Sir Adam Hotel, Amsterdam: Rock and Roll Comes to the IJ

Location

The Sir Adam sits in the A'DAM Tower, across the IJ from Centraal Station and reachable by a free ferry that runs 24 hours. It is technically not in the centre, but the crossing takes four minutes and the views from the north bank — the city skyline reflected in the water — are worth it alone.

The Room

Rooms are not enormous, but they are brilliantly designed. Ours had floor-to-ceiling windows looking south over the river, a vinyl record player stocked with actual records (ours included Bowie, Nina Simone, and a Dutch jazz pressing from 1971), and a minibar filled with Dutch craft beer and bitterballen. The bathroom was tight but well-fitted, with Cowshed products.

Liqd Bar and Rooftop

The lobby bar, Liqd, opens onto a terrace and serves some of the best cocktails in the city — the Negroni variation with genever is not to be missed. On the top floor, the public Sky Bar (separate from the hotel) is worth visiting for the 360° panorama even if you are not staying.

Breakfast

Breakfast is served in a ground-floor restaurant that doubles as a music venue in the evenings. The spread is generous: Dutch cheeses, smoked salmon, excellent coffee, and a rotating selection of hot dishes. It runs until 11am, which is generous.

The Crowd

Sir Adam attracts a creative, music-industry crowd — there is always something interesting happening in the lobby, and the communal vibe feels genuinely social rather than manufactured. It is the kind of place where you end up talking to strangers.

Verdict

Not the right hotel if you want traditional Dutch charm or a central location you can walk everywhere from. But if you want somewhere with genuine character, exceptional design, and a music-soaked atmosphere, Sir Adam delivers completely.

Best for: Creative types, city breakers, music lovers Room rate: From €200 per night Tip: The ferry runs 24 hours — grab a bike from the hotel and cycle along the north bank to the NDSM Wharf.