Sheraton Amsterdam Airport Hotel

Our overnight stop during the hectic journey back home was spent at the Sheraton Amsterdam Airport Hotel. In all honesty, it is one of the more pricy accommodation options around Schiphol Airport, but it is directly connected to the terminal, only about 5 minutes by foot from the departures hall. There are other cheaper options available, which aren't connected to the terminal, and are only about a 5-10 minute shuttle bus drive away. However, as a result of the stresses of the past 48 hours, all we wanted to do was arrive in Amsterdam, first and foremost, and then not have to worry about finding the right shuttle in the organised chaos that is Amsterdam Airport.

Arrival Experience

After arriving in Amsterdam, you'll walk through customs, as usual, and then proceed to follow the signs for 'train'. The terminal will open out into a small shopping mall-like scene with a few eateries such as Burger King and some minimarts. Pretty much, if you see a Burger King, you are in the right place.

Just next to the entrance to the train, which is just before Burger King, there is a sign for 'Sheraton/Hilton', and yep, you guessed it, follow that! It will lead you up a travelator and through a little passageway. Soon enough, you'll arrive at the Sheraton Hotel, but just be aware that it isn't your usual hotel entrance of revolving doors and a big sign. Instead, there are just sliding glass doors to your left and parallel to the way you'll be walking. One way to locate them is to remember that you'll exit to travelator, walk past the big arrivals and departures boards, and the hotel is immediately after this.

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As you enter the lobby, you'll notice the grandeur of the hotel, which for those who are familiar with the Sheraton brand, this is no exception. 8 floors of refined luxury, a concierge who makes you feel welcome right from the get-go, and front desk staff who can't do enough to help.

Within 20 minutes of disembarking our flight, we were at our hotel, checked-in, and relaxing in our room. This really is the benchmark to which airport hotels should be aiming to achieve, especially ones which are directly connected. We could not have asked for a better arrival experience.

Room 636

Our room was on the 6th floor with sweeping views over Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. We arrived in our room at 8 pm and I was sitting on the window sill until 11 pm watching the action on runway 06. It's fair to say that the missus wasn't too happy, but I was in my element so she had no choice but to join me!

Aside from the views, the room was one of the most spacious I've ever stayed in, with a huge king-size bed, a desk, flat-screen TV, sofa, and even an armchair! There was so much room for activities, but me being me, I was cooped-up at the window watching the planes. The bathroom was a very decent size, with a bathtub and a good-sized, marble-topped vanity. If I had one critique of the whole room, it would be the shower size. Simply not what you would expect when you first walk in the room, but nonetheless, it got the job done, albeit in a cramped fashion.

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The air-conditioning could do with some fixing, as even when the thermostat was set to 24 degrees Celsius (~75 degrees Fahrenheit), it still felt like the arctic circle! The automated temperature gauge also prompted the aircon to constantly turn off and on, but this is a reoccurring theme in most hotels, so please excuse me if I'm nitpicking now!

Dining

The Sheraton Amsterdam Airport Hotel comprises of 3 restaurants and a bar, all offering a different dining experience, as well as 24-hour room service. However, since we were travelling in the midst of COVID-19, we weren't able to test them out as they were temporarily shut. A breakfast box was available from reception for 12 euros, but it was not worth it when there is a minimart just a short walk away for half the price.

If you want to save some money, like we did, take a walk to the minimarts and eateries located less than 2 minutes away. Head out of the hotel and turn right, back the way you came when you arrived. Or, if you arrive on a late flight, you can pick up some essentials, such as stroopwafels and other provisions on your way in.

Facilities

Apart from the dining outlets and bar, there is a club floor, which we did not have access to (I wish), and there is also a fitness and wellness centre, which includes a gym, sauna, steam room, and pool. Again, these were all closed due to COVID-19, so all I could do was look at pictures in the guest handbook and dream. There are also 20 meeting and conference rooms on-premises, offering business packages to those interested.

Final Thoughts

The Sheraton Amsterdam Schiphol Airport Hotel is a great choice for those who don't mind paying a little extra for the convenience of being right there at the airport already. It was just a shame that the eateries and bar within the hotel were closed, so we couldn't try out the buffet breakfast, but from all reports, they are all well worth the money.

It is a very relaxing way to spend transit time, not too over-the-top, yet not too run-down. This hotel is a plane spotters playground, a business person's place to destress or a couples retreat to relax and unwind after or before their next flight.

So, is it worth paying a little bit more? In my opinion, yes. Especially if you are transiting and can be flexible with your budget, this hotel is a great option to take away the stresses of getting to the airport on time due to shuttle busses not leaving on time, for example. I would definitely spend the extra 40-50 euros for the convenience. If budget is something you can't be flexible on, then there are plenty of other options around the airport to suit, so you need not worry.