Amstel Intercontinental, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Amstel Intercontinental 5 Stars
Amsterdam’s original Grande Dame more than holds its own with first-rate service, elegantly traditional decor, and an unbeatable riverside location.
Hotel Overview
Review of Amstel Intercontinental, by The TI Review Team
The Amstel's place in Amsterdam's heart goes beyond 'the city's most luxurious hotel'. It's a gorgeous landmark building, located right at the edge of the Amstel River; it's a wedding and holiday-party stalwart for Amsterdam Society; and it's grand in the old way, with high tea in the triple-height lounge and uniformed bellhops and doormen who greet you by name after just a day.
The facilities
La Rive, the hotel's restaurant, happens to be considered Holland's best, with not one but two Michelin stars under its belt. Its menu, as well as a more casual one, are available 24 hours from Room Service. The hotel has three conference-cum-ballrooms, two terrace bars, and a breathtakingly elegant fitness center with an indoor lap pool and sauna. There's wireless internet and HDTV available throughout. The local-flavor trump card: you can book a dinner cruise around the city on one of the Amstel's refurbished antique boats; you'll have a guided tour, and will stop in at some of the city's best restaurants-a different one for each course.
The rooms
All 79 rooms are decorated in a predictable but perfectly pleasing style: toile de jouy and high-quality antique reproductions, sprawling marble-and-gilt baths with separate shower rooms, and decadently comfortable beds produced exclusively for the hotel (the mattresses can be purchased through the concierge; just ask). Rooms on the north side of the top floor, facing the river, have panoramic views of the Carre theater and the city center.
Facilities
Rooms
79Awards
La Rive restaurant was awarded 17 points in the GaultMillau Hotel & Restaurant Guide 2009; "Best Hotels of the World" Forbes Traveler 400 List 08; "Gold List" Conde Nast Traveller 08, 07; "Amsterdam Choice," Fodor's 06
Who stays here?
Royalty and heads of state, as well as marquis names from the entertainment world (if Madonna’s playing in town, here’s where she’s staying).
Come for...
- World class elegance and service with a distinctly Dutch flair (read: approachable and helpful)
Not Suitable for...
- Boutique hotel lovers; anyone looking for the seedy side of Amsterdam (this is five-star all the way).
Children
Baby-sitting services can be provided on request.
Eating in
La Rive is the country’s best restaurant; enough said.
The Press Say
"Perched regally over the Amstel River and Friedrichplein, with impressive views and lavish Old World style." New York Times 05