Lloyd Hotel, Amsterdam

During my recent visit to Amsterdam, I was the guest of the Lloyd Hotel and enjoyed a very comfortable bed and a delicious breakfast each morning in the central great room of the building. But it was its history that intrigued me.
The Lloyd Hotel has a long, unusual history: It began as a luxury hotel, then functioned as a sort of entry port for immigrants to stay when arriving in Holland, changing to a holding centre where members of the Resistance were imprisoned during the war, to a regular prison and then into the first reformatory/detention centre for boys in the Netherlands, ending up in the '90s as low cost artist space. These walls have been witness to plenty of stories, sadness and emotion - but through inventive and creative Dutch design, the building has been reinvented to give this grand structure a fresh lease on life. Once again a fresh, modern hotel with 117 rooms - it is quirky and delightful, with friendly, helpful staff.
I mean, how many hotels create a room to encourage bands on tour to come stay? The Lloyd did - with a soundproof chamber featuring a VERY large bed.
In addition to the numerous conference rooms, the hotel has a Cultural Embassy where guests or visitors can learn about the history of the Lloyd Hotel through guided tours, get advice about cultural goings-on in the city, or enjoy exhibitions, presentations and lectures by artists. Just off the hotel lobby, the Snel restaurant serves quality organic food. During summer days you can enjoy your coffee and meals on a spacious and sunny terrace.
I loved it.