Hotel Okura Amsterdam - Amsterdam, Netherlands     

I went to Amsterdam for New Year with my partner. We got a good deal on a fantastic room in the Okura. We had a suite, which was a good size and nicely decorated. The bathroom was good with a big shower and washlet loo, however the shower leaked. The hotel is too far out to really enjoy the city. It is a good 40min walk. There is a tram close by, but not my idea of fun. The French resturant was closed when we were there so we tried the tappenyaki. We had a set menu (75 euros each), add 2 bottles of average wine, then you are talked (pressurised) into upgrading your beef and before you know it, a meal for 2 costs £260. This would be OK, if it was an intimate meal for 2, however you could be sharing your table with a family with small children, as we were. The bar on floor 23 was good, if not a little dated looking but the views of the city are stunning. We only looked around the swimming pool and spa, as I had forgotton my swimming costume. The hotel only had PAPER costumes to purchase for 11.5 euros in a bright flowery pattern. Never have I seen anything more hideous. Why they don't have simple plain black fabric costumes, is beyond me. All in all though the hotel was the best bit of Amsterdam for us.

I have been staying in the Okura Hotel a couple of times while on business trip. I must agree with most reviews telling that the lobby and hallways should be refreshed but I never was disappointed with the rooms. They are very comfortable, quiet and clean. The staff was very friendly and the Japanese restaurant is a top notch one. I once benefited of a room upgrade which was very nice ( I nearly got lost while on my way from bed to the bathroom!)) What would have me not to rate it a 5 is the additional fee for using the swimming pool... That's so bad!