Funky, laid back and welcoming, upscale lifestyle brand Avani is more associated with beachside Asian resorts than inner-city European hotels.
But, in recent years, the quirky younger sister of the Minor Hotels group has expanded into Europe, and Avani Museum Quarter Amsterdam Hotel is one of its most exciting recent additions.
Marking the Thai-born concept’s debut in the Netherlands, the canal side property sits just a 10-minute walk from the Rijksmuseum (the national museum of the Netherlands), the Van Gogh Museum and world-renowned modern art museum the Stedelijk.
The lively bars, artisan markets and vintage stores of the trendy De Pijp district are equally close, while the many interesting sites and shopping areas of the historical city centre can also be reached by foot, bike or public transport.
Just 30 minutes by taxi from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and 10 minutes from the grand Amsterdam Central Station, it’s perfect for those who want to stay close to the action, but still enjoy a good night’s sleep in a slightly quieter area out of the centre.
Design
Inspired by the masterpieces of the Stedelijk Art Museum and the works of Piet Mondriaan, Sophie Taeuber and other acclaimed 20th-century artists, clean lines, block colours and striking geometric patterns feature prominently across the decor and furnishings.
The warm hues of the rooms reflect the shades of Amsterdam’s paintbox canal houses, and the entire place has a fun, 1960s-like feel.
Rooms and suites
Found inside a beautifully refurbished mid-century building, the 163-room property opened in May 2024.
Spread over seven floors, 100 rooms offer canal views, while the floor-to-ceiling windows of the aptly named ‘Panoramic Canal View’ rooms provide impressive photo opportunities.
Spanning 23 sqm, the Standard Room is surprisingly roomy for a European city hotel, while the higher end options include the corner Junior Suites and Family Rooms that can accommodate up to three adults and one child.
Health and fitness
All about urging guests to live well and stay active, each room includes a yoga mat. Jogging at the nearby Vondelpark is encouraged (free running route maps and maps of the city are provided), the front desk arranges bike rentals, and umbrellas can be rented through the lobby's Dripdrop machine, a scheme that sees a tree planted for every umbrella rented.
Open 24 hours a day, the AvaniFit gym is well-equipped and spacious, with the most unique feature being the screen in the free-weight area that offers on-demand workout classes.
Activities
The in-house activities are far from predictable. Stand-up paddle boarding along the canals provides guests with a different perspective of Amsterdam’s UNESCO-recognised, 17th century canal belt and guided dance meditation (freestyle movement to electro beats) is just one of the many eclectic offered wellness experiences.
Committed to supporting the city’s creatives, street art tours are also organised in partnership with local companies.
Dining
Fitting with the hotel's commitment to healthy living, the breakfast buffet prioritises nutritious food made with locally sourced ingredients.
Offering vegan-friendly specialties such as avocado and stir-fried tofu, fresh, make-it-yourself juices and homemade hummus are presented in place of the usual bacon sausages.
Acknowledging that balance is key, eggs and Dutch pancakes can still be ordered fresh to the table.
Another stand-out element of the destination is The Pantry. Open around the clock, the modern take on all-day-dining offers ready-made meals (for guests to heat up and pay for independently), coffees, snacks, licensed beverages and even stroop wafels and other souvenirs.
Meetings
The long table of the bright and welcoming lobby is a popular coworking spot, while the two-multifunctional meeting rooms both look over the picturesque canal.
Filled with natural light and fitting up to 40 guests in the 42.21 sqm Mondriaan room and 50 in the 81.74 sqm Taeuber room, the versatile meeting facilities are used for everything from conferences and workshops, to pop-up art exhibitions and yoga classes.
Alternative hotels
Minor Hotels have 13 branches in Amsterdam. Those looking for a more classically luxurious and sophisticated ambiance can opt for a stay at Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam, while the nhow Amsterdam RAI overlooks the RAI Convention Centre and is ideally located for business travellers.
Other competitor hotels in the Museum Quarter include The College Hotel Amsterdam, Autograph Collection and Apollo Hotel Amsterdam, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel.