Amsterdam has become one of our favorite European destinations lately. Visiting in our youth we were too concerned with the city’s legendary coffee houses and other well-publicized attractions to pay much attention to the beautiful architecture, history and culture. These are the real reasons to visit the city – in addition to cheese and tulips – and there’s no better place to establish yourself in style and comfort than The Conservatorium hotel.
One of the most beautiful hotels in Europe, it was designed by renowned Dutch architect Daniel Knuttel for the Rijkspostspaar bank in the late 1800s. Over a century later the fanciful but functional structure was completely reimagined by legendary Milan-based designer and architect Piero Lissoni, who gave it an elegant contemporary feel while retaining the original architectural features in a brilliant manner, earning the project major design awards.
Lissoni used furniture from leading Italian manufactures such as Living Divani, Kartell and Cassina, including modernist icons such as the Corbusier chair, alongside vintage Asian rugs and original works of art. Its key feature is a soaring atrium enclosing the hotel’s rear facade in glass and steel. The five-star hotel’s stylish Brasserie and Lounge is also located in the Atrium. All dining at the Conservatorium is under the direction of the celebrated Dutch chef, Schilo van Coevorden, whose globally-inspired menus “retain the virtues of simplicity and keep a focus on locality and seasonality.”
There’s also a chic Asian restaurant and bar, Taiko, one floor up that has become one of the city’s most coveted reservations for hotel guests and residents alike. Taiko Bar combines innovative cocktails with small plates from the restaurant and a Tokyo nightclub feel. And the hotel is also home to some of Amsterdam’s most exclusive boutiques in its Van Baerle shopping gallery, including the famed Bonebakker Jeweller, La Casa del Habano cigar emporium, and Schaap en Citroen vintage watch shop. And that’s in addition to a 10,000-sq.-ft. spa and wellness center.
Rooms at the Conservatorium are beautifully designed sanctuaries. Warm wood floors are complemented by a neutral palette of earth tones, stone tiled baths with rainfall showers, luxe fabrics and large windows with views of the Museumplein neighborhood. There are a number of alluring suites as well including two penthouse suites at the top of the atrium that are among the most coveted accommodations in the city, and a newly inaugurated Art Suite by Rembrandt paying homage to the famous Dutch master.
The Conservatorium always has a number of special offers and packages that vary by season to help you make the most of your stay. The hotel is part of The Set hotels portfolio, creating and recreating the grand hotels of our time. In addition to the Conservatorium, The Set owns Hotel Café Royal in London and Lutetia in Paris, like the Conservatorium “inspired by the artistic and imaginative heritage of their buildings and their iconic cultural and vibrant locations.” Totally unique, they’re the setting for unforgettable experiences equal to the great cities they inhabit.
