Those seeking a fun weekend in quintessential Amsterdam will love this quirky little guesthouse. It’s set in a classic 17th-century canal house next to the historical Nieuwmarkt Square, and is just moments from many of Amsterdam’s most famous sites, including the infamous ‘Red Light District’. You can expect a laid-back, family-run vibe, with owners Pepijn and Rachel providing a warm welcome and friendly service: English maps and guide books are provided, universal plug adapters are available; they’ll even loan you an umbrella if needs be.
Downstairs there’s a speakeasy-style cocktail bar packed with curios and colour - hence the 'menagerie' name. It specialises in jenever and Korenwijn (locally made juniper-flavoured spirits): perfect for a nightcap after an evening spent at one of the city eateries. On Friday and Saturday nights it can get quite lively, so book a table. Come the morning, they also serve an excellent breakfast for overnight guests.
Head up the steep stairs to 6 guest rooms - they call this part the 'Inn Upstairs'. Half of these have gorgeous views over the canal; the others face the garden, but are quieter. Décor here is a little lighter than the bar, but you can still expect some quirky furnishings - a zany chandelier or a zebra-striped bed canopy - as well as very comfortable kingsize beds and tiled shower rooms (most with heated floors).
Highs
- Great location, great price and great views - what more do you need?
- Pepijn and Rachel speak perfect English and provide really useful tips for exploring Amsterdam
- Rates include a welcome drink and free minibar; and there's a coffee machine in your room
- A simple but fabulous breakfast is served until noon - a bonus for late risers
- Despite the busy location, locked front doors and efficient key cards ensure that you feel safe and secure
Lows
- It's an old building set over 3 floors, so expect steep, narrow stairs and no lift
- Canal View rooms can be noisy (there are white noise machines if you’d prefer to drift off to sleep to birdsong or ocean sounds)
- The Garden View room are a little small and lack canal views, but they're also quieter
- No outdoor space, but all of Amsterdam is on the doorstep
- On busier nights you'll need to reserve a table if you want cocktails
Best time to go
Any time you fancy a break. The city is pleasantly quiet during the summer months of July and August, when many of the locals are away on holiday. Or, you could try a winter break for some Christmas shopping and ice skating on the frozen canals.
Our top tips
The stairs are steep and narrow so don't bring large or heavy suitcases (though if you do, Rachel and Pepijn are the kind of people who will whip them off you and carry them upstairs themselves).
Rachel, who is American, is a mine of local info and has a specialised knowledge of architecture.
Rachel, who is American, is a mine of local info and has a specialised knowledge of architecture.
- Boutique Guesthouse
- 6 rooms
- Breakfast + cocktail bar
- Over 16s welcome
- Open all year
- Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car not necessary
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Bicycles Available
Rooms
The 6 personally styled rooms are clean and full of character - you can feel the owners' sense of fun. But they're also very comfortable, with kingsize beds, good sound insulation and free refreshments from the minibar and coffee machine. Ensuite bathrooms have excellent rain showers, fluffy bathrobes and natural toiletries.
At the front of the house, the 3 Canal View rooms are flooded with light and (as the name suggests) have wonderful views over the canal. Afrika is the largest top-floor room, with leather chairs and rustic wood furniture. Rembrandt is covered with reproduction paintings from the master's Night Watch period, and Design is an airy, contemporary room decorated with white walls and colourful, angular fittings.
The 3 Garden View rooms are a bit smaller, quieter and look out over the rooftops from the back of the hotel - good for light sleepers. Wonders is a cosy room with Asian touches, while La Primavera has a vibrant springtime feel, with whimsical bird-printed wallpaper and yellow-curtained windows. At the top of the house, the Baroque room lives up to its name with a dramatic monochrome canopy bed, ornate mirrors and elevated views from its garret windows.
Features include:
- Bathrobes
- Central heating
- Fan
- Hairdryer
- Iron
- Minibar
- Safe box
- Toiletries
- TV
- WiFi
Eating
The breakfast bar echoes the speakeasy style cocktail bar as you walk in – dark green walls and quirky tiled wallpaper. Breakfast was a simple buffet-style selection, but we found it to be great quality: delicious bread, homemade granola, fresh fruit and a selection of Dutch cheese. Whoever is on duty will cook you bacon and eggs if you like too.
For evening drinks, the ground-floor Rosalia’s Menagerie cocktail bar is perfect. Traditionalists can sup a classic Daiquiri or Lime Leaf Margarita, but we think it's worth trying a house speciality like Cacao Martinez (using local genevers) or Vieuz Carré (with an amazing Dutch spiced brandy). The bar is open to the public from 6pm - there are only 30 seats, so hotel guests are well advised to reserve a seat for the evening.
Apart from some bar bites, there's no other food served here, but it is in a great location for restaurants and the hotel staff will be happy to point you in the right direction. We ended up at REM Eiland Restaraurant, uniquely set on an old oil rig - it used to be an radio station and has great views of the river, as well as old and new Amsterdam.
Features include:
- Bar
- Breakfast
- Restaurants nearby
Activities
- Just about everywhere is reachable by foot in Amsterdam - or by bicycle for those feeling a bit more adventurous. Stroll along the canals stopping off regularly at some of the wonderful cafés and shops
- Museum lovers are spoilt for choice here - from the famous Van Gogh and Rijksmuseum museums just a 15 minute walk away to the modern galleries dotted around the city-centre
- In spring and summer, the hotel can arrange private open-air boats tours of the canals (10 pax)
- Shop till you drop - check out the trendy little boutiques in the Jordaan district, or the designer shops in the Museum quarter (most are open on a Sunday)
- Visit the Hortus Botanicus with a free pass from the hotel. The Hortus Botanicus (Botanical Garden) has been a part of the city since 1638
- On our most recent visit, we ventured to one of Amsterdam’s urban beaches, just a short (and free) ferry hop over the River IJ from Amsterdam Central Station. A trip to Amsterdam Noord feels like a mini holiday in itself
- Visit the local coffee shops...
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Boat trips
- Cycling
- Historical sites
- Museums / galleries
- Nightlife
- Shopping / markets
- Traditional cultures
- Walking tours
Kids
This is an adult-oriented hotel.
Family friendly accommodation:
Extra Beds Available
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Rosalia's Menagerie (formerly called Hotel Misc) is situated next to the traditional Nieuwmarkt Square, at the edge of the 'Red Light District', in the centre of Amsterdam. Nieuwmarkt is the nearest subway stop.
By Air:
Fly into Schiphol (21km).
From the Airport
There's a direct train line (20 minutes) from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Central Station. From there it is a 10-minute walk to the hotel. Alternatively, you can take a taxi straight from the airport, which will set you back approximately EUR 35-45.
By Train:
Eurostar operates direct trains from London St Pancras to Amsterdam. Alternatively, take a ferry and train combination from Newcastle, Hull or London (via Harwich).
By Car:
Amsterdam is easily explored by bicycle, public transport and on foot so you won't really need a car. However, if you want to hire one to see the surrounding region, see our car rental recommendations.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- Amsterdam-Schiphol 21.0 km AMS
Other:
- Beach 29.0 km
- Shops 0.1 km
- Restaurant 0.1 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 6 independent reviews from i-escape guests
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape