This review is just for the cafe - we didn't stay in this hotel's one and only room :)
It was on a very hot, stressful Sunday that we biked our way to Hotel Droog (pronounced Drog) to check out the store and cafe -- with a marathon on, the entire city was a mess of sweaty bicycle traffic jams.
Inside the store (on the ground floor), it was quiet and air conditioned (ahhh, that's better). We headed upstairs to get a coffee and I felt instantly more relaxed. The space is open, clean and comforting, and of course dotted with their design classics like the Rag Chair, the Lounge of Layers, Slow Glow Lamp and House light.
The windows were open, with views of the canal and there's that lovely bridge quite unlike the ones criss crossing the entire city's canals, complete with a few dozen love locks.
Music was modern but chilled out, background noise that played a part without making itself known or trying too hard. Coffee was excellent and came with a small piece of cinnamon almond treat. They also serve cakes and salads and light lunch items.
This is less hotel and more event space - with a large gallery space attached to the cafe, a "library" which is actually a private meeting room that can be booked and of course the single room available to stay in.
The space also features a lovely central garden whimsically decorated with sculptures and mirrors for a subdued Alice in Wonderland effect. I can't overemphasize how just ... nice ... this visit was. Sort of effortlessly impressive and pleasant.
If you love modern design and lovely chilled out spaces for conversation and coffee, this is your spot. It's wonderful, free museum of Dutch contemporary design and perfectly untouched by tourists. Some might call it a hidden gem ;) read more