Sir Adam Hotel

I remember the first time I saw the A'DAM Tower from across the IJ, and it hit me — this place is different. My friend Merel dragged me to Madam, the rooftop bar on top of it, a few years back, and I genuinely gasped. You get this full 360 view of Amsterdam spread out below you — the canal rings, Centraal Station, the IJ river — it’s like being on top of the city. And now I know that’s not just a view you see from a bar. That’s what you wake up to every morning if you stay at Sir Adam Hotel. It’s a bit unfair, honestly. The hotel lives inside the A'DAM Tower in Amsterdam Noord, right across the river from Centraal Station. You take the free ferry — it runs 24 hours and takes about five minutes — and you’re there. The ferry ride itself is one of my favorite things about Amsterdam. There’s something about crossing the IJ that makes you feel like you’re arriving somewhere special.

The rooms are designed with a rock-and-roll-meets-mid-century vibe that I really love. My roommate Bram, who’s a total music nerd, thinks the vinyl turntables in every room are the coolest amenity he’s ever seen. It’s not just a novelty — the record collections are curated, so you’re getting a real taste of the vibe. Beds are comfy, bathrooms are modern, and some rooms even have these hanging egg chairs by the window that are just fun to sit in. If you get a room on a higher floor, the views are insane. I always tell people to ask for a room that looks out over the water.

The hotel has a really cool co-working vibe during the day, and then shifts into a social scene in the evening. It’s not stuffy, and the staff are young and helpful without being pushy. There’s a Hub bar downstairs with arcade games and a relaxed atmosphere, which is a nice change from the usual hotel lobby chaos. If you’re into that kind of thing, it’s a great spot to hang out.

The highlight is definitely Madam, the rooftop bar. Go for sunset drinks — trust me, it’s worth it. It’s got that creative edge, and if you’re feeling brave, there’s a swing on the roof — the highest swing in Europe. My friend Merel did it and screamed the entire time. I watched from a safe distance with my drink, and honestly, I’m not sure I’d ever try it myself. But it’s a fun little detail that makes the place stand out.

There’s also Over het IJ, the restaurant on a lower floor, which is solid for dinner. I’ve had a few meals there and it’s a good spot if you want something a bit more relaxed than the bar. The hotel is close to NDSM Wharf, which is where all the street art and weekend markets are, and just a short walk from Cecconi’s and Jansz. It’s become one of the most creative neighborhoods in Amsterdam, and Sir Adam is right in the middle of it.

That said, it’s not perfect. It’s across the river, so getting to southern neighborhoods like De Pijp or Oud-Zuid takes a bit longer. You have to take the ferry to Centraal and then transfer, which adds time to your day. Also, Noord can feel quieter late at night compared to the center of Amsterdam — which might be a pro or a con depending on what you’re looking for. But for people who want to explore the city with a bit more edge, it’s a great place to stay.

If you're planning a trip, I’d say check if that deal's still on — especially if you're into creative spaces and want to feel like you’re somewhere a bit off the beaten path. It’s not a touristy hotel, but it’s definitely a spot that feels like it belongs in the city’s new creative heartbeat.