Today: Review of the W Amsterdam (Netherlands).

• Location: Google Maps
• Hotel website: W Amsterdam

Just steps away from the vibrant Dam Square and the Royal Palace, the W Amsterdam features 238 stylish guest rooms and suites spread across two historic buildings, an erstwhile telephone exchange building (from the 1920s) and a 1906 former bank with a quiet road in between. Guests arrive in style when they check in at the rooftop W Lounge, the W brand’s re-interpretation of the traditional hotel lobby, on the sixth floor of the Exchange building. Looking out to the Royal Palace and lively historic centre, the 22 meter (72 ft) Wet Deck is Amsterdam’s first rooftop pool and is heated in winter.

W Amsterdam features in my top 10 list of Europe’s best hotel rooftops and in my list of the 40 hottest luxury hotel openings of 2015.

In this review (more info below my Youtube clip & slideshow):

• Pros & things I like
• Cons & things to know
• My verdict
• Tips for future guests & save money
• Best time to visit
• How to get there
• Photos

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PROS & THINGS I LIKE

• The hotel enjoys a central location in the Dutch capital, probably the best one of all hotels in Amsterdam. It’s located behind the Royal Palace, a stone’s throw from Dam Square, and steps from the city’s iconic canal district with its vibrant restaurants, bars and nightlife scene. It’s quite amazing that the Marriott Hotel Group was able to secure this terrific spot in Amsterdam.

• The hotel is located in two buildings, with a quiet street in between. The main wing is housed in a gorgeously refurbished, former telephone Exchange building, a historic property constructed in the Amsterdam School style of architecture. It opened last spring, and has 169 stylish guestrooms, including 10 suites and one Extreme Wow Suite (the W brand’s interpretation of the Presidential Suite). Within the Exchange building, you also find a spectacular rooftop (with swimming pool) and the excellent Mr. Porter restaurant, but more on that later.

• The hotel’s second wing across the street is located in the Bank building and has an additional 66 contemporary guestrooms and suites, many overlooking the famous UNESCO-listed Singel canal, as well as a signature Away Spa, nightclub and destination bar. The Bank building also includes the W Amsterdam’s signature The Duchess restaurant and a ‘creative incubator’ concept space, providing a platform for local talent to showcase their fashion, art and design work and also featuring locally curated products.

• The hotel’s Exchange wing – where I stayed during my visit – has two trendy lobbies: a low-key entrance lobby on the ground level, from where two elevators shuttle guests to the main lobby (where check-in is done) on the hotel’s 6th floor rooftop.

• The hotel’s spectacular rooftop floor is the architectural and social highlight of the hotel.  It is a vast, glass-walled, rectangular-shaped space, wrapped around a courtyard and extending over the entire top of the Exchange building. It contains two check-in desks, a trendy lounge (with two open fires), two bars, several outdoor terraces, and Mr Porter Restaurant.

• Although it is not the highest building in Amsterdam, the rooftop offers terrific city views nonetheless. One side of the hotel looks directly onto the Royal Palace while the other three sides offer a view over Amsterdam’s rooftops. Even if you are not staying at the hotel, you should visit the rooftop lounge to have a drink and enjoy the vibe and panoramic views. Drinks range from traditional to eclectic and everything in between, as do the clientele, making people-watching a spectator sport.

• The rooftop terrace fronting the Royal Palace has a visually stunning infinity pool. Although this outdoor pool is very small (only 2 m or 6,5 ft), it runs almost the entire length of the cornice (22 m or 72 ft), so you can swim laps if you want to. In addition, the pool is heated, making a dip in winter possible.

• W Amsterdam boasts a minimalist style and industrial chic design, with lots of mellow grey shades, colorful artwork, bright spaces, heigh ceilings, and concrete floors. It brings a touch of New York’s trendy hotel scene to the Dutch capital.

• The hotel features 238 guest rooms and suites, each one of them mixing historical details with contemporary features. During my visit I stayed in a so-called Wonderful Room, across the street from the Royal Palace. While not very large, it did feel spacious nonetheless because of the high ceiling and glass outside-wall. The room was very well appointed and the technology and audio was outstanding. It featured a super-comfy kingsized bed, an open-plan bathroom with a peek-a-boo shower, as well as a restroom and closet hidden behind a glassed door. After I checked in the room, the staff delivered a lovely and sexy plate with welcome snacks.

• The hotel features two excellent and highly recommended dining venues. Mr Porter restaurant is located on the rooftop floor of the Exchange building and artfully blends a modern steakhouse’s prestige with the buzz of a chic lounge. Mr Porter’s entrance is marked by a walkway that leads past a glass display of dry aged meat. The hotel’s other restaurant, The Duchess, is located in a sumptuously decorated space (with a stained-glass ceiling) in the Bank building. It has more the feel of a French brasserie and its menu comprises exquisite Mediterranean produce combined with light and refined flavors from Southern France and Italy.

• The delicious breakfast is served at mr Porter Restaurant and it is a hot contender for the very best and most original breakfast in town. Not only does it have the customary continental buffet, but it also features plenty of never-heard-of juices (e.g. cucumber & spinach, celery & apple) and very original salads (e.g. green beens, pomegranate, and blue cheese). In addition, you can also order one hot dish per person (e.g. pancakes or eggs benedict).

• W Hotels definitely target a young, tech-savvy, modern market, and it is not different in this hotel: there is a trendy ambience, young staff, and music everywhere. Whenever, whatever. The hotel has definitely a WOW factor and it’s one of my two favorite W hotels around the world, the other one being the W Barcelona (and I have visited many of them around the globe).

CONS & THINGS TO KNOW

The W Amsterdam is one of the best luxury hotels in the Dutch capital. It is hard to beat the hotel’s central location, young vibe, excellent restaurants, and spectacular rooftop. The hotel only has a few cons that you need to know when staying here:

• Some of the cheaper priced guest rooms look out onto the not so attractive courtyard, so make sure that you book a room with a view if you want to avoid ending up in one of these rooms.

• The frosted glass shower areas in the guest rooms lack privacy and may be troublesome if you are staying in the same room with a companion that you do not feel too comfortable with.

• Although all rooms are equipped with floor and wall isolation as well as high energy saving double glass, if you end up in a room fronting the busy, main street and Royal Palace, you will suffer from street noise with non-stop traffic and tram noise, especially during the day. I would advise the hotel to tripleglaze these rooms.

• The elevators are a bit slow, so from time to time, you may have to wait a few minutes before you can enter or leave the hotel (if you don’t want to use the stairs).

• I was surprised that most of the staff are not very fluent (yet) in Dutch as they come from countries all over the world, although that will not be an issue to most guests.

MY VERDICT

• Location: 9/10
• Design: 9/10
• Rooms: 8/10
• Food: 9/10
• Service: 8/10
• Overall experience: very good: 8,6/10

TIPS FOR FUTURE GUESTS & SAVE MONEY

• Save money: read my tips for getting the best deal at a luxury hotel like the W Amsterdam.

• Save money: Marriott Bonvoy elite members are well treated here, with – among other benefits – free WiFi, a room upgrade (when available), early check-in or late check-out  (when available), and complementary breakfast (for top tier members). Read here my review of Marriott Bonvoy.

• Save money: book your room with an additional 25% off making use of a Best Rate Guarantee.

• Room tip: request a room away from the main street or on a higher floor if you are a light sleeper.

• Read my tips for preparing your trip in time.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Amsterdam is best visited between April and May (spring) or September through November (autumn), right before or directly after the summertime high tourist season. You’ll contend with fewer tourists, you’ll enjoy somewhat mild temperatures (the city’s weather is notoriously finicky), and you’ll also experience Amsterdam as the locals do, at its laid-back best.

HOW TO GET THERE

Amsterdam can easily be reached by plane, train or car. For those coming by plane, the hotel is located a 30-minute cab ride from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS). Check the Wikipedia page of Amsterdam Airport Schiphol for an updated list of airlines that offer direct flights to Amsterdam.

PHOTOS

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The post Review: W Amsterdam hotel (Netherlands) appeared first on the Luxury Travel Expert.

Wednesday newsletters always feature a luxury hotel and/or flight review.

Today (March 11, 2015): Review of the Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam (Netherlands).

• Location: Google Maps
• Hotel website: Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso

Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam stands out among 5-star luxury hotels in the Dutch capital.  The history of this iconic hotel is deeply entwined with the city’s past. After a meticulous renovation of $80 by French designer Sybille de Margerie, it became a place of hospitality, art and culture, housing 177 rooms including 52 suites. With the Michelin star restaurant Bridges, a Parisian themed bistro, Amsterdam’s first Raw Bar, a Vinothèque, the Library ‘Or’ and a brown café, this is definitely the perfect spot for the discerning business traveller or for a luxury stay in Amsterdam.

Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam features in my top 10 list of the best luxury hotels in Amsterdam.

Have you ever stayed at the Sofitel Amsterdam? If so, what was your experience? Leave a comment.

In this review (more info below my Youtube clip & slideshow):

• Pros & things I like
• Cons & things to know
• My verdict
• Tips for future guests & save money
• Best time to visit
• How to get there
• Photos

*** Follow me on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for a daily moment of travel inspiration ***

PROS & THINGS I LIKE

• The hotel enjoys a terrific location in the heart of Amsterdam, within walking distance of the city’s major attractions, such as the Royal Palace on Dam Square. For those coming by train, the Central Station is only a 10 minute stroll from the hotel.

• Although centrally located, the Sofitel’s historic Renaissance building is set back in a large walled courtyard off a quiet canal, so it is very peaceful and feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of the bars, restaurants, and coffee shops nearby. Amsterdam is quite hectic and coming home to a hotel in such a quiet location, yet so close to the action is an incredible treat.

• You will follow in the footsteps of the rich and famous: since 1578, The Grand has welcomed celebrated authors, actors, ambassadors and heads of state, such as Willem van Oranje, Maria de Medici, and Napoleon Bonaparte.

• The arrival through the large gate in the pristine, historic courtyard is an impressive start, topped off by the 2 F-Type Jaguars which are there for the complementary use of hotel guests.

• The hotel building’s past is riddled with stories of intrigue, romance, and mystery. Originally the site of two convents – St. Cecily’s Convent at the northern part of the property and St. Katherine’s Convent to the south – this address came into being in the 15th century, when women vastly outnumbered men and Amsterdam was a city of monasteries and convents, a place where God’s graces gave way to hearts in search of holiness. Later, the building was used as royal lodgings, the Dutch Admiralty headquarters and the city hall of Amsterdam. Queen Beatrix was even married here (in 1966).

• The hotel organises complimentary, daily tours in the morning to show the hotel compound and its historic significance to their guests (make sure you don’t miss that).

• Check-in is quick and efficient with some nice thoughtful gestures (such as small pastries for guests to help themselves).

• The warm decor is beautiful throughout the hotel. The marvellous lobby stands out, not only because of its design, but also because of the bountiful and continually refreshed floral displays that decorate the space.

• The rich history is incorporated into the hotel’s new architectural details. The students of the Design Academy of Eindhoven used legendary persons from the history of the building as a source of inspiration: their creative contribution with historical influences is draped across the 177 beautifully appointed rooms including 52 suites. All rooms feature high ceilings and are equipped with an excellent Sofitel MyBed (you will not want to get up!), air-conditioning, working desk, Nespresso machine and a safe deposit box.

• The real stars of the hotel are the Legendary Imperial, Opera & Canal House Suites. The latter are located in the former homes of famous Dutch Admirals dating back to the 17th century. These spacious suites are marked by timeless elegance with cream-colored walls, wooden ceiling beams, warm autumn colors and a subtle mix of classic and contemporary furnishings.

• The hotel’s refinement extends to a perfumed bath with fragrance products from Hermès.

• WiFi is complimentary throughout the hotel and of excellent quality.

• The speciality of the hotel’s fabulous restaurant “Bridges” is a local fresh fish served in a Dutch way. The “Bridges” serves also rich choice of other dishes of the Dutch cuisine with a French twist. The professional connoisseurs must have liked its kitchen and service because within a year the Bridges got its first Michelin star. The hotel has also a bistro (Le Petit Bistro), a cosy library, a cocktail bar and a traditional Dutch brown cafe style bar called “Flying Dutchman”.

• Breakfast is served in Bridges Restaurant and is presented buffet style with hot dishes served on an a la carte basis. There is large, nicely presented spread of fresh fruit, cereals, breads/pastries, juices and cold meats & cheeses to keep everyone happy. The hot dishes included various egg dishes, pancakes, bacon etc, and guests are offered a complementary glass of sparkling wine to accompany their breakfast, should they wish. The staff will do their best to meet your request if you want something that is not listed on the menu. Breakfast can also be served in your room at no extra cost if it’s included in your room package.

• The gorgeous courtyard-garden is an urban oasis of tranquility which is lovely in the warmer months to relax after a day of sightseeing.

• The hotel has a (small) spa on site (So Spa), which has great facilities such as an indoor pool, a steam room, sauna, and gym.

• Sofitel is the luxury hotel brand of Accor Hotels, offering a genuine experience of the French “art de vivre”. Sofitel Legend is a label that has been added to the Sofitel Luxury Hotels brand to designate properties that are in fact legendary places imbibed in the history of their town or country.

• The staff and service at this hotel is beyond excellent. From the maids to concierge to the management, everyone goes the extra mile to make you feel very welcome and comfortable.

CONS & THINGS TO KNOW

For lovers of history, hopeful romantics, and jet-setting travelers alike, a visit to Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam is an absolute must. This is one of the city’s most iconic and prestigious addresses, and I highly recommend it. I could not find real faults during my stay, perhaps just some very minor details that you may want to know when considering a stay here:

• The location of the hotel is fabulous, although its proximity to the red light district can lead to some sights which won’t appeal to everyone. But don’t be put off by this as the red light district is part of Amsterdam’s charm and it’s a perfectly safe area.

• There’s only a limited amount of chairs around the swimming pool (2 recliners) and the gym is quite small. But you won’t spend too much time here anyway, since Amsterdam has so much to offer!

• Breakfast is excellent with significant attention to details, but obviously pricey (€37,5 per person). Make sure you book a breakfast inclusive package. When you book via Virtuoso, breakfast is always offered as a complimentary perk.

• Food at the hotel is excellent, although the dinner portions at Le Petit Bistro are rather small for a brasserie-style restaurant.

• The elevators’ interiors need a refurbishment as they look a little worn and dated.

MY VERDICT

• Location: 9/10
• Design: 9/10
• Rooms: 8/10
• Food: 8/10
• Service: 10/10
• Overall experience: very good: 8,6/10

TIPS FOR FUTURE GUESTS & SAVE MONEY

• Save money: get complimentary  VIP perks when you book via Virtuoso  (e.g. upgrade at time of booking, daily full breakfast , $100 USD food & beverage credit, and early check-in/late check-out). Booking via Virtuoso will still earn you points in Sofitel’s loyalty program, Le Club AccorHotels.

• Save money: you can earn points here and even score a free night using points with Sofitel’s loyalty program, Le Club AccorHotels. Read here my review of Le Club AccorHotels (with pros, cons, and tips).

• Save money: read my tips for getting the best deal at a luxury hotel like the Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam.

• I recommend to take advantage of the in-house tour at 11am each day, it’s only about 20-30 mins but showcases the wonderful art of the buildings that guests might not necessarily see, such as the stained glass windows overlooking the staircases, the incredible painted walls and ceilings in the Marriage Room, and the wonderful carvings in the Council Chamber.

• Read my tips for preparing your trip in time.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Amsterdam is best visited between April and May (spring) or September through November (autumn), right before or directly after the summertime high tourist season. You’ll contend with fewer tourists, you’ll enjoy somewhat mild temperatures (the city’s weather is notoriously finicky), and you’ll also experience Amsterdam as the locals do, at its laid-back best.

HOW TO GET THERE

Amsterdam can easily be reached by plane, train or car. For those coming by plane, the hotel is located a 20-minute cab ride from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS). Check the Wikipedia page of Amsterdam Airport Schiphol for the lasted updates on airlines that have direct flights to Amsterdam.

PHOTOS

*** Follow me on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for a daily moment of travel inspiration ***

The post Hotel review: Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam appeared first on the Luxury Travel Expert.