Amsterdam’s hotel scene has been getting a luxury boost in recent years with new entrants and major renovations. In this issue, we look at top Amsterdam hotels and their best suites, several of which are spectacular.
1. Waldorf Astoria, Amsterdam
Ranked 8th best hotel in Europe by Travel + Leisure, Forbes Travel Guide writes, “Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam enjoys an exclusive address on the city’s historic Canal Ring. Located just steps away from the Golden Bend, a stretch of the most prestigious properties in Amsterdam, the hotel spans six adjoined 17th-century mansions. As such, the buildings are steeped in history and retain the intimacy of stepping into a luxurious family home.”
Its inspector says, “As you move throughout the hotel, plaques inform you about the influential families who’ve resided there, dividing lines separate one house from the next and original features offer a sense of the hotel’s fascinating history.
Conde Nast Traveler writes, “The 93 rooms and suites offer ample space, a rarity in Amsterdam. Although each room is unique, they all reflect the historic characteristics of the six buildings. Think large windows with high ceilings, handsome armchairs, marble fireplaces, the occasionally exposed beam, and luxurious fabrics in calming muted tones or natural colors that come together to create an atmosphere of timeless elegance.”
Brentano Suite
The 1,324 sq. ft., Brentano Suite offers a canal view, dining room, living room, and study. Named for a Dutch merchant of Italian origin who decorated the house in the 18th century, you will be staying in a place that received many distinguished guests, including the Russian Emperor Alexander I, and King William I and Prince Frederick from the Netherlands.
Special features include a 200 x 200 cm Super King bed, four separate wardrobes, as well as two original and decorative fireplaces.
Van Loon Suite
The 1,087 sq. ft. Van Loon Suite has a city and garden view. The authentic interior details in this suite date from the 17th century, including a spiral staircase and direct access to the Guerlain Spa.
2. De L’Europe Hotel
One of Forbes’ 4-star rated hotels (It has no 5-star hotels in the city), the guide reports, “Situated in the heart of the Netherlands’ capital and overlooking the Amstel River, De L’Europe Amsterdam has been a favorite of the city’s elite since first opening its doors in 1896. Here, Old World charm embraces contemporary, luxury design.”
It offers, “Stay in the old 19th-century Rondeel Building, which features state-of-the-art rooms with a classic design. Or opt for a suite in the Dutch Masters Wing, which was added to the hotel in 2011. This wing, named after the famous artists of the Dutch Golden Age of painting, contains 23 modern suites and its own private entrance.”
Conde Nast Traveler writes, “The color schemes within the rooms are shockingly bold for a classic hotel. Some are bathed completely in vibrant shades of blood red, sea blue, and mustard yellow, and include accent walls covered in floral wallpaper and dark wood furniture and headboards. The luxurious bathrooms are marble.”
There is also a 4,300-square-foot spa and wellness center with an indoor pool.
Penthouse Suite
The 1,420 sq. ft. Penthouse Suite features its own private riverside terrace. High-tech heated floors and motion-detecting floor lighting make for an intuitive experience. To relax, there is an extra-large marble bathtub. The Penthouse can be extended to a 6-bedroom apartment.
3. Conservatorium
Forbes Travel Guide writes, “Perfectly situated in Amsterdam’s Museum Quarter — home to the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum and the Stedelijk Museum — the Conservatorium hotel cleverly combines the historic heritage of the building with contemporary, elegant design.”
It adds, “Constructed in 1897, the building was originally designed as the Rijkspostspaarbank (Dutch savings bank) by local architect Daniel Knuttel before housing the music school from which the modern property got its name: Sweelinck Conservatorium.”
The current concept dates only from 2011 and now includes a 10,700-square-foot spa.
Penthouse Suite
This sixth-floor Penthouse Suite spans 1,829 sq. ft. with iconic design from award-winning architect Piero Lissoni. It’s an ideal space for business meetings, high-level entertaining or a leisure trip.
The dining room is served by an in-suite kitchen, the 80-inch screen transforms it into a cinema. Enjoy the modern lighting, sound system, television — through a dedicated iPad. Perfect for the privacy-conscious the suite encompasses the entire floor.
Enjoy views of the Rijksmuseum and city via wraparound floor-to-ceiling windows showcase the neo-Gothic heritage of the buildings’ original structure.
There’s a private entrance with direct garage access and a dedicated dressing area makes it suited to guests requiring professional styling and make-up.
4. Hotel Okura Amsterdam
Japan with a Dutch twist. Forbes Travel Guide says, “Situated in one of the city’s trendiest neighborhoods, De Pijp, Hotel Okura Amsterdam is a haven for fine-dining enthusiasts, boasting not one, but three acclaimed restaurants.
“Since its debut in 1971, Hotel Okura has been one of Amsterdam’s leading luxury properties, and it’s not difficult to understand why. Its interiors carry a Japanese-influenced, minimalist look with lots of natural wood. All 300 modern rooms and suites are equipped with state-of-the-art amenities. The Nagomi Spa & Health is just the place to unwind, with an indoor pool, a Japanese stone garden and a high-tech gym.”
The Imperial Suite
The 5,220 sq. ft. Imperial Suite features a full formal living and dining room with panoramic views of Amsterdam. There’s even your own private cinema! It’s the largest in Benelux.
Split over the 17th and 18th floors it has two spacious bedrooms and two bathrooms. The luxury private cinema seats 12. It is possible to book a part of the Imperial Suite that can be divided into the Emperor and Empress Suite.
5. Pulitzer Hotel
Forbes writes, “Consisting of 25 interlinking 17th- and 18th-century canal houses, Pulitzer Amsterdam offers a unique mix of Dutch history and modern craftsmanship.”
In 1960, Peter Pulitzer (grandson of Joseph Pulitzer, founder of the Pulitzer Prize) bought 12 houses in the center of historic Amsterdam, along the Prinsengracht and Keizersgracht canals, and connected them to create the hotel.
Its inspector says, “Following a massive renovation in 2016, the Amsterdam hotel now has 225 plush accommodations divided among 25 canal houses as well as a two-story gym, serene inner gardens, a flower shop and a library showcasing what else but Pulitzer Prize-winning books.”
Centrally located in the popular Nine Streets district and on the doorstep of the historic Jordaan neighborhood, the hotel is close to many trendy boutiques and local landmarks, such as the Royal Palace and the Anne Frank Museum.
Antique Collector’s Suite
The 720 sq. ft. Antique Collector’s Suite is a two-room apartment with both hotel and private street access. There are a large Super King sized bed and a collection of antiques.
6. Kimpton De Witt Amsterdam
Conde Nast Traveler writes of Kimpton De Witt, “The spartan exterior, save for a single neon side reading ‘and breathe’ that peeks out from the green facade, belies the stylish decor inside.”
It adds, “The hotel’s 274 guest rooms were designed by Kimpton’s creative director Ave Bradley with an homage to the neighborhood’s Renaissance architecture. In-room amenity kits have natural skincare products from local brand Marie-Stella-Maris. There’s also an on-site flower shop, a café serving made-to-order beignets, and an open-air garden to offer a relaxing oasis from the busy streets outside.”
Penthouse De Witt
Penthouse De Witt is a 780 sq. ft. apartment adorned with original artworks, a spacious bathroom, and a furnished 330 sq. ft. rooftop terrace with stunning views. Luxe furnishings like a plush sofa, fireplace, wet bar, and 8-person hardwood dining table.
7. Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam
Forbes writes, “Originally the site of convents, a military affairs building and city hall, Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam elegantly toes the line between embracing its storied past while always looking ahead. Through an extensive restoration, the property regained much of its former splendor. This is evident when you take a closer look at the stairwells, stained-glass windows, pretty courtyards and other preserved corners of the hotel.”
Royal Suite
The 1,076 sq. ft. Royal Suite is located on the third floor of a former canal house and overlooks the hotel’s courtyard. Contemporary design combined with monumental wood-beamed ceilings creates a home away from home atmosphere.
8. The Dylan Amsterdam
Conde Nast Traveler says, “Ideal for the discreet traveler who still desires to stay in the center of it all.”
Forbes says of the hotel, “There’s a laidback Dutch quality that permeates the luxury of The Dylan Amsterdam, a boutique hotel that favors comforting ambiance over flashy décor. From the moment you step through its discreet off-street entrance, there’s an overwhelmingly inviting, cozy atmosphere that encapsulates one of Holland’s favorite words: gezellig.”
Luxury Loft Suite
Feel authentic Amsterdam style in an 807 sq. ft. Luxury Loft Suite. Bright white walls combined with beige accents, the minimalistic furniture, and the original wooden beams will want you to try a pair of wooden shoes.
9. W Amsterdam
Forbes writes, “Situated just steps away from the Royal Palace and Dam Square, W Amsterdam effortlessly mixes hip design with Dutch heritage. W Amsterdam is divided across two structures: the Exchange and Bank buildings. Built in 1924, the former was inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s Larkin Building, and it originally housed the telephone switchboard of the Royal Dutch Post. Nowadays, it is home to the vibrant W Lounge, a heated rooftop pool overlooking the Royal Palace, nearly 4,500 square feet of meeting and event space and modern steakhouse Mr. Porter.”
EWOW Bank Suite
The 1,908 sq. ft. EWOW Bank Suite is one of the largest in Amsterdam featuring the round W bed and an open plan bathroom.
