CitizenM Amsterdam: Smart accommodation or or just a budget hotel?

The CitizenM Amsterdam is part of the citizenM group, founded in 2008 in Amsterdam. The concept of the founders is “Luxury for less”. The target group are the “mobile world citizens”. Does CitizenM Amsterdam meet this demand or is it rather just a budget hotel in a new design?

CitizenM Amsterdam – Hotel

The CitizenM is located in Amsterdam South – a hip and new district of Amsterdam. The underground station Amsterdam-Zuid is about 5 minutes walk away. To the airport it takes about 15 minutes (Taxi about 40 Euro). The good location contributes to the popularity of the hotel. The CitizenM Amsterdam itself is a 5-storey corner building on the edge of an office district.

You will experience the somewhat “different” concept when you check in, which you do on your own. ( Tip: Check in online before your arrival ) At the end you will receive your key-card and a short introduction to the hotel and its concept.

The lobby is generously designed in bright colours with a bar in the middle. The optional breakfast is also served in the lobby.

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Rooms

CitizenM Amsterdam: Smart accommodation or or just a budget hotel? - Travel Food and Leisure

As I enter the room, the slogan “Luxury for Less” comes to my mind again. Less is at least the space available. On about 15 square meters in one room, bathroom, toilet, table and bed – admittedly – are presented in a very functional way. At the head end right at the window, the comfortable double bed takes the whole width of the room. Shower and WC are arranged in 2 cabins in the middle of the room. The Flat screen monitor is attached to the front of the bed. The media library is particularly noteworthy.

The control of light, heating and roller shutters via the iPad mini located in the room is praised as the highlight. It’s a nice gadget but multiple crashes of the app leave a somewhat stale aftertaste. Good thing there were also 2 normal switches.

The room was clean, but left a very used impression. All in all the room is functional, but really small and only suitable for overnight stays.

Breakfast

At CitizenM Amsterdam, breakfast is offered in buffet form in the lobby. The offer is neat and substantial and is worth the extra 15 euros.

Service

All staff are very friendly and helpful. They are always happy to explain and highlight the concept of the hotel.

Gillette Heated Razor – enjoy your luxury shaving experience

CitizenM Amsterdam – the conclusion

Do you really get “Luxury for less” or is the CitzienM Amsterdam just a well designed budget hotel? The CitizenM is not a hotel in the classic sense. The rooms are extremely functional and well-designed. Here it becomes clear that the founders are not hoteliers, but have approached the concept “differently”.

The functional design and flexibility speak for the CitizenM Amsterdam. A disadvantage are the small mansard-like rooms. It is doubtful whether this can withstand a “luxury for less” claim. The bottom line is, “You get what you pay for” and this is where the CitizenM Amsterdam stands out positively.