Meet Our Partner - Cityden Aparthotels

1. What is Cityden Aparthotels?

Cityden originally started with two friends who bought an apartment in Amsterdam City center which they wanted to flip and sell. Once they got started with the project, they realized there was space to create more living areas within the house. This came at a time when there was an increasing amount of people looking for rental houses and short-term options were just entering the market. So, instead of following the original plan to update and resell the house, they renovated it into three apartments and started renting them out: Cityden Aparthotels was born.

Since their beginnings, Cityden has been growing quickly, now with three locations in and surrounding Amsterdam region, as well as big plans to expand in the coming years (1 more in Amsterdam and 1 in Rotterdam). They have over 150 employees (they call them “Daymakers”), representing 25 different nationalities, running the day to day business and proudly making (inter)nationals feel at home.

2. Why do you do what you do?

Personal touch is important to us. The Cityden team works hard to help our guests feel at home, while their away from home. That’s why we refer to our employees as “Daymakers” Our Daymakers know the area and, as many of them are internationals themselves, they also know that adjusting to a new country can be challenging. That’s why they share personalized local gems and tips to help each guest get used to the area and feel like they belong. Their goal is to not only answer questions and provide a great living space, but to also to create a community and help people feel right at home. Whether someone is staying with us for just a couple nights to tour the city, or for several months as they adjust to a new job and figure out their long-term housing in the Netherlands, we want everyone to feel welcome and have a solid, safe, and supportive homebase to come home to as they get started in the Netherlands.

3. Which products/services do you offer?

As a Serviced Apartment Hotel Group we serve several different target audiences which is why we offer a variety of services.

• Short-term stay for (inter)nationals: This option is one of our most popular options and is closest to our origins. At any given time close to half of our apartments will be in use by individuals in the process of relocating to the Netherlands, often for a new job opportunity. We usually work with relocation partners to offer these housing solutions for a given number of months, allowing the international time to find long-term housing, while still enjoying a homey atmosphere, multicultural community, and tips from our Daymakers to get used to Dutch life.
• Business stay: Another group we enjoy hosting are our corporate business travelers. They often stay for several days during the work week and return regularly when they are visiting their offices in the Netherlands. We love making their stay more comfortable and providing local tips to help them make the most of their trip each time they visit Amsterdam.
• Tourist stays: Our last group of lodgers fluctuates quite a bit more as it includes tourists and other one-time guests. We always open up some booking options to make sure that even when you are just here for a few days, you can land in a cozy room with friendly staff who are ready to help you discover the city like a local. Cityden is also the perfect location for families traveling together with children.
• Restaurants: In addition to the overnight options, Cityden also has restaurants to serve the whole community, both guests and locals alike. Whether you are staying with us, or just looking for a nice place to meet up with friends and grab a bite, Lucia’s Restaurant & Bar is the perfect place to go. Plus, fun tip: each of our Lucia’s locations has a different vibe and specialty so make sure to try them all!

The mix of individuals from all over the world, whether they are staying for a few months or are just stopping by for drinks, creates a fun and lively multicultural community at Cityden Serviced Apartment Hotels where there is always something to do and someone new to meet.

4. What is the current market like in your industry?

Housing is difficult to find at the moment, especially in the Amsterdam region. This will probably not come as a surprise to anyone who has spent any time looking for a place to stay in the Netherlands.

While this means that we usually have a ‘gezellig’ full house at Cityden, we are noticing that the housing shortage is creating problems for our guests that are looking for permanent housing in the area. Our expat guests are often even staying twice as long as expected with us, because they cannot find longer term housing to complete their relocation fast enough.

This is part of the reason we are expanding so quickly, so that there will at least be an initial landing place to stay for this ever-growing group of individuals working through the challenges of finding their forever home in a tight housing market.

5. What are your unique selling points for the international community?

Many temporary-stay locations feel just like that – temporary. While we are a short-stay Serviced Apartment Hotel we want everyone who stays with us to feel like they are at home. That is why each of our apartments allow our guests to be self-sufficient, including a fully equipped kitchen, a separate bathroom and living space, rather than just a bed.

We also know that community is important, especially to those making a fresh start in a new country. Our Daymakers to help each guest feel right at home and offer an immediate friend and resource to help them find the grocery store, nearby schools and museums, and especially to know they are not alone. The beauty of the combination of international guests and Daymakers, is that it makes for a great community the moment you walk in the door. Many of the internationals staying at Cityden are in the same boat so when you stay with us you get the interaction, understanding, and community feeling, while also being able to cook your own food and have your own space.

6. What has been your most memorable moment working with internationals?

At Cityden Aparthotels, we pride ourselves on creating a welcoming space for travellers from all over the world. Working with international guests has been an incredible journey filled with unforgettable moments. But one memory stands out—a moment that perfectly embodies the joy of connecting across cultures.

One summer, a family from Japan checked into one of our apartments for a month-long stay. They had travelled to experience the Dutch culture and life, bringing their own unique traditions with them. Each morning, they exchanged a polite bow with our team, and one day, they surprised us with small origami cranes they had folded as a token of gratitude.

Inspired by their thoughtfulness, we decided to introduce them to a piece of Dutch culture in return. We made fresh, delicious “stroopwafels” for them. What started as a cultural exchange, turned into a beautiful friendship. By the end of their stay, we had shared countless laughs, stories, and even a few tears during their farewell.

This experience reminds us why we do what we do. Working with internationals isn’t just about providing a place to stay; it’s about creating a bridge between cultures, fostering understanding, and making people feel at home—no matter where they’re from.

7. Do you have any industry tips for our readers?

One important tip we always emphasize is to orient yourself as thoroughly as possible before your arrival. Understanding the neighborhood in advance can help you make informed decisions about where to stay, based on your personal needs and preferences.

For example, it’s worth considering where schools are located, the proximity to your office, and the overall vibe of each area. While Amsterdam is a fantastic city, sometimes a neighboring town can be the perfect solution. Take Amstelveen, for instance—just 15 minutes from Amsterdam’s city center. It offers a much less crowded and touristic atmosphere, more green spaces, and plenty of opportunities for children to play and thrive.

Another crucial point is to book your stay as far in advance as possible. Serviced Apartment Hotels can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons, and early booking not only secures your spot but often provides you with better rates. Planning ahead can save you time, money, and stress while ensuring you have the perfect place to call home during your stay.

We are looking forward to welcome you in the near future!