Grand Hotel Amrath Amsterdam
Prins Hendrikkade 108-114, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 1011 AK
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#13 of 40
expert-rated hotels in Amsterdam- Recommended for:
- Couples, Culture vultures, Honeymooners, Mature travellers, Design and architecture, Relaxation, Romance
Expert review of Grand Hotel Amrath Amsterdam
Amsterdam's newest five-star hotel occupies a fascinating and beautiful historic building.
The building is one of the very best examples of the Amsterdam School of architecture and design - basically the Dutch version of Art Nouveau. Dating from 1916, the Scheepvaarthuis - The Shipping House - was created to provide showpiece office space for the city's leading shipping companies. Granite statues representing the oceans flank the entrance, while carved faces of notable Dutch explorers, traders and governors adorn the building's flanks. Inside, a magnificent stairway is carved with bas-reliefs of ships, lobsters and tridents. After a period as the HQ for the city's public transport operator, the Amrâth Dutch hotel group turned the national monument in to an understated, luxury hotel - it opened in 2007.
Location:
Very convenient: the Centraal Station, where trains arrive from the airport, and from where trams depart to every corner of the city, is a mere five minutes' walk away, and the old heart of the city is right behind the hotel. However, the building lies alongside a dual carriageway, with a not particularly appealing view over the Oosterdok harbour and building work beyond. I stayed at the hotel soon after it opened, and my only real gripe was that my room faced the busy road. Definitely ask for a room on the Binnenkant side of the hotel, which should be quiet and have lovely views over the old city centre.
Bedrooms:
Grand, with lofty ceilings, and decorated in a style to complement the building's past, with rich, art-nouveau-styled wallpaper and fabrics. The rooms are also extremely comfy. We're talking big, cosseting beds, electronically controlled curtains, giant walk-in showers and deep baths. Included in the rates are the contents of your well-stocked mini-bar, which is replenished daily, and - an unusual freebie in a five-star hotel - WiFi.
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Public areas:
The Seven Seas Restaurant is smart, with decorative upholstered banquette seating, but lacks natural light. A more relaxing place to pass the time is the clubby café/bar - panelled, with upholstered banquettes, and candlelit in the evening.
Eating and drinking:
Extensive buffet breakfasts and reasonably priced French dinners in the restaurant; drinks, snacks, lighter meals and full-blown teas in the café/bar.
Leisure facilities:
In the basement, there's an impressive "wellness centre", with a smallish but appealing swimming pool, jacuzzi, saunas, and a massage room.
Service:
Up there with the city's best hotels.
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Who stays there:
Couples on treat weekends, some businesspeople on expenses.
Price advice:
Rates are good value compared with the city's other top hotels. Breakfasts 25 euros per person extra.
Pros:
Fascinating, historic building
Often good-value rates
WiFi and drinks from minibar included in rates
Cons:
The location has its flaws
More information on Grand Hotel Amrath Amsterdam:
- Price from:
- Type:
- Hotel
- Address:
- Prins Hendrikkade 108-114, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 1011 AK
- Amenities:
- Business Centre, Fitness Centre, High-Speed Internet, Parking, Restaurant, Room Service, Swimming Pool
