Hotel V Fizeaustraat, Amsterdam, Netherlands

The hotel is in Amsterdam East, an up-and-coming area of the city, but the nearby vicinity is decidedly suburban and surrounded by quite a few busy roads and not that much of great interest to the visitor. That said, Amstel station is a short walk, taking you to Centraal Station in just eight minutes by Metro. Pleasant Frankendael Park is nearby and ideal for a stroll. A good restaurant choice within it is De Kas.

By train: the Eurostar goes direct from London St Pancras to Amsterdam Centraal. The hotel is a 16-minute taxi ride from the station. Book trains to Amsterdam.

By plane: direct flights from London and Manchester take around 1 hour 15 minutes. The hotel is a 20-minute drive from Schiphol airport and central station. Parking costs €25 per day. Book flights to Amsterdam.

The open-plan lobby/bar/restaurant area is spacious and has a homely 1970s retro feel created by lots of light wood panelling, cane chairs, leather sofas, tapestries, a log burner and earthy-coloured rugs. There are sofas and groups of armchairs, chess boards and a few art books on the shelves by the reception desk. The long bar gives an air of sophistication and large tinted windows let in subdued light.

A lovely lounge bar/restaurant area with fairly priced drinks and food is particularly welcome in a neighbourhood that doesn't have many other options on offer. It's a pity there are few other facilities, such as a gym or spa, but there are attractive meeting/event rooms available.

• Bar
• Restaurant
• Terrace
• Board games
• On-site parking
• Free Wi-Fi

The 1970s theme is also present in the bedrooms, which are spacious and have earthy greens, golds and ambers, large, comfortable beds, a sofa or rattan easy chair, tie-died wallpaper, a wooden desk, smart TV, a coffee machine and safe. The shower rooms are large too, with smart black and white décor. The rooms look out to a park, housing and tower blocks.

Room types: Comfort Room, Premium Room, Premium Deluxe Room, Suite

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with toiletries, bathrobes and slippers, Nespresso machine, free bottled water, mini fridge, TV, free Wi-Fi

The kitchen is open, overlooking the restaurant, and there's a little glass room in the centre to store wines. Breakfast is not a buffet but à la carte choices such as American pancakes, overnight oats and eggs Florentine. Later on, there are salads, beef tartare, pork neck and more.

The Lobby: restaurant, lounge and bar with open kitchen. European cuisine. Open daily for breakfast, Tue-Sun for lunch and Tue-Sat for dinner. Mains from €14.