Moroccan King Mohammed VI arrived at the Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam on the same day I was departing, an indication of the level of clientele the property caters to. Once a collection of six patrician houses built during the Golden Age, Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam is now a luxurious hotel situated on the UNESCO heritage protected Herengracht canal, the city’s oldest.
Under the eye of GA Design, best known for the Corinthia London hotel, aspects of the property are architecturally impressive. A grand 17th-century wood staircase attributed to Daniël Marot, the architect who brought the Louis XIV style to the Netherlands, winds its way up from the lobby and the Maurer Room named after the 18th-century Dutch artist Jacob Maurer. A fine example of Rococo interior, the dining room seats twelve and its walls are adorned with Dutch paintings.
Consisting of 93 well-furnished accommodations, king loft rooms combine light, pastel-colored furnishings and exposed wood beams and with amenities such as walk-in showers, claw-foot tubs and a Nespresso coffee makers. The Waldorf also boasts one of the largest private gardens of any Amsterdam hotel that is regulated by a “No Drinks” policy on its terrace, since the surrounding areas are historically and environmentally protected. The hotel’s leisure facilities include the World of Guerlain Spa, a fitness center, steam room and petite swimming pool.
Dining options include the two-star Michelin restaurant Librije’s Zusje which, under the supervision of executive chef Sidney Schutte, won its stars just seven months after opening and the Goldfinch Brasserie where you can enjoy a light lunch or a multiple-course dinner. Formerly a bank vault, the Vault Bar is one of two main indoor public seating areas, the other is Peacock Alley, a cozy inner room opposite the main entrance.
One of the benefits of this five-star hotel is its location, as it sits within a ten-minute walk of the downtown area and its many museums. Across the street is the Museum of Bags and Purses with a collection of 4,500 items. If that doesn’t suit your taste, then the Amsterdam Museum presents a thorough depiction of the city’s development down through the centuries. Rooms begin at around $791 a night.
