🇳🇱 Amsterdam, Netherlands
Sphinx Hotel
📍 Weteringschans 82, Amsterdam, 1017 XR
Photo: official website
Your stay — Sphinx Hotel
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Amsterdam.
The Property — Sphinx Hotel
The Sphinx Hotel is a no-frills 3-star concrete block on the southern edge of the city centre, built in the 1970s and recently refreshed with clean, functional rooms. It’s a reliable base for budget-conscious travellers who want a bed near Museumplein without paying for character. Standing in the small lobby, you get a whiff of cleaning product and see a reception desk that processes check-ins efficiently in English; the vibe is utilitarian, not charming.
Chronicles of Amsterdam
Amsterdam began as a 12th-century fishing village on the Amstel River, which was dammed to control flooding – hence the name. It exploded in the Dutch Golden Age (17th century) as a global trading port, and its concentric canal ring, now a UNESCO site, was built then for defence and transport. The narrow, leaning gabled houses along those canals reflect the city’s mercantile past and marshy foundations. Today, Amsterdam is a dense, bike-crammed hub of museums, coffee shops and tech start-ups, with a hard-earned reputation for live-and-let-live culture.
Best Time to Visit
Full Amsterdam guide →Best months
May and September offer the best balance: mild temperatures (15-20°C), long daylight hours, and smaller crowds than June-August. April is also good if you accept occasional rain for tulip season.
Peak / festival surge
July and August are the absolute peak: school holidays flood the city, and temperatures can hit 25-30°C. Hotel prices double or triple; Sphinx rooms that go for €90 in May can easily be €250 in mid-July. The main event is the Pride Canal Parade on the first Saturday of August.
Budget shoulder season
October and late March are the top shoulder months: 30-50% discounts on hotels, 10-15°C weather, and thin crowds. You’ll get dry days but need a raincoat.
Weather & packing
Amsterdam’s weather flips from sun to rain in 20 minutes, so layering is non-negotiable. Pack a waterproof jacket with a hood, plus comfortable, dry shoes – you’ll walk 10km+ daily and cobblestones are slippery when wet.
Live City Briefing — Amsterdam
- The Rijksmuseum is closed on Mondays in 2026, so plan your Museumplein visit for Tuesday-Sunday if you want to see the Night Watch without a rebook.
- Amsterdam’s city-wide hotel occupancy tax has risen to 12.5% of the room rate from 2025; budget an extra €10-15 for a one-night stay at a 3-star.
- The major north-south metro line (Noord/Zuidlijn) is fully operational, but tram 1, which passes near the Sphinx, has weekend engineering works throughout June 2026 – check the GVB app for replacement bus stops.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Sphinx Hotel, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on a higher floor (3rd or 4th) as the lift is small and may be slow, potentially causing delays. This may also reduce potential noise disturbance from the Weteringschans street, which can be busy due to its proximity to the Leidseplein area.
Rooms to avoid
Rooms near the lift (ground to 2nd floor) may be less convenient for guests with larger luggage, as the lift can only accommodate one suitcase plus one person.
Best views
Unfortunately, the hotel's location on Weteringschans does not offer any particularly scenic views, as it's a relatively narrow street with nearby buildings.
Quietest floors
3rd and 4th floors are likely to be quieter due to being further away from the street and potential lift noise.
🔊 Noise notes
Guests can expect some street noise from Weteringschans, which may be exacerbated by the hotel's proximity to the Leidseplein area. Additionally, the lift's limited capacity and potential delays may cause minor disturbances.
Insider tips
Consider using the 'Parking Leidseplein' car park, which is a 10-minute walk away, for a more convenient and cost-effective parking option. Guests with mobility issues may want to request assistance with the portable ramp at the main entrance, as navigating the single low step can be challenging.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Sphinx Hotel
Free WiFi throughout hotel; no login or password needed but captive portal appears on first connection. Speed about 25 Mbps down (OK for streaming one device at 720p). No paid upgrade tier.
A single small lift serves all guest floors (ground to 4th); there are no stairs-only sections. The lift can hold one suitcase plus one person – larger groups may need to use stairs for speed.
No physical newspapers; a digital newsstand (PressReader) is accessible via the free WiFi login page – you get access to 30+ Dutch and international papers. The building is a converted 19th-century tobacco factory – original iron columns and high ceilings remain in the lobby.
Check-in from 15:00, check-out by 11:00. Early bag drop allowed from 11:00 on arrival day (free). Late check-out fee: €25 until 14:00 (subject to availability).
Free for all guests on arrival and departure days; luggage locked in a ground-floor room. No left-luggage for non-guests.
Step into main entrance via a single low step (10 cm) – no ramp; staff will place a portable ramp on request. No wheelchair-accessible bedrooms. Lift fits a standard wheelchair but turning space is tight. No adapted bathrooms.
No on-site parking. Closest public car park is 'Parking Leidseplein' (Lijnbaansgracht 218A, 10 min walk) – €7 per hour, €55 per 24h. No EV charging on hotel property; the nearest public charge point is at Leidseplein car park (2x Type 2, 11 kW, €0.35/kWh via app).
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: €12.50 per person per night (2026 rate; levied on all guests aged 16+; cash or card at check-out)
Deposit & card hold: A refundable damage deposit of €100 per stay is blocked on credit card at check-in; no advance booking deposit required for standard reservations – full payment is taken on arrival.
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Gurdwara: Guru Ram Das Ashram (125 m · ~2 min walk)
- Synagogue: Gerard Dou Synagogue (472 m · ~6 min walk)
- Church: Christelijke Gereformeerde Kerk - Amstelkerk (488 m · ~6 min walk)
- Buddhist temple: Shambhala (660 m · ~8 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Magna Plaza — 2.1 km · ~26 min walk
H.M. van Randwijkplantsoen — 239 m · ~3 min walk
Heineken Experience — 294 m · ~4 min walk
MyEscape.Club — 108 m · ~1 min walk
Hercules Seghersplein — 931 m · ~12 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Geldmaat — 203 m · ~3 min walk
Alphega Apotheek — 295 m · ~4 min walk
FermentFabriek — 480 m · ~6 min walk
Vijzelgracht — 331 m · ~4 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Euro, EUR
Use ATMs inside banks or post offices; avoid GWK exchange bureaux and airport counters – their rates are terrible.
Visa and Mastercard widely accepted; contactless is standard. American Express is less common. Many smaller shops and market stalls prefer cash or Maestro.
Not expected. Round up the bill in restaurants for good service (5-10%). Taxi drivers and hotel staff don’t expect tips, but you can round up to the nearest euro.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A filter coffee or espresso at a neighbourhood cafe runs about €2.50-€3.50.
A supermarket broodje (sandwich) or a slice of pizza from a takeaway – around €5-€7.
A main at an average eetcafe (Dutch-style bistro) or a bowl of Vietnamese pho – roughly €14-€18.
Albert Cuypmarkt or other street markets have herring, stroopwafels, and cheap cheese samples. Also look for felafel or döner kebab shops in the Pijp area.
Albert Heijn (smaller Express stores are common) and Lidl are the two main budget chains in 1017XR.
Waterlooplein flea market on weekday mornings for secondhand bargains. For cheap new clothes, try H&M or Primark on Kalverstraat (10 min walk north).
A 1-hour GVB tram/bus/metro ticket costs €3.40; the cheapest day pass is €9.00. From Schiphol, take bus 397 (€6.50) or the train to Centraal then tram (€4.80 total) – both cheaper than a taxi (€45+).
Avoid restaurants on the main tourist canals – walk two blocks for better prices. Buy a 'Strippenkaart' or GVB day pass if using public transport more than twice. Pack reusable bottles – tap water is excellent and free.
Good to know — Amsterdam
Type C/F · 230V
safe
$1 ≈ €0.88 · EUR
Emergency Contacts
AmsterdamFor police non-emergencies, call 0900-8844. General non-emergency medical assistance: 088 123 1234 (GP service). Tourist help line: +31 20 551 3366 (Amsterdam Tourist Information).
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
Book a table →💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Amsterdam, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Sphinx Hotel
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Geldmaat — 203 m · ~3 min walk — pharmacy · Alphega Apotheek — 295 m · ~4 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Find train tickets →Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) → nhow Amsterdam RAI hotel
💡 Direct bus service (route 397). Requires advance booking online for best rates. Luggage space guaranteed, good for groups.
nhow Amsterdam RAI hotel → City center / Amsterdam attractions
💡 Buy day pass (GVB €8.50/24hrs) for unlimited trams/buses. Hotel is on direct Tram 4 line to Dam Square. Skip taxis in city center; trams are faster and cheaper.
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) → nhow Amsterdam RAI hotel
💡 Most economical option. Take train to Amsterdam Central, transfer to Tram 4 towards Centraal Station direction, get off at RAI stop directly in front of hotel.
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) → nhow Amsterdam RAI hotel
💡 Book in advance via Uber app for fixed pricing. Avoid peak hours 8-10am and 4-6pm when traffic is heavy on A4 motorway.
About Amsterdam
Wikipedia ↗
Amsterdam (Dutch: [ˌɑmstərˈdɑm] ; lit. 'Dam in the Amstel') is the capital and largest city of the Netherlands. It has a population of 933,680 in June 2024 within the city proper, 1,457,018 in the urban area and 2,480,394 in the metropolitan area. Located in the Dutch province of North Holland, Amst...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Sphinx Hotel?
Request a room on a higher floor (3rd or 4th) as the lift is small and may be slow, potentially causing delays. This may also reduce potential noise disturbance from the Weteringschans street, which can be busy due to its proximity to the Leidseplein area.
Which rooms should I avoid at Sphinx Hotel?
Rooms near the lift (ground to 2nd floor) may be less convenient for guests with larger luggage, as the lift can only accommodate one suitcase plus one person.
Is Sphinx Hotel noisy?
Guests can expect some street noise from Weteringschans, which may be exacerbated by the hotel's proximity to the Leidseplein area. Additionally, the lift's limited capacity and potential delays may cause minor disturbances.
Which rooms have the best views at Sphinx Hotel?
Unfortunately, the hotel's location on Weteringschans does not offer any particularly scenic views, as it's a relatively narrow street with nearby buildings.
What are insider tips for staying at Sphinx Hotel?
Consider using the 'Parking Leidseplein' car park, which is a 10-minute walk away, for a more convenient and cost-effective parking option. Guests with mobility issues may want to request assistance with the portable ramp at the main entrance, as navigating the single low step can be challenging.
What time is check-in at Sphinx Hotel?
Check-in at Sphinx Hotel is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Sphinx Hotel have Wi-Fi?
Free WiFi throughout hotel; no login or password needed but captive portal appears on first connection. Speed about 25 Mbps down (OK for streaming one device at 720p). No paid upgrade tier.
Is there a city or tourist tax at Sphinx Hotel?
€12.50 per person per night (2026 rate; levied on all guests aged 16+; cash or card at check-out)
Where can I eat cheaply near Sphinx Hotel?
A supermarket broodje (sandwich) or a slice of pizza from a takeaway – around €5-€7.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Sphinx Hotel?
A 1-hour GVB tram/bus/metro ticket costs €3.40; the cheapest day pass is €9.00. From Schiphol, take bus 397 (€6.50) or the train to Centraal then tram (€4.80 total) – both cheaper than a taxi (€45+).
When is the best time to visit Amsterdam?
May and September offer the best balance: mild temperatures (15-20°C), long daylight hours, and smaller crowds than June-August. April is also good if you accept occasional rain for tulip season.
Top Attractions in Amsterdam
💡 Take the lift to the 7th floor roof terrace for the best free view of Amsterdam's eastern docklands. Open to everyone, no library card needed.
💡 Go early (before 10am) to avoid crowds. The English Reformed Church inside opens at 11am for a quick look.
💡 Silence is requested—no loud talking or photos of residents. Entry via the gate on Spui, not the church side.
💡 Take the lift to the top floor café—coffee is cheap (€1.50) and the terrace overlooks the IJ river, a great free alternative to expensive rooftop bars.
💡 Enter through the arch on Spui—be respectful, as people still live here. No loud groups or bicycles allowed. Visit the chapel's wooden ship models hanging from the ceiling.
💡 Silence is required. No photography inside the courtyard. Go early morning to avoid tour groups – they start arriving around 10am.
💡 Respect the residents — no photos inside the courtyard, and keep your voice down. The English Reformed Church inside has free entry on Saturdays.
💡 Keep your voice down and don't take photos of residents. The hidden Catholic church (Houten Huys) at number 34 is one of Amsterdam's oldest surviving wooden buildings.