The capital of Holland, Amsterdam hides a fine world of luxury and intricate network of five-star accommodation in the heart of a storied destination.
Amsterdam is a city of art, of history, culture, and extravagance, despite its well documented vices. It is a metropolis of gastronomy with twenty Michelin-starred restaurants. Carved out around the UNESCO world heritage canals system, there is beauty around every corner, and hundreds of bicycles. Yet despite the preferred mode of transport all the top-drawer hotels have limousines parked outside to transport well-heeled guests to and from Schiphol Airport.
The BusinessClass.com guide to the 10 best hotels in Amsterdam:
Alongside the Keizersgracht canal is a quaint boutique hotel called The Dylan. The original building was a wooden theatre called “Duytsche Academie”. In 1632, this was replaced by stone, but remained a theatre until 1772, when it caught fire and was burnt to the ground. The next year, it became an alms house for the poor until 1998, until its conversion to a boutique luxury hotel a year later. The hotel has 72 guestrooms, with six suites. To reach the lobby guests must enter via a grand 17th-century arch and gateway. Despite its rich history, many rooms designed by Remy Meiijers reflect modernity. Guests can choose from unique luxury single or double rooms, duplexes or superior suites with beautiful beams or a luxury suite with garden or canal views.
The Michelin star restaurant called Vinkeles, is housed within a 18th Century bakery and run by Jurgen van der Zalm and Dennis Kuiper. Its speciality dishes are Bresse pigeon or Waguy A5 Kagoshima with imperial caviar. After dinner guests can savour wine in the terrace surveying the delights of Dam Square. Shoppers are in heaven right in the heart of Nine Streets famous for its boutiques.
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The Hotel TwentySeven was built during the industrial revolution. Inside is a world of opulence with lavish furnishings and colonial glamour. There are just 16 rooms, set over 3 floors in this delightful hotel. Take your pick from bijou junior suites - small but perfectly formed or a spacious 219 square metre signature suite on the rooftop. Sumptuous rooms are carpeted in Nepalese rugs, exquisite handmade Italian curtains, velvet wallpaper from Pierre Frey France, luxuriant sofas from Ascension Lattore and masterpieces from Cobra Art in Amsterdam. Marvel at the intricate hand-blown contemporary chandeliers, custom-made furnishings from Europe’s finest design houses and signature scent that infuses the air and know you have stepped into unparalleled luxury.
Food is delivered with passion by executive chef Tim Golsteijn in his Michelin star Bougainville which promises a sensory and culinary experience with a panoramic view of Amsterdam and views of Dam Square from the bar. Guests can choose from the à la carte menu and select wine from expert sommelier Lendl Mijnhijmer. Service is delivered with royal flourish in this universe of luxury where personal butlers, shoppers, trainers, private tour guides and babysitter services are standard.
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The Conservatorium is characterised by its Art Nouveau interiors designed by Piero Lissoni, spacious, light-filled guest rooms and suites. Artist in residence Bastiaan Woud’s signature black and white photography is displayed in the Royal Duplex Suite. Spread over two floors, guests can admire art as well as the street views of Amsterdam. Downstairs features a deep bathtub while upstairs has a large rainfall shower. There are a total of 129 guestrooms including 42 suites. This self-contained unit sleeps three adults and one child. Schilo van Coevorden's Asian-inspired restaurant, Taiko, serves prized Hida beef, the only true wasabi grown in Europe, and vintages offered nowhere else.
Their sake sommelier is the only person in The Netherlands certified to train in the art. The Conservatorium Brasserie is in a beautiful internal glass courtyard which has spectacular floor-to-ceiling windows and is the ideal place to breakfast. Furthermore, the spa is a tranquil urban retreat offering Akasha Holistic Wellbeing. There is a private Hammam and indulge in unique therapies, treatments, nutrition, meditation and Watsu all within 1,000 square metres. The Van Gogh Museum, Concertgebouw, Rijksmuseum, and Vondelpark are all conveniently at your doorstep.
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Arguably the finest address in town, the 93-roomed Waldorf Astoria is built into a collection of six 17th century canal palaces, owned by the city’s wealthiest merchants during the Dutch Golden Age. Set alongside the UNESCO World Heritage listed Herengracht, it is an impressive sight. The opulent the Mayors Suite. built in 1665, it boasts its own private entrance and exclusive use of the spa, your own private chef and butler for up to 15 guests. Step back in time on the grand staircase designed by Louis XIV’s architect Daniel Marot, admire 18th century art in the Maurer dining room or drape yourself on some of the grand furniture. The hotel hosts opera and theatre shows in its private courtyard.
Meet by the clock at Peacock Alley for drinks before a gastronomic experience at Sidney Schutte’s two Michelin-star Librije’s Zusje or one-starred Spectrum for the superb Rib-eye. Part of the hotel used to be a bank so guests can enjoy a nightcap at the Vault Bar among the original safety deposit boxes. Rooms have private canal or courtyard garden views for privacy yet are close to city amenities.
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The refined Hotel De’ L Europe has been welcoming guests since 1638, when it began its origins as an inn called 'Het Rondeel'. With 125 years of heritage under its current name L'Europe, opening with 50 rooms and a new café and terrace on the River Amstel, the hotel has always been committed to creativity and thus is one of the most stylish spots in the city. The hotel's restyled wing, 't Huys gives creative entrepreneurs and artists a place to meet in a unique urban environment.
Furthermore, the hotel’s Michelin-starred Flore restaurant serves some of the finest fayre in town helmed by Bas van Krane. The hotel is a connoisseur of ‘Conscious Fine Dining’ and is decorated in an elegant, contemporary style. Foodies are spoiled for choice with an Italian Trattoria Graziella and Brasserie Marie. Le Spa by Skins Institute whisks you away to a pampered paradise where one can pamper, indulge, and nourish the mind, body, and spirit. This sanctuary of seclusion offers luxurious body treatment and sublime skincare, combining organic ingredients with the nurturing care of expert therapists.
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Okura Amsterdam can be found in the cosmopolitan De Pijp food quarter. This Japanese-inspired hotel has 300 spacious rooms and suites that rise majestically over the Amsterdam skyline. Choose from 176 superior city view rooms, 115 executive city view rooms, 42 junior suites or nine suites, including the Imperial Suite at 5220 ft2 or executive lounge on the 22nd floor.
The 23-storey hotel has four acclaimed restaurants holding three Michelin stars between them. The international star of the show is Ciel Bleu with two Michelin stars, helmed by Onno Kokmeijer and Arjan Speelman. Meanwhile, those in search of authentic Japanese kaiseki, can enjoy the Michelin-star Yamazato ser #v sensational sushi. Masanori Tomikawa welcomes up to 120 guests, while Serre is a Bib Gourmand restaurant run by Daniël Damen. In keeping with the Japanese theme is Sazanka Teppanyaki, while Camelia serves breakfast each morning. Relax in the Nagomi Spa’s treatment-rooms or take tea in the Japanese stone garden after sampling the sauna, pool, jacuzzi, Turkish baths and gym.
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Made up of five grand canal houses on the Herengracht, once home to the city’s Mayor, the heritage of this hotel nods to the merchant days of this great city. Yet The Hoxton is anything but traditional inside. It pays great homage to the mid-20th Century. Dotted around the hotel is a curious mix of 1950s and 1970s furniture enhanced by the chic hipster flashes of exposed brickwork, the odd 1980s telephone and 1930s style shower. Choose from the aptly named single/twin ‘Shoebox’ to the large ‘Concept’ suites, all 111 bedrooms across five floors feature comfortable beds and a desk and parquet floors.
There is a coffee and cocktail den and the hotel’s restaurant Lotti’s serves burgers garnished with pickled chorizo and jalapeno dressing which are brought out as DJs spin the decks. The Hox Gallery is a trendy place for artists to meet and admire art. Nestled in the Nine Streets shopping district and close to Ann Frank’s House and the Royal Palace, yet off a quiet street the hotel offering a secluded haven away from the crowds.
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A luxury hotel set within 25 interlinked 17th and 18th century canal houses, in one of Amsterdam’s chicest neighbourhoods, the Pulitzer has 225 guest rooms – including 19 suites - all overlooking the Prinsengracht and Keizersgracht canals. the hotel can be found in the heart of Amsterdam’s historic city centre. It is a member of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts Legend Collection. Designed by Jacu Strauss, Pulitzer Amsterdam has 30 rooms and suites with connecting doors, three dedicated family rooms and one spacious family suite.
Restaurant Jansz serves simple yet beautifully crafted dishes inspired by modern-Dutch cuisine and Pulitzer’s Bar is the perfect place to enjoy a perfectly mixed drink in style. Pulitzer Garden is the perfect place to relax with a casual breakfast, morning coffee, a great glass of wine or a beautiful plate of pasta. Private dining is also available. Pulitzer Amsterdam is among the chic shops of the flower market, Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk Museum, Van Gogh Museum and The Anne Frank House making it the ideal base for families to explore the city. Concierge can arrange for trips to any of the attractions.
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A mecca for art, hospitality and cuisine can be found in this cultural capital. At Art’Otel, part of the Radisson Group, Atelier Van Lieshout artwork can be found throughout the hotel along with many paintings by up-and-coming artists in the hotel’s gallery space. Choose from art room king, junior suites, and twin rooms all with mood lighting, flat-screen televisions, and rain showers. Or why not splash out on the masterpiece suite with two double rooms sleeping four adults and contemporary art inspired furniture or the junior king suites with iconic views and paintings. There are 107 rooms and 4 suites.
Dine at the newly opened ARCA Amsterdam in the exceptional hands of two starred Michelin Chef Henrique Sá Pessoa who specialises in modern Portuguese dishes with an Asian twist. After all that indulgence, head to the wellness area, for a workout or lap the swimming pool. The wellness area also provides access to a Finnish sauna, solarium, and beauty salon. Close to all the attractions, it is convenient to the Van Gough or Rembrandt museums and being just opposite the Central Station.
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Occupying two historical buildings facing each other are a pair of hotels with distinctly different personalities that blend seamlessly into one luxury address called W. a former telephone exchange and a bank form the backdrop for the hotel’s 238 stylish rooms and 23 suites. Check into the Bank for a classic stay overlooking the canal where you will find fabulous suites of marble and elegance. These are designed with Dutch decadence and all the class that one would expect of a former counting house. Over the road is a vibrant postmodern exchange with vivid rooms full of colour and verve. The Wow Exchange rooms are edgier with fashionable design and a funky W circular signature bed, round baths, and a bird’s eye view of the city.
As for culinary delights there are two fine restaurants to select, from Mr Porter’s steak restaurant atop of the Exchange to the posh Duchess with a Michelin star over at the Bank, serving Italian French à la carte cuisine. The Away Spa is tucked deep into the basement of the Bank building – an urban sanctuary with top-notch treatments.
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