Despite their often minimal nature, designer hotels normally cost a lot for very little furnishing. Not so at Hotel Arena where rooms start at under 100 euros and offer stripped floorboards, white walls and school lockers – retro-style at a reasonable price.
However, the small and simple bathroom – just big enough for the sink, shower and toilet – reflects that this is a comfortable three-star and not a luxurious five-star property.
Originally built as a Roman Catholic orphanage in 1890, it’s a little way out of the centre, next to Oosterpark, and you’ll need a tram or taxi to get back and forth but as a result you gain extra space more central hotels can’t offer.
The adjoining bar and club – an old church complete with stained-glass window – ensure that this is definitely one of the cooler hang-outs in town and certainly one of the best value.
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