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Dear guest,

A warm welcome to the vibrant Amsterdam, but most of all welcome to Hotel Arena! We are happy to have you here!

I can clearly remember the first time I stepped into this extraordinary hotel. Monumental in balance with modern, grand but also intimate, in the middle of the city surrounded by the greenery of the Oosterpark. For decades, our iconic building has overlooked Amsterdam’s most beautiful park and tourists, locals, travelers and creative people meet here at this spot. In my time here, I have met and talked to many people from young to old who have their own memories of Hotel Arena.

From relaxed dinners overlooking the Oosterpark, catching a special exhibition, to meeting new people at a concert. From a business meeting to a good glass of wine on the terrace or just an unusual night’s sleep in one of our characteristic rooms. Whatever you feel like, you can do it with us. We’re here for you, so you can relax and enjoy all that Hotel Arena and Amsterdam have to offer.

Nice to meet you and share all the beauty of this place with you!

Niels piscaer

General Manager

This is our story…

and you’re part of it

Our story

We started 30 years ago as a sleep-inn for free spirits, young world travellers and creatives.
 
We have since grown into a four-star boutique hotel, with beautiful rooms and a delicious café/restaurant.
 
Always located in Amsterdam and part of the city we call home, we have always managed to follow our local and international heart for culture.
Follow our journey
With its heart in the city and facing the green, our iconic, monumental building watches over Oosterpark.
 
Discover its history here
 
 
Hotel-Arena-Amsterdam-Oosterpark-Sint-Elizabeth-Gesticht

1886 – 1888

Our building on Mauritskade and ‘s-Gravesandestraat in Amsterdam East, was designed by Catholic architect Andrianus Bleijs.
 
After starting construction in 1886, the doors of the Sint Elisabeth Gesticht opened two years later in 1888.
 
 
Hotel-Arena-Amsterdam-Oosterpark-Sint-Elizabeth-Vroeger-Geschiedenis

1888 – 1944

As a Roman Catholic nursing home, the Sint Elisabeth Gesticht provided care and accommodation for invalid and sick orphan girls.
 
In the chapel, the girls and nuns gathered daily for their prayers.
Hotel-Arena-Amsterdam-Oosterpark-Sint-Elizabeth-diner
Hotel-Arena-Amsterdam-Oosterpark-Sint-Elizabeth-Kapel
 
 

1944 – 1945

As the Germans had seized the obstetrics department of the Onze Lieve Vrouwe Gasthuis, the department was moved to the Sint Elisabeth Gesticht during World War II.
 
Unfortunately, the orphanage also fell into the hands of the Nazis in 1944.
 
After liberation in 1945, the original residents returned. They had lived near Leidseplein until then.
Hotel-Arena-Amsterdam-Oosterpark-Sint-Elizabeth-Verpleeghuis
 
 

1945 – 1969

From then on, the nursing home also took in Roman Catholic women who could no longer care for themselves due to illness.
 
The name of the Sint Elisabeth Gesticht was changed to ‘Huize Elisabeth’ in 1960.
Hotel-Arena-Amsterdam-Oosterpark-Sint-Elizabeth-2
 
 

1969 – 1982

After the acquisition of property and lease by Stichting Verpleeghuizen Amsterdam in 1969, the building was refurbished and the chapel converted into a recreation hall.
 
But by 1982, the nursing home was no longer financially self-sufficient.
Hotel-Arena-Amsterdam-Oosterpark-Sint-Elizabeth-3
 
 

1982

The municipality decided to use the building to give shelter to the Dam and Vondelpark sleepers.
 
In the side wing of the building, squatters could establish themselves, and the rest of the building became a Sleep-Inn.
Hotel-Arena-Amsterdam-Oosterpark-Sint-Elizabeth-Damslapers

 
 

1982 – 1992

For a few guilders, they and others willing could rent a mattress in the new establishment of the municipal Sleep-Inn.
 
But due to terminations of municipal subsidies, the Sleep-Inn had to find other sources of income in 92.
 
Besides overnight stays, it also opened a cafe/restaurant, a performance hall and practice rooms for bands and musicians, and a disco.
Hotel-Arena-Amsterdam-Oosterpark-Sint-Elizabeth-Game-Spel
Hotel-Arena-Amsterdam-Oosterpark-Sint-Elizabeth-Bed
Hotel-Arena-Amsterdam-Oosterpark-Sint-Elizabeth-Band-muziek
 
 

1992

In 1992, Paul Hermanides opened an international centre for youth culture and tourism called Arena – an Amsterdam budget hotel with a pop stage, dormitories and a restaurant.

Hotel-Arena-Amsterdam-Oosterpark-Historie-Geschiedenis-Cultuur
 
 

1992 – now

Over the past thirty years, we have grown Arena from a budget hotel to a four-star boutique hotel, with a big heart for culture, art and hospitality.
 
Read about our hotel’s journey here
view hotel arena's journey