All aboard the A-Train Hotel

By Paola Westbeek | Photos: A-Train Hotel

Directly opposite Amsterdam Central Station, A-Train Hotel is a distinctive boutique stay where location, character, and hospitality come together. General manager and co-owner Ali Hassan shares the story behind the hotel’s railway theme, and why the welcoming atmosphere keeps guests returning.

Open since 2003, A-Train Hotel was created with a clear vision: a themed hotel that reflects its surroundings. Facing Amsterdam Central Station, a railway concept felt like a natural fit. As Ali explains; “We wanted a hotel with a theme, and with the station right across the street, a train theme was the obvious choice.”

Guests love to sit in the cosy Pullman Lounge.

Inspiration came from afar as well, in the form of the iconic A Train in New York, while the legendary jazz standard Take the ‘A’ Train, famously performed by Ella Fitzgerald, sealed the name.

The building itself has deep roots in the city. Located on Prins Hendrikkade, the property is a listed national monument, giving the hotel a tangible connection to Amsterdam’s local history. Inside, however, the atmosphere is anything but formal. Ali describes it as “cosy, atmospheric and informal” – a feeling that guests frequently highlight in their reviews.

The location is one of the hotel’s greatest strengths. From the front door, guests can walk to Dam Square, Madame Tussauds, the Royal Palace, the Anne Frank House, major shopping streets, and the canal cruise docks. “The biggest bonus of staying right in the heart of Amsterdam is that you can leave your car behind and explore on foot, by bike, or by tram,” Ali points out.

All aboard the A-Train Hotel

The hotel offers 34 comfortable rooms, including several family rooms tailored to guests travelling with children. All rooms feature modern essentials such as air conditioning, wi-fi, a safe, a workspace, and private bathrooms, with part of the hotel recently renovated to meet contemporary standards.

As a true bed & breakfast, the A-Train Hotel includes a Dutch continental breakfast served in the Pullman Lounge, a space that is as memorable as it is welcoming. “It’s a cosy and visually vibrant place where guests love to sit, look around, and take photos,” Ali notes. Complimentary coffee, tea, water, and hot chocolate are available here 24 hours a day.

According to Ali, the hotel is ideal for both leisure and business travellers, united by one thing: a desire to feel at home. “Our guests often mention the friendliness of our staff, the cleanliness of the rooms, and the unbeatable location,” he says. Personal attention is key, from helping book tickets to small gestures for birthdays or anniversaries.

For anyone hesitating between hotels, Ali has a simple invitation: “We are pioneers in the city and invite you to come and experience our hospitality for yourself – and you won’t want to stay anywhere else.”

All aboard the A-Train Hotel