What it is

An 1867, 5-star riverfront grande dame remade for today’s guests with a showstopping indoor pool and locally beloved bars and restaurants (don’t miss the Afternoon Tea).

What it isn't

Equipped with its own expansive spa. But the massage menu and wellness amenities—including a sauna, steam room, jacuzzi and cold plunge, plus a mosaic-lined pool under a ceiling painted with clouds—are all anyone could ever need.

What we think

If you’ve ever wanted to step foot into a fairytale, this is it. The property was originally designed—quite decadently, we might add—in 1867 by Cornelis Outshoorn, and retains its French Renaissance revival aesthetic both indoors and out. Recently revamped and enlarged, the 55 guest rooms and 24 suites are fever dreams of sumptuous European style; our favorite is the 592 square foot King Suite with its separate living room, spa like bathrooms, and traditional touches (such as chinoiserie table lamps and thick pile rugs on the wood floors). However, even the Premium Room is pampering; the 322 square foot floor plan is a paean to regional style, including toile wallcoverings and palace-worthy draperies flanking your river or city views.

You're here because

You’re an avid history and culture enthusiast and enjoy a luxurious experience. The Amstel Hotel is the oldest hotel in the city and one with a very rich heritage.

The Moment

You thought your best afternoon teas in memory would be those you had in the U.K., but the Amstel quickly proved otherwise. This afternoon in an atrium tea house, sipping Japanese soleil vert tea and nibbling a Madagascar vanilla scone with clotted cream and preserved apples, you’re feeling like even more than a Middleton.

Restaurants & Bars

Amstel Restaurant - Rooted in authenticity and culinary heritage, the menu offers French comfort classics with seasonal additions and owns one of the most extensive wine lists in the city.

Amstel Lounge - A testament to architectural splendor, offering impressive openness. Serving coffee and lunch during the day and its renowned seasonal Afternoon Tea from Friday – Sunday.

The A-Bar - Weaves a tale of craftsmanship and heritage. Having one of the most extensive whisky collections in the city, the A-Bar's cocktails have a spirit-forward focus. Not to forget the open, large, yet intimate terrace as the perfect summer retreat.

Location

Fronting the Amstel River in the heart of Amsterdam, a quick 6 minute walk from the dreamy Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam: formal gardens originally planted in 1682, with highly Instagrammable greenhouses.