makan, is a highlight. Located in the Plantage neighborhood near the Indische Buurt, it’s a good spot to experience local flavors. Our server, Jeanie, recommended the rijsttafel (rice table), a Dutch-Indonesian tradition featuring many small dishes. We particularly liked sambal goreng daging (beef stew) and saté domba (lamb) among the 13 small bowls we sampled. We finished with tropical homemade ice cream and a small glass of Sayah liqueur, made with Indonesian spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and anise.
The bathroom provided Pharmacopia bath products, though the conditioner pump was faulty and had to be unscrewed. Aside from that minor issue, the amenities were pleasant and functional.
As is common in Europe, the hotel served a full breakfast each morning, including cooked eggs and made-to-order omelets.
TOP TAKEAWAYS:
- Close to the zoo and within easy walking distance of museums and major attractions
- Extremely friendly staff who make the hotel welcoming and memorable
HYATT REGENCY AMSTERDAM
Sarphatistraat 104 1018 GV Amsterdam Netherlands
tel 31 20 554 1234
hyatt.com