Reviews of Pulitzer, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Review of Pulitzer, by Kayt Sukel

Leave your stereotype of the usual Starwood Hotels and Resorts property by the wayside - the Pulitzer is a charming and quite distinctive 230-room hotel in the heart of Amsterdam. Located on the Prinsengracht, only a few blocks from the city centre, the hotel is composed of 25 restored 17th- and 18th-century houses that mix Dutch tradition and modern luxury in an unforgettable way.

The facilities

The hotel's facilities are about what you'd expect from a Luxury Collection Hotel. There is a state-of-the-art fitness room, restaurant, bar and several interior gardens to enjoy. For those road warriors expecting some type of Executive Club access, there's none to be had here. But, in my opinion, it's no great loss. Instead, wander down to the sleek and sexy Pulitzer Bar, decorated in Johnnie Walker reds and blues, and let the bartender tell you what it takes to get your own bottle safe up on the wall.

The rooms

Thanks to the unique refurbishment of the hotel's historical canal houses, no two of the Pulitzer's 230 guest rooms are alike. To maintain an authentic feel across these 17th- and 18th-century buildings, one room may have hardwood floors and low wooden-beamed ceilings, while another boasts a split level loft and amazing canal views. What they do share, however, are Starwood's standard luxury amenities including their trademarked bed, flat-screen TVs, high speed internet access and elegant marble bathrooms. Each room is decorated in cool creams and greens that give a homey yet refined feel.

The hotel breaks its rooms down into four types: Deluxe, Canal View, Executive and Suite. With the wide variety of room types based on the hotel's architecture, it may be hard to figure out what room is what - and, in turn, what room may be best for you. The hotel recommends calling for a reservation to discuss any special needs or selection of specific rooms.