HOTEL

I had an Executive King Iconic View room, one of 298 bedrooms in this listed building. Hotel rooms in central Amsterdam tend to be small but mine was spacious, with a wide view over the handsome Centraal Station. And a recent multi-million-euro refurb means they are luxurious and modern. The bathroom was big, with power shower and free-standing bath. The state-of-the-art mood light and curtain switches baffled me at first but once mastered were rather fun. My sleeps were snug and silent despite the crowds below.

THE FOOD

The restaurant was due to be refurbished but I sampled the new menu and can safely say one thing – yum. Dishes made from sole, eel, calf’s tongue and local steak are a modern take on traditional Dutch recipes.

THE SERVICE

Excellent. Calm, attentive, confident and droll. What the Dutch are known for.

LOVED

Two out-of-place 17th-century houses in the front of the hotel. Their owner refused to sell them when the hotel was constructed in 1890 so they were built around. The story was made into a book and movie.

HATED

The tiny lifts. They could only fit about three people plus bags. Not good at busy times.

VERDICT

Great hotel in an even greater location.

BOTTOM LINE

From £160 per night for a Superior King.

CHECK IT OUT

parkplaza.com/amsterdam.