The Hoxton, Lloyd Amsterdam

BACKGROUND The Hoxton brand debuted in London's Shoreditch in 2006 and is part of Ennismore, in which Accor holds a majority stake. The brand has 16 properties across Europe and North America, including two in Amsterdam - the first opened in 2015 in the city centre, followed by this property in the Eastern Docklands in August 2023.

- Hannah Brandler

The hotel occupies a historic 1920s building designed by architect Evert Breman, which began its life as the headquarters of the Royal Holland Lloyd Shipping Company. In later years it became a shelter for refugees, then a prison, artist studios, and the former Lloyd Hotel.

WHERE IS IT? In Oostelijke Eilanden, Amsterdam's Eastern Docklands area. It's a three-minute walk from Rietlandpark tram stop, which takes you to Centraal Station in just ten minutes. You can then hop on the Eurostar or get the train to Schiphol Airport.

Head to the banks of the IJ waterway for a breezy walk past warehouses and don't miss the Wes Anderson-esque Hoxton Lloyd jetty.

WHAT'S IT LIKE? Striking, featuring bold Lloyd signage on the facade, while inside it has a boarding-house feel with public spaces running off a main corridor. You can somewhat see how it used to be a prison, though AIME Studios and local firm Nicemakers have made it far more homely - greenery and colourful artwork soften the original brickwork and timber panelling. Further historic features include stained glass windows in the stairwell, which is worth a climb.