The QO Amsterdam is a relatively new addition to the IHG hotel in Amsterdam. The hotel is still in a sort of soft opening mode: not everything is finished (the mezzanine coffee is not open yet, neither is the Sensology well being studio). It definitely has a boutique aesthetic and an interesting concept. 

Check In

The reception is on the first floor, above the restaurant. I was upgraded from a normal to a Deluxe room. Checkin was efficient and the agent friendly. The elevator are called from a screen at the entrance of the bank. 

Room

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The room was large enough, and was very nice. The bed was comfortable, the duvet made of feather thus warm but light. There are quite a fair bit of amenities, including two essences (citrus and pine) of the Sensology products. Free water, tea and coffee.

The room lights, temperature and TV are controlled via an iPad, which is also the brochure for the hotel plus a way to order amenities (razor kit, dental kit, pillow menu). The lights are also controlled by switches, the iPad allows for scene settings (full light, relaxation, TV time).

The bathroom is fully open, in the corridor leading to the room. The shower cubicle is large, with an handheld shower and a rain shower. Good pressure and temperature easy to set. 

Service

Excellent service overall. 

The breakfast service was a bit unpolished (coffee request forgotten) but globally the young staff is energetic and eager to please. The breakfast is a la carte, no buffet. Choose an egg dish (scrambled with salmon or poached with spinach or omelette with vegetables or fried with bacon), then a cold cut plate or two vegan dishes, finally either granola, oat porridge or pancake. 

Also either a bread and pastries basket or a fruit salad. Choice of orange or apple juice, plus the usual hot drinks.

The vegetables and fruits are from the rooftop greenhouse, thus the apple juice is truly fresh. The food was really excellent. Each picture shows a different morning.  

Room request were delivered in a few minutes.

Dining

We did not dine at the restaurant but had a look at the menu: various dishes although there is an emphasise on organic food, not a lot of comfort or hearty dishes. 

The rooftop bar was very overpriced, interesting cocktail menu though.

Gym

I could not try it due to not having my gear; the hotel partnered with a gym studio on the other side of the road. One need to ask the reception for a day pass.

Location

The location is in a zone in development, south east of the city on the way to the Bilmjer Arena. There is nothing around except a coffee shop, McDo and several new building with either apartments or offices. Nevertheless the location is very fine as a Metro station is 150 meters away. As there are 3 lines passing, one never waits than 3 minutes for a metro to the Center, and the journey to Centraal station takes 5-7 minutes. 

I did not miss in any way to being in the Center.

Overall

I really liked the place and was very happy with the choice. At time of booking the rates were low compared to all other places, I suspect due to the hotel being so new and looking a bit out of the way. Based on the attendance at breakfast they got successful fast.