Hotel Review: Sir Albert Hotel, a Member of Design Hotels™
Once a working-class hub during Amsterdam's industrial boom, the De Pijp neighborhood has evolved into a vibrant district. As manufacturing jobs dwindled, many factories closed, including a historic diamond factory that’s now home to the Sir Albert Hotel. A Member of Design Hotels™, the Sir Albert Hotel preserves its iconic 1895 red-brick facade, but inside, it’s filled with sophisticated, thoughtful design that brings its rich character to life. Having consistently enjoyed stays at Design Hotels, I chose Sir Albert without hesitation for my recent Amsterdam trip with my wife, drawn to its boutique charm and a prime location near the city’s top attractions. The experience was everything I hoped for, blending history with contemporary style. Here is my review of the Sir Albert Hotel, a Member of Design Hotels™:
The Sir Albert Hotel is located at Albert Cuypstraat 2-6, 1072 CT Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Location
The Sir Albert Hotel in Amsterdam is situated in the trendy De Pjip neighborhood, which means visitors are surrounded by popular cultural attractions. Just down the street from the hotel, Albert Cuyp Market offers a variety of food, clothing, and other items, making it a bustling spot for experiencing local life. Museum Square, Museumplein, is located a short distance from the hotel, and the square is home to several major museums, including the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Stedelijk Museum. If you want to learn about the best-selling Dutch beer in the world, check out Heineken Experience—a popular tourist attraction that offers an interactive tour through the history of Heineken, including beer tastings.
Lobby & Check-In Review
The intimate lobby of the Sir Albert Hotel exuded thoughtful design in every detail. Its limited yet carefully curated seating area showcased decorative floral wallpaper featuring a Delft vase—a bold nod to Holland's love for blooms.
I adored the Delft vase in the lobby; it was a stunning showcase of exquisite Dutch craftsmanship.
Tall metal bookshelves, filled with coffee table books and eclectic decor, alongside a cozy fireplace, created a warm ambiance, especially inviting in the evenings.
The electric fireplace in the lobby added a warm and cozy touch, perfectly complementing brisk days in the Netherlands.
If guests were lucky enough to snag a seat, they could enjoy a drink from Izakaya, the hotel’s Japanese-inspired restaurant on the ground floor.
The seating area was rather small, but if you're fortunate enough to secure a spot, you can enjoy cocktails conveniently ordered from the hotel bar.
At the far end, the front desk was adorned with a unique wooden chandelier and faux bamboo accents, adding a touch of greenery.
The wooden chandelier and the deer head mounted on the wall were intriguing design elements, in line with the creative flair expected from the Design Hotels brand.
A delightful display of Dutch-inspired items like Delft vases, Miffy figurines, and canal house tea light holders was also available for purchase.
Guests could browse and purchase a selection of Dutch souvenirs, including charming Miffy toys and elegant Delft vases.
When we arrived, the receptionist welcomed us with a warm smile and offered a complimentary drink, and we gratefully ordered espresso for a quick boost.
I declined a glass of welcome champagne and went with a bold shot of espresso.
Expecting only to drop off our luggage given the early hour, we were delighted when a ground-floor room was ready, allowing us to settle in immediately after our long flight from Austin. After learning about the hotel’s amenities, we grabbed our luggage and headed to the room on the ground floor.
Guests at the Sir Albert Hotel could embrace the Dutch spirit by renting bikes for free and exploring the city like a local.
Bedroom Review
Our bedroom was tucked at the far end of the ground floor hallway, and stepping inside, we realized it was actually situated on a sub-ground level. Though it was my first time in a room like this, privacy was well-maintained with sturdy blinds and blackout curtains.
Although I initially worried about privacy in a sub-ground level room, it turned out to be both cozy and secluded.
The space was cozy and compact, dominated by a queen-sized bed, with a sleek black-and-white interior accented by natural tones. The mattress was springy yet comfortable, and each side of the bed had a nightstand—one doubling as a coffee station featuring an illy espresso machine and a basket of Dutch snacks (although pricing was missing).
One of the nightstands cleverly doubled as a minibar, complete with an espresso machine and an assortment of Dutch snacks.
The bathroom sink vanity cleverly housed a mini-fridge to the right, blending seamlessly with the compact layout.
The minifridge presented the iconic Dutch Heineken beer alongside craft selections from a local microbrewery, offering a blend of traditional and new brands.
Across from the bed was a standard wall-mounted TV without smart TV functionalities, while a small desk with a cowhide swivel chair added functional flair. A floating bookshelf and stylish desk lamp gave a nod to the hotel’s commitment to design, with interior designers Alon Baranowitz and Irene Kronenberg incorporating Dutch furniture designs from iconic Dutch designers like Piet Hein Eek and Joy van Erven.
Cleverly designed premium accent furnitures made this ordinary room into something unique.
The room's lofty ceilings balanced the limited floor space, though finding spots for luggage was tricky, as the small closet didn’t quite accommodate two. A tiny side table and flat lounge chair by the bed’s foot felt slightly cramped, and the two upper-wall windows allowed minimal light given the sub-ground setting. However, the weather was overcast, so we didn't miss much sunlight, and overall, the bedroom offered a thoughtfully designed, cozy retreat.
Bathroom Review
The open-concept design of the room seamlessly blended the bathroom with the bedroom, yet clever design details distinguished the two areas. Glossy black walls enclosed the bathroom furnishings, creating a sense of separation without physical barriers; these reflective walls subtly expanded the space.
The glossy black doors to the shower and toilet doubled as reflective walls, a clever design choice that maximized the sense of space.
A single-sink vanity featured a tall, narrow mirror with minimal backlighting, which left me wishing for a bit more illumination, especially on overcast days when natural light was limited.
The double-sided mirror design was a thoughtful touch, allowing both my wife and me to use it at the same time.
The mirror’s double-sided design allowed both my wife and me to use it simultaneously, adding a touch of practicality. Behind the sink area, two enclosed spaces provided added privacy: a water closet with a fragrant diffuser and a walk-in shower with both rainfall and handheld options.
A diffuser in the water closet makes a world of difference—it's these small details that truly elevate the lodging experience.
The fully enclosed walk-in shower delivered an invigorating and refreshing experience, turning a simple shower into a moment of relaxation.
The shower's strong, refreshing water pressure made for a revitalizing experience.
The Zenology toiletries were lightly scented and enriched with jojoba oil and vitamins and left my skin and hair feeling hydrated.
Zenology appears to be a favorite among hotels, as I've come across their products in numerous establishments.
Despite the thoughtful layout, mornings felt a bit cramped with both of us using the bathroom, yet the design made the most of the limited space with style and functionality.
Breakfast Review—Izakaya
Breakfast at Izakaya on the ground floor ran from 7 AM to 11 AM, though despite my Titanium Elite status, complimentary breakfast wasn’t included. Since it was our first night in Amsterdam, we opted to pay €26 each for the convenience.
In my opinion, €26 felt a bit steep for the breakfast buffet considering the selection of items available.
We settled into a table by large windows overlooking the vibrant De Pijp neighborhood, where the dining space mirrored the room’s sleek, modern design with black and white touches.
The dining area had a minimalist charm, accentuated by large windows that offered lovely views of the charming De Pijp neighborhood.
The buffet included one complimentary entrée and a modest selection of classic European breakfast dishes. I began with drinks, sampling from an array of fresh juices, including carrot and ginger juices.
I don’t usually opt for vegetable juices, but the carrot and ginger blend was surprisingly refreshing with a spicy kick.
There was even Prosecco for those fancying a morning mimosa. The pastry station was underwhelming, but the croissants were delicious, and we went back for seconds.
I appreciated that the kitchen offered a variety of salads, keeping the selection fresh and exciting.
Cold dishes made up the main buffet items—Caprese salad, couscous, and Dutch cheeses like Beemster, as well as cold cuts and individual yogurt cups with nuts and seeds.
Among the cheese and cold cuts, the traditional Dutch Beemster cheese stood out as my favorite.
While I would’ve liked a warm option like soup or roasted potatoes, my eggs benedict entrée arrived perfectly poached and helped fill that gap. My wife ordered refreshing avocado toast with its generous helping of fresh avocado and a bright touch of lemon.
The only warm dish was from the à la carte menu, but fortunately, it was expertly prepared and absolutely delicious.
For those seeking convenience, Izakaya’s breakfast works well, but if you’re after a hearty start with more warm dishes, exploring the neighborhood’s trendy cafés in De Pijp could be a better choice.
Positives & Negatives
Positives
Sir Albert Hotel’s location is ideal for exploring Amsterdam’s major sites, including the Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, and the famous Albert Cuyp Market, which are just blocks away from the hotel. The excellent access to trams and the subway makes it convenient for both new and seasoned travelers.
The hospitality at the Sir Albert Hotel was exceptional. Upon check-in, we were greeted with welcome drinks, and the housekeeping team provided a thoughtful turndown service—an unexpected perk for a four-star property.
Negatives
Breakfast at Izakaya was a bit disappointing. While the made-to-order egg dishes were tasty, the buffet lacked variety, especially in hot dishes.
We experienced a small tech glitch with the AC controls in the room; the temperature frequently reset to the default despite adjustments.
The hotel lacks an onsite gym but offers access to a nearby partnered facility, so guests must step outside to work out.
Summary
Nestled in the heart of Amsterdam’s lively De Pijp neighborhood, the Sir Albert Hotel offers an intimate boutique experience with easy access to major attractions and public transit. As part of the Design Hotels™ collection, it showcases a refined aesthetic with charming details that blend seamlessly into its vibrant surroundings. Though my room was compact, the clever layout maximized every inch, even accommodating our two large suitcases efficiently. Despite its strengths, there’s room for improvement—the air conditioning controls occasionally malfunctioned, and the breakfast selection could be more diverse. Still, I’d recommend Sir Albert Hotel for travelers seeking a stylish, design-forward stay in the dynamic De Pijp area.
