Editor’s Choice: InterContinental Amstel, Amsterdam’s Grand Dame The Facts — Commanding an awe-inspiring view overlooking the Amstel River, the palatial InterContinental Amstel is Amsterdam’s regally impressive Grande Dame. And as a grand old lady who holds high status and a degree of respect among her peers, the Amstel claims her spot as Amsterdam’s best hotel [...]
Editor’s Choice: InterContinental Amstel, Amsterdam’s Grand Dame
The Facts — Commanding an awe-inspiring view overlooking the Amstel River, the palatial InterContinental Amstel is Amsterdam’s regally impressive Grande Dame. And as a grand old lady who holds high status and a degree of respect among her peers, the Amstel claims her spot as Amsterdam’s best hotel In fact, she boasts many “best” accolades, including her most recent recognition by a UK business magazine as the “Best Luxury Hotel of the Netherlands.”
Opened in 1867 as a “palace on the Amstel,” the 79-room luxury hotel is the preferred address for celebrities and royalty who visit this highly spirited and fun city (Performer Neil Young was in residence during my stay at the Amstel in early June 2009).
The grande dame is situated within easy walking distance of Amsterdam’s popular museums and only a few hundred steps away from one of Europe’s newest and most highly anticipated cultural attractions, the Hermitage Amsterdam, the only dedicated, independently managed venue in the Western World of St. Petersburg’s magnificent State Hermitage Museum.
One of only three Michelin-starred restaurants in Amsterdam proper, InterContinental Amsterdam’s Restaurant La Rive ranks as one of the Netherlands’ leading restaurants. La Rive, as well as the Amstel Bar & Brasserie, open onto the terrace directly on the Amstel, allowing al fresco dining, including live cooking, and an outside bar for sparkling cocktails.
Cozy Digs — You’ll pay for the privilege of inserting a keycard into any of the 55 rooms and 24 suites at InterContinental Amstel. Expect to dole out at least €395 (€625 in high season) for accommodations that range from luxurious Executive Rooms to the Royal Suite (pictured above), which typically commands more than €4,000 per night for the apartment that features a lounge, dining room with seating for eight, kitchenette, bedroom, hallway and a bathroom with taps of 14 carat gold.
All rooms and suites evoke a grand atmosphere, featuring high ceilings, classically patterned French wallpaper, spacious marble bathrooms, Lodewijk XV – XVI-style furniture and period antiques. The air-conditioned rooms also feature modern amenities such as satellite television, WiFi, Espresso and Tea machines, safe and minibar.
Final Word — Pitching camp at this “luxurious palace” on the Amstel is a must-do experience for any visitor to Amsterdam who doesn’t mind paying for the best. The grande dame holds herself to high standards and deserves praise for her qualify accommodations, excellent amenities, world-class dining and unparalleled levels of service. She is as good as it gets.
HOTEL AMENITIES:
- Dry cleaning and laundry service
- WiFi (€25 per day).
- Bicycles available
- Air Conditioning
- Amstel Health & Fitness Club
SAMPLE RATE:
Sample rate for July 10 – July 12, 2009, (two nights, two people) €440 per night for City View Executive Room with breakfast included.
CATEGORY:
***** 5 Stars
Interesting Tidbit – While all guests enjoy the use of Frette, luxury linen, hooded bathrobes, the hotel embroiders names on bathrobes for some of its frequent guests. Membership has its privileges.
InterContinental Amstel offers excellent Concierge Services. For a short video that includes highlights of Amsterdam, visit this link.
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