I have a very early flight out of Schipol Airport in Amsterdam and am interested in staying at/near the airport the night before. I looked into staying at the Mercure Hotel inside the terminal, but it states on its website that they only allow hand luggage, which sounds bizarre. I do not plan on checking any bags on the flight, and if I did, I would not feel comfortable doing so the night before my flight. Has anyone stayed at this Mercure, and if so, what was your experience? Can anyone recommend a different hotel with easy access to the airport? I've been reading reviews about the Hilton and a Sheraton, but it sounds like they are not within walking distance.
I think it’s inaccurate English. I suspect they mean “carry on” when they say “hand” luggage, but contact them and ask.
“I looked into staying at the Mercure Hotel inside the terminal, but it states on its website that they only allow hand luggage, which sounds bizarre.”
The Mercure indeed only allows carry on luggage or hand luggage in Dutch English. This is because the hotel is located within the secure airside area of the airport. You’re not allowed to bring check in luggage into the airside part of the airport. So you’ll need to drop off or store your check in luggage if you want to stay there.
“ I've been reading reviews about the Hilton and a Sheraton, but it sounds like they are not within walking distance.”
I’m not sure what reviews you read, but the Sheraton is structurally attached to the airport via a covered walkway. So it couldn’t possibly be any closer. The Hilton is a couple of 100 meters further away, but still within a very easy short walk from the airport.
If it’s in the secure area make sure you can get into the hotel at say 9pm, that your boarding pass allows it.
When I was at the Plaza (where the shops are) at Schiphol last week I looked up and the Sheraton and Hilton couldn't have been much closer. I saw the walkway over, one level up.
The Hilton is within walking distance, but I have to confess that I had a terrible experience there and avoid it at all costs. They "upcharge" for just about anything you can imagine and this drives me crazy!
The Citizen M Hotel is a very short walk just outside the airport (maybe about a block distance). If I were staying at the airport again, that is where I would go.
Hello,
We stayed at the Citizen M last year and I can recommend it. No luggage restrictions.
As mentioned, a very short walk from arrivals and actually kind of connected to departures. You can actually see the airport security lines from the hotel and one reviewer said it helped them decide how soon they should leave their room.
I just stayed at that Citizen M a few weeks ago.
There is a covered walkway from the terminal to the hotel.
2 things you might find a negative:
They only have 1-bed rooms and the bed is enclosed by wall on 3 sides.
All lights, shades, etc. are controlled from an iPad.
I disliked it, others may love it.
Thanks to those who shared their personal experience from when they were at this airport. I appreciate your response.
I have stayed at Citizen M twice - once due to unexpected travel drama, the other on purpose. As Liz noted the room style is not for everyone especially if you don't want to share a bed with a travel mate. Easy short walk to/from the terminal. Depending on how early your flight is their breakfast buffet is quite good (doesn't start until 6 though). If you register and book on their website I think you get a bit of a discount (but they also sell a "membership" thing which I can't advise on one way or the other).
We stayed at the Mercure last year, and enjoyed it. We only had carry on bags, so that wasn't an issue. The room was small, but well appointed, and the bed was remarkably comfortable. I didn't want to get up the next morning!
I stayed at the Sheraton the night before my return flight to DTW in 2023 on points. It worked out well for me. It is most definitely attached and easy to get into the airport. I popped into the supermarket at the airport for a few last minute purchases and even grab and go for dinner.