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REVIEW: QO Amsterdam: ‘Ethical and innovative hotel with great Dutch food’

Written by gaytourism

Come have a stay at the QO Amsterdam

Review: QO Amsterdam hotel in Amsterdam, the Netherlands

QO Amsterdam is one of the most sustainable, ethical hotels in Europe – if not the world.

We all want to do a little good for the environment. The creators of the QO has not come up with ways of doing this, but in unexpected problem-solving ways too.

The exterior is made up of fully responsive thermal panels, adapting to the climate outside. Carpets are made of 100% recycled yarn made from fishing nets. Water from the showers and sinks is used again to flush the toilets.

But while it’s environmentally friendly, does it work as a hotel experience?

I stayed at the QO Amsterdam for Pride, and I had a fantastic time.

Location: 3/5 ★★★

The hotel is around five minutes to the nearest metro station. From there, it’s about a 10 minute ride into central Amsterdam. Going to Museumplein involves a change, and takes about half an hour.

This can feel a little frustrating at points. You definitely feel like you’re staying on the outskirts of the city. Nearby is a McDonald’s, a car park, and megastores.

You can see forests and greenery in the distance, and from the top floor you do have expansive views.

LGBTI life: 4/5 ★★★

Amsterdam is one of the most liberal cities on the planet. Many places in the city are overcome by tourists, like the Red Light District. And so, sadly, you might have to be slightly careful in those areas.

But any place a Dutch person would go, you’re probably going to be absolutely fine. The hotel is around half an hour to the nearest gay bars. Check out the chilled out Spijker Bar, the dance club PRIK and the cabaret joint The Queen’s Head.

Room: 5/5 ★★★★★

While it’s not exactly the most central hotel in Amsterdam, the QO makes up for it in what it has to offer.

Flooded with natural light, the room is comfortable, elegant and is opulent in its eco-friendly luxury style.

A great size, the room I stayed in had a cushioned window bench to relax on. The large bed was wonderfully comfortable. The massive television, while not in the perfect position in the room (it was facing the window bench, not the bed) could allow me to connect my phone.

The bath was deep, relaxing, and come with sustainable lovely smelling Zenology products. A massive Hollywood mirror lights up the black stone bathroom, fitted with two sinks and a shower with a clear glass door.

Design: 5/5 ★★★★★

I loved the design of the QO Amsterdam. Sleek, modern, hip but with an emphasis on natural light and beautiful surroundings.

There are some subtle wonderful touches. I like the iPad that controls the lighting and tech in the rooms.

Service and Amenities: 4/5 ★★★★

Staff members at the QO Amsterdam are young. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but I do wonder whether the team would benefit from more experience or training.

This means service was sometimes a mixed experience.

At breakfast, staff members seemed stressed and sometimes confused. At dinner, service was exemplary. Bartenders knew their cocktails. And while there were some hiccups, it’s clearly a friendly team.

Food: 5/5 

The food is when QO Amsterdam really stands out. Even if you’re not staying at the hotel, I’d suggest coming specifically for the food.

The restaurant, Pesijn, aims to do Dutch food to the most luxurious, sustainable level. Many of the ingredients come from the greenhouse on the rooftop.

Breakfast is light smaller dishes. Try the apple pancakes, topped with apple blossom.

We had the tomato, a red concoction of mozzarella, basil and dutch caprese, which was delicious. Make sure to have the josper grilled aubergine, topped with pepper and wheat. The tenderloin steak, with potato, mushrooms and brown butter, was expertly cooked.

The entire menu looked fantastic – I wish I could have tried it all.

Ranking of QO Amsterdam, the Netherlands: 4/5 

Find out more, including prices, on QO Amsterdam’s website.

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