Ruby Emma Hotel & Bar: German contemporary and affordable luxury in Amstelkwartier-Noord

The Ruby Group targets modern, cost- and style-conscious customers. The German hotel chain was founded in 2013. Ruby's first hotel in Amsterdam combines a stylish hotel with workspaces, perfectly equipped workplaces with a creative atmosphere and access to an inspiring office community. Its proximity to event, conference and exhibition complex RAI Amsterdam, Schiphol Airport as well as Amsterdam city centre makes this hotel a fine base for business travellers and citytrippers alike To experience what this chain has to offer, HOTELVAK checks in at Ruby Emma Hotel & Bar.

If you are coming from Schiphol Amsterdam Airport, visiting a fair or want to enjoy the delights of the city of Amsterdam, but do not want to spend the night in the hustle and bustle, choose Ruby Emma Hotel & Bar. Not only is the hotel conveniently located to the airport, the RAI or Dam Square, the hotel is also, both by own transport, as well as by public transport perfectly accessible. Once on site, don't feel like taking the car or metro? Then hire a bike from the hotel and pedal to the heart of the city in 15 minutes. 

Pioneer

Not only is Ruby Emma the German chain's first hotel on the Dutch market, upon entering we are immediately taken back to the days of the pioneers. The robust sails above the immensely long bar, measuring no less than 12 metres long, refer to the first ships that sailed across the Amstel river. The chain is happy to take on the pioneering role. Especially when it comes to energy production and its use. The so-called Lean Luxury philosophy, which is best summed up as staying in a five-star room, in a downtown prime location for the price of a budget hotel.

Style-conscious traveller

It is a grey weekday. We leave the metro stop and walk through the dense fog to our destination for the day. After barely a five-minute walk, we can swap the dreary weather for our stylish accommodation for the night. Self check-in is a possibility, but a kind lady warmly welcomes us upon entry and makes sure we quickly get our hands on the keycard to one of the 291 rooms. Before boarding the lift to one of the 19 floors, we glance at the vintage furniture and unique decoration in the common area that serves as reception, lounge and restaurant.

Our room is one to rejoice in. No traditional - and mostly dated - hotel facilities, but fresh, hip and stylish. Although the main road and a railway line are next to the hotel, we are not bothered by outside noise in this luxurious room with full sound insulation. The walk-in shower and separate bath are a welcome feature after a day of strolling around Amsterdam city centre. A notable item in the room is the Marshall amplifier. Not that we brought our guitar, but still. Next to the bed is a tablet at the ready, filled with local city guides, social media apps and unlimited data that can be used throughout the stay. 

Slide in

The room lacks a minibar. For a reason. No expensive products, no staff to refill the gem daily. For something to eat or drink, head to the ground floor. The reception cum lounge is open all day to satisfy the inner man. On arrival, we enjoy a cup of coffee. In the evening, we grab a homemade cocktail with a serving of bitterballen & cheese. In the morning, we sit down to an extensive breakfast buffet and make grateful use of the bottomless barista service.

Fancy chilling out in your room with something sweet? Make use of the vending machines on the lower floors. Here you will find not only food and drinks, but also hotel slippers or a foldable umbrella if you wish. 

Everything has been thought about. Everything is efficient. 

Ruby Hotels will announce its first project in Hungary in January 2025, but we cannot wait for this chain to open its next hotel in the Netherlands.