inAMSTERDAM – Amazing Destinations (Part 1)
A city bursting with vitality and must-see attractions, from the fabulous museums, art galleries and cultural treasures to the bustling streets and cafes, Amsterdam is a firm favourite for both business and pleasure.
Read on as we take you through the city's finest luxury hotels in the first of our two-part Amsterdam series.
Kimpton De Witt Hotel
Celebrate Dutch culture, art and modern urban energy as you live with one foot in the city’s rich past and one in the present.
Nestled in the heart of the thriving city centre, this boutique hideaway inspires exploration, with lots of attractions within walking distance, all whilst providing a comfortable sanctuary in which to relax.
Its 274 rooms exude sophistication with layered artisan detail, luxe textures and a palette of bold greens and blues. A number of rooms are housed in original 17th century buildings, heightening the sense of history.
Meanwhile, modern American cuisine is served up in the restaurant Celia Amsterdam and cocktails, beer, wine and bites are on the menu at casual cocktail bar Super Lyan.
With such a central location and so much on the doorstep, the Kimpton de Witt is perfectly appointed for meetings and events. Its recently renovated flexible meetings venues provide around a dozen options and can accommodate gatherings of all sizes from intimate meetings to corporate events and conferences.
Hotel Okura Amsterdam
Rooted in the art of Japanese service, Omotenashi, Hotel Okura Amsterdam harmoniously blends East and West hospitality. A member of the Leading Hotels of the World, Hotel Okyura Amseter is situated just 15 minutes from Schiphol Airport and offers an ambiance that’s hard to beat.
Rooms and suites boast views of the Amsterdam skyline while its four restaurants have three Michelin stars between them. Consider a Corner Suite for panoramic views or the Royal Suite for timeless design and Japanese serenity and enjoy complimentary access to the sumptuous Panorama Lounge.
More spectacular views beckon from the 23rd floor Ciel Bleu restaurant with its international dishes and two Michelin stars. Experience authentic Japanese haute cuisine kaiseki ryori at Yamazato, Europe’s first traditional Japanese restaurant to win a Michelin star, or let expert Teppanyaki chefs feed and entertain you at Teppanyaki Restaurant Sazanka. Other dining options include the relaxed Serre restaurant and popular breakfast spot Le Camelia.
For some down time, head to the hotel’s Nagomi Spa & Health - complete with full-service gym and pool – and indulge in the art of Japanese relaxation. A tempting reward for any high-performing colleagues, a visit to Nagomi is guaranteed to go down a treat.
Complete with 20 function rooms and four foyers, Hotel Okura Amsterdam has space suitable for any event and can cater for up to 2,500 guests – there’s even a heavy-duty lift to accommodate special items such as cars.
The Amstel Hotel
The Amstel Hotel has been receiving guests since 1867 and, with more than 150 years of royal-approved service, is nothing short of an original masterpiece. A grand Dutch residence, on the banks of the Amstel River, this majestic property even provides its own quay for guests arriving by boat.
All 55 rooms and 24 suites have authentic furniture and Delft porcelain and the premium rooms, finished with elegant French-style décor, are the most spacious in the city. The Rembrandt Suite enjoys a view that’s inspired artists for years and the Royal Suite is equipped with bullet-proof glass and dual-aspect windows overlooking the river and the square.
The Amstel Restaurant houses equally impressive views with its opulent furnishings, chandeliers and stellar international menu, while the Amstel Bar - one of Amsterdam’s best-kept secrets - carves out the perfect meeting spot for those looking for a cocktail or snack with a Dutch twist.
The hotel’s meeting and event facilities include seven elegant rooms, all flooded with light through floor-to-ceiling windows, and a view over the river, plus additional space on the terraces in summer. All events are catered for, and packages range from a small board meeting to use of the entire hotel.
With the water as a backdrop, the hotel takes full advantage of the glorious scenery and the large heated pool in its Health and Fitness Club is on the same level as the Amstel River, offering a unique view of the city.
The Conservatorium
Consistently crowned the Netherlands’ Number One luxury hotel, The Conservatorium is both grand and modern, steeped in history and bursting with contemporary design.
A former bank and music school, it is a city Neo-Gothic landmark in the Museum Quarter, adjacent to some of the most popular cultural destinations.
Its 129 rooms and suites, have a distinctly Dutch influence and relaxed luxury and include the Penthouse Wing where the entire 6th floor and its seven bedrooms can be reserved exclusively. The Penthouse Suite comes with personalised pantry support for special events and a supersized 80-in screen providing a private cinema and entertainment area.
When it comes to dining, the Conservatorium certainly pulls out all the stops with its Asian-inspired restaurant, Taiko, which adopts the perfect East-meets-West approach to cooking, interpreting favourite dishes like Wagyu beef and sushi with a twist. Another firm favourite, the hotel’s internal glass courtyard houses the Conservatorium Brasserie for all day dining, while Taiko Bar boasts a chic spot for food and cocktails. For a more low-key evening, guests will feel at home enjoying light bites and drinks at The Lounge - otherwise known as Amsterdam’s Living Room.
Wellness is a clear priority at the Conservatorium and guests soon feel rejuvenated as they come out of Akasha’s Spa and Fitness underground escape - complete with gym, pool, jacuzzi, sauna and hammam.
For meetings and events, the Conservatorium proudly houses its very own Events Tower in the centre of its lobby which offers a venue to suit every need.
Sofitel Legend the Grand Amsterdam
Sofitel Legend the Grand Amsterdam
Situated between two canals in the heart of the city, this hotel has a rich tapestry of history as a 15th century convent, royal lodgings, Dutch Admiralty headquarters and City Hall.
But its 21st century hospitality saw The Grand again named Leading Hotel in the Netherlands 2022 in the World Travel Awards and Trip Advisor Travellers’ Choice for Best of the Best in Luxury in 2022, along with a host of other awards.
Offering Amsterdam’s atmosphere combined with French elegance and grandeur, its 178 accommodations, including 52 suites with butler service, enjoy high ceilings, huge windows and views over the canals. Indulge in the Canal House Suite, in the home of a former Dutch Admiral, or the Imperial Suite, and live regally like those who once stayed at The Grand, including William of Orange and Maria de Medici.
Dining options are equally impressive: discover the flavours of Bridges restaurant with its Chef’s Table; Oriole Garden Bistro for authentic Mediterranean cuisine; The Grand Afternoon Tea in the Library ‘Or’. Or enjoy a drink on the hotel’s beautiful Garden Terrace or in The Flying Deer bar inspired by Glenfiddich whisky.
To escape the hustle and bustle, the Sofitel Spa offers ultimate relaxation with spa therapies from around the world, while Sofitel Fitness has a pool and state-of-the art equipment.
And if you’re mixing business with pleasure, The Grand has no less than 19 meeting rooms and banqueting halls – five of them listed historical monuments, including the former City Hall.
W Amsterdam Exchange
Perfectly positioned in the middle of the exciting city centre next to Dam Square, W Amsterdam blends historical Dutch architecture with contemporary style.
With 238 guest bedrooms and suites spanning two iconic buildings – a former telephone exchange and a bank – you’ll be living the high life from the start as you venture to the rooftop for check-in.
At W Amsterdam Bank the traditional has been turned upside down with edgy design, glamorous suites and stunning views of the city or canals alongside its magnificent Michelin-star restaurant “The Duchess”, design shop X-Bank and the multi award-winning Away Spa.
Across the road at W Exchange there’s a more playful vibe with Cozy and Wonderful rooms, some of which look onto to the Royal Palace, and the Mr Porter modern steakhouse with resident DJ, plus W Lounge, a stunning rooftop cocktail lounge with 360-degree city views.
W Amsterdam also hosts meetings and events in its three event rooms, including the Great Room and Mazeltov!, suitable for gatherings from soirees to conferences and celebrations.
There’s always an incentive to experience the unique Amsterdam vibe and our next EDIT we’ll introduce you to a few more reasons to visit this Amazing Destination…