From modest ambition to 4-star Superior

Raising the bar for hospitality

When Met Hotel Amsterdam opened its doors in 2022, it began with a modest 3-star rating. But upon first inspection, the reaction was clear: "How can this be 3 stars! You are selling yourself short." General Manager Žaklina Keser smiles as she recalls the moment. Meanwhile, the independent boutique hotel in Amsterdam Nieuw-West has achieved 4-star Superior status and is rapidly growing into a destination that raises the bar for hospitality in the city.

Cheeky, quirky and hospitable, Met Hotel exudes the Amsterdam mentality. General Manager Žaklina Keser is a driving force in this. During our visit, she meets a loyal guest and greets her with a hug, a gesture that underlines the hotel's warm and homely atmosphere. Anyone seeing the austere exterior - the building once housed a supermarket - might not expect the warm, metropolitan luxury that awaits inside. But that contrast is exactly the intention. "We want to create a wow effect," says Keser. And we succeeded: from the inviting lounge to the innovative meeting rooms to the playful furnishings with artistic details, everything exudes a combination of boldness and comfort.

Innovative and hospitable

Met Hotel's bar (Met from Metropolitan, but also 'with' - together) acts as the beating heart of the hotel while also serving as a check-in desk. Guests can check in here independently, but many still opt for the personal welcome by the team. This balance between technology and human attention is characteristic of Met Hotel.

Everything can be controlled digitally by guests from any of the 56 rooms, from light and temperature to restaurant orders. The home automation is easy to operate next to the bed. "We have a Green Key Gold label, so we actively take measures that are good for the environment and sustainability. For instance, we use as little paper and plastic as possible in our hotel. Among other things, we have LED lighting and motion sensors, water-saving taps and shower heads, and all information about our services is visible on the TV screen."

Playful drawings recur on the screen, but also elsewhere in the hotel - such as framed on the wall and on the coasters in the bar and restaurant. "These are created by Marko Janjusevic, an illustrator from Montenegro. He knows exactly how to capture what we want to convey: playful and a little cheeky."

Warm wood accents

The furnishings have also put a lot of thought into how luxury and efficiency come together. The rooms, all on the same floor, combine warm wood accents with natural stone tiles, while a soft rug under the bed ensures warm feet. In addition to the double rooms, the hotel has one suite with a large bath and a freestanding bed with a round headboard - a shape reflected in the mirror. There are also two family rooms, which can accommodate four people.

Interestingly, some of the rooms have no windows, but according to Keser, it is precisely these stays that are popular. "Perhaps because they are slightly more affordable, but I feel that our guests especially appreciate the intimate ambience. Thanks to the clever use of lighting, these rooms do not feel oppressive at all."  

A hotel with character

Met Hotel is strongly committed to the city of Amsterdam and specifically to the Nieuw-West district. The subtle references to the Amsterdam School in the interior and the three St Andrew's crosses on the stylish staff dress underline the local identity. The property, owned by the Amsterdam brothers of Lebo Vastgoed, has an ideal location close to public transport, Schiphol Airport and the city centre. "Together, we contribute to a popular place for guests and locals. Whether you come to work in the lounge, meet in our meeting rooms and brainstorming space, have a drink at the bar or dine in the restaurant - everyone is welcome."

A culinary experience

Met Hotel's restaurant offers a varied menu, from classic burgers to pasta and pizza, with a strong focus on fresh, local and sustainable ingredients. "I like to offer unique products, such as the Tlant breakfast cereals and coffee from Zuivere Koffie, an initiative that helps (ex-)prisoners reintegrate by teaching them a craft. We also collaborate with a local butcher who supplies halal meat and pay extra attention to vegan options, so we can serve a wide audience." Keser hopes more local residents will discover the restaurant and bar. "We find that people sometimes doubt whether they can eat here even if they are not guests of the hotel. We want to change that."

Innovative meeting rooms

Met Hotel also has much to offer business guests. There are two meeting rooms, both equipped with modern conveniences such as large screens and home automation. One room seats 14 people, while the other can accommodate groups of up to 40. There is also plenty of room for creativity, with whiteboards and markers. The large room also features a lounge with bar and a pool table, providing an informal atmosphere and space for relaxation.

The hotel is attracting more and more business guests, for example visitors to exhibitions in the RAI. The convenient location plays a major role in this: both tourists wanting to explore Amsterdam and travellers wanting to stay close to Schiphol Airport find their way to Met Hotel. Guest appreciation is high; this can be seen on TripAdvisor, but also in the guestbook. "We often hear that people find our hotel a hidden gem," says Keser proudly. "That's exactly what we want to be: a place where everyone feels welcome and at home."

Sweet and caring

Many hoteliers have a background in the hospitality industry, either themselves or through their parents. At Met Hotel Amsterdam, it is different. "No, I have hospitality as a passion," says general manager Žaklina Keser. "My Croatian-Serbian parents taught me to love and care. I definitely take this into my work. I also always had a sneaky desire to open my own restaurant."

So how did you end up in the hotel business anyway?

"I worked as a project supervisor at a housing association. That's how I was involved in the transformation of Amsterdam Nieuw-West and came into contact with Lebo Vastgoed. They knew about my ambition and approached me when they had the opportunity to convert this property into a hotel with a unique brand. That's how it all started."

What attracts you most to this work?

"A hotel is actually a 24/7 small town; every day is different and challenging. I find that incredibly fun. I am very proud of our hospitality and the vibes our hotel exudes."

What is less fun?

"Costs being under pressure, the prospect of higher sales tax and Amsterdam's policies. And of course there are sometimes less-than-fine guests who don't respect our house rules."

What is your favourite place in the hotel?

"I really like the corners in the restaurant and lobby, with round benches. This is where I can welcome guests and interact with them. It's always fun to see their reactions when entering Met Hotel. I like to highlight seasons and celebrations through decoration and this is much appreciated. Also, diffusers spread a subtle scent, which we also adapt to the seasons. I value light, music and fragrance experience."

How important are such details?

"For me, very important. Actually, we have thought of everything, together with my team I make all the decisions, whether it is a new pillow, or slippers in the rooms. As a result, as a core team, we have a close relationship with each other and everyone feels really involved in the hotel."