Plaza Premium Almere Review: An Affordable Base Near Amsterdam

Amsterdam is one of Europe’s most popular cities, which is probably why you want to go. But with fame comes price tags.

If you’ve searched for places to stay in Amsterdam lately and the hotel prices gave you a mini heart attack, I feel you. In peak season, even basic rooms can hit €150+ per night! And that’s before you add breakfast, parking, or the city tax you’ll pay at check-in.

I’ve seen firsthand how quickly hotel prices in Amsterdam can eat into your travel budget. But here’s the good news: you don’t need to stay in the city center to have a great trip. There are smarter, more affordable options just outside Amsterdam — still an easy train ride away.

That’s how I ended up spending two nights in Almere, a newer Dutch city about 20 minutes from Amsterdam Centraal by direct train. I’ve lived in the Netherlands for several months now, and during a recent stay at Plaza Premium Almere, I realized just how well it works as a base for visiting the capital.

I’ll be honest, though. Almere won’t wow you with pretty canals or historic buildings like Amsterdam. But if you care more about comfort, space, and value for money, this could just be the option your bank account (and heart) is hoping for.

Plaza Premium Almere is a 4-star property and ticks all the boxes for a great stay, in my opinion. It is central, the rooms are spacious and comfortable, and the staff are genuinely warm and helpful. And since it is significantly cheaper than staying in Amsterdam, you will have more money for things like museums, canal cruises, or even just extra stroopwafels.

In this review, I will walk you through the key things to know, from the location and comfort to transport and overall value, so you can decide if this hotel is the right base for your trip.

Plaza Premium Almere Location

If you’re looking for a more affordable base than Amsterdam, and don’t mind traveling into the city every day, Plaza Premium Almere makes a lot of sense. The hotel sits right next to Almere Centrum, with shops, restaurants, and the train station just steps away. From the lobby, you can walk to the platform in minutes, making day trips to Amsterdam and other Dutch cities, or to Schiphol, easy.

You’re also in the middle of the city’s shopping district. You’ll find familiar stores like ZARA, H&M, HEMA, Etos, Kruidvat, and Douglas close by, plus a cinema if you want something to do in the evening.

When it comes to food, Grote Markt is my go-to area. It’s a short stroll from the hotel and has a nice mix of cafés and restaurants with outdoor terraces. It’s a laid-back spot for lunch, dinner, or even just a drink. Some of my fave spots are Le Baron, which does great cocktails and burgers; Gaja Korean BBQ, which is fun and flavorful; and Bierfabriek, which is over near the Esplanade. It’s a bit of a walk, but worth it for the laid-back vibe and lake views en route.

If you’re in town on a Wednesday or Saturday, you can also check out the local market at Stadshuisplein. While it’s not nearly as big as the markets you’ll find in Amsterdam, it’s still fun to walk around and sample a variety of famous Dutch snacks, like kibbeling, roasted nuts, and cheese.

Getting to Plaza Premium Hotel in Almere

Arriving by train is the easiest option. Almere Centrum is on a direct line from Amsterdam Centraal, and you’ll be at the hotel within minutes of stepping off the train.

If you’re coming from Schiphol Airport, the train is also the quickest and most affordable route. The journey usually takes around 25–30 minutes. You can also book a private transfer online or via the hotel if you’d rather not navigate public transport with luggage, but it will cost quite a bit more. The hotel charges €90 one-way for a private transfer.

We drove to Plaza Premium, and if you’re doing the same, there’s underground parking right below the building. Just a heads-up: make sure you take a ticket from the machine with the hotel sticker when you enter (there are two ticket machines). We grabbed the wrong one by accident and had to practically redo the entire process of getting into the parking lot to get the hotel rate. Parking normally costs €30 per day, but hotel guests only pay €15. Just remember to take your ticket to the reception before you leave so they can apply the discount.

Rooms and Comfort

Plaza Premium Almere is a big hotel with more than 350 rooms spread across 14 floors, with options for different budgets and trip types. You can choose from standard doubles, family rooms, and even larger studios with kitchenettes.

We booked a Comfort Room and were upgraded to a larger room on arrival, which was a lovely surprise. It was comfortably sized for two people with plenty of room for luggage, which is not always the case at hotels in or near Amsterdam.

The room came with everything you expect from a modern 4-star hotel. Comfortable bed, flat-screen TV, good wifi, a safe, and a kettle with tea and coffee. There was also a little kitchenette with a mini fridge, sink, microwave, and hot plate. We did not use the hot plate, but I thought it was a nice perk, especially if you want to keep snacks or cook a simple meal. The bathroom had a nice, big shower with strong water pressure and consistent hot water—always a plus! I also loved that our room came with a small table and chairs, so we had a comfortable place to sit and work.

The room decor is pretty standard in my opinion, and nothing to write home about. But since that was not a priority for us on this trip, it did not bother us. What we did love were the floor-to-ceiling windows. I totally forgot to take a picture of it, but they filled the room with natural light, and having our morning coffee with a skyline view was such a treat.

Breakfast and Dining

Plaza Premium Almere offers a daily buffet breakfast for €17.50 per person, which is a bit pricey but still cheaper than the breakfasts we’ve had at other hotels. We did not try the breakfast this time because we wanted something lighter that we could take on the go. There’s a SPAR just across the road, and in the station, you’ll find a Starbucks and an Albert Heijn To Go — both great if you just want a coffee and a croissant before hopping on the train.

That said, we did pop into the breakfast room out of curiosity, and it looked like a solid spread. Cold meats, cheeses, fresh fruit, breads, and pastries, along with the usual cooked options like eggs and bacon. If you like starting your day with a big breakfast, you’ll likely get your money’s worth here.

The lobby also has a small bar where you can grab hot or cold drinks and a few snacks throughout the day. We usually grabbed our morning coffee here because it was quick and only €2.50. And if you need something late at night, the vending machines in the lobby are well stocked with drinks, chocolate, cup noodles, and even a couple of essentials you may have forgotten to pack.

Another bonus is that Loetje is right next door. It is a popular Dutch restaurant chain known for its steak. If you are a meat-eater, the Bali steak is absolutely worth trying.

Staff & Facilities

The staff were genuinely friendly throughout our stay. From reception to housekeeping, everyone greeted us warmly and made us feel welcome. Check-in was also smooth, and our towels were refreshed daily, which was appreciated.

I really liked the lobby area a lot. It felt bright and comfortable with plenty of seating, which is great if you want to relax or get some work done. The lobby bar was usually busier later in the day, but it never felt loud or chaotic, and it’s a nice spot to unwind for a bit. The wifi worked well for us throughout the property, too.

There’s also a rooftop pool, terrace, and gym, which I was really excited to check out. But unfortunately, all of them were closed during our stay. I wasn’t entirely sure whether they were being renovated or just not in use at the moment, so I’d recommend double-checking their status directly with the hotel before booking if those amenities are important to you. It would have been great to sit up there with a drink and enjoy the views, so that was a bit disappointing.

If I really had to nitpick and find one downside, it would be the elevators. There are a few, but it often felt like only two were operating at any given time. They were also quite slow and seemed to stop at every floor, which was a bit frustrating during busy times. I wouldn’t say it’s a deal-breaker, just something to keep in mind.

Overall, though, we enjoyed our stay at this hotel and always felt comfortable and safe — even at night — which is important when you’re staying somewhere new.

Is Plaza Premium Almere worth staying at?

Plaza Premium Hotel in Almere surprised me in the best way. It is modern, comfortable, and offers great value. You get more space for your money, direct trains to Amsterdam, and everything you need for a relaxed stay. While the decor is simple and Almere is not a historic Dutch city, the convenience, comfort, and value make this a great alternative to staying in Amsterdam.

This hotel makes the most sense if you plan to spend your days exploring and just want a clean, comfortable place to come back to at night (without spending a fortune). If you are looking for an affordable base near Amsterdam that lets you stretch your travel budget a little further, I’d say Plaza Premium Almere is definitely worth considering.

FAQs About Staying in Almere

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