W Amsterdam, Netherlands

This hotel, with its two buildings directly opposite each other on either side of the road, is right in central Amsterdam. It's near the principal historic canals and Nine Streets shopping area, and top nightlife and major sights are a short walk too. You're spoilt for choice for restaurants and bars here, but Libertine Café Café is a good one, specialising in simple New York-style grub. Nearby Bubbles and Wines is a rated wine, champagne and cocktail bar.

By train: the Eurostar goes direct from London St Pancras to Amsterdam Centraal. The hotel is a 13-minute walk 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 25-minute drive from Schiphol airport and a 10-minute walk from central station. Parking costs €60 per day. Book flights to Amsterdam.

The design and ambience varies, depending on which of the two buildings you are in. The Exchange building is edgier and wilder, and the Bank building is more subdued in its design. The Exchange building has a big lobby/bar/restaurant area, with large floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking old Amsterdam. However, it's a pity gold streaks have been added to the windows here.

The staff here are young, efficient and professional. There are several swanky restaurants and bars to choose from, and also a large 24-hour fitness room, a pool and a spa. There's a second pool on the rooftop and a small business centre.

• Bar
• Restaurant
• Terrace
• Swimming pool
• Fitness centre
• Spa
• Art gallery
• Free Wi-Fi

Rooms differ, depending on which building you are in, with the design a bit wilder in the Exchange building. They vary in size, layout and décor, and original features blend with modern flourishes. There may be quirky extras, such as a freestanding round bath or a record player and some vinyl records.

Room types: Cozy, Fabulous, Wonderful, Sublime, Marvelous, Cool Corner Suite, Studio Suite, Marvelous Suite, Fantastic Suite, WOW Suites

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with toiletries, tea and coffee facilities, TV, free Wi-Fi

The hotel's signature restaurant is Mr Porter, which blends a modern steakhouse with the buzz of a chic lounge. It has numerous fine dining selections, including carpaccios, Japanese Wagu steak and chateaubriand. There's a cocktail bar, the W Lounge and a bar, The Duchess restaurant and tea room, which pays tribute to the effortless elegance of the Roaring Twenties.

Mr Porter: modern steakhouse with island bar. Chic atmosphere, resident DJ sets. Open daily, 9am-10pm.