InterContinental Amstel
If your taste runs to old world grandeur then look no further as the Intercontinental Amstel is the only grand palace style hotel in Amsterdam. Steeped in history and boasting an impressive guest list of celebrities and world leaders, the Amstel is a shrine to traditional style, efficient service and fine dining.
The breathtaking double-height lobby within the regal 19th-century structure has no reception desk, offering instead relaxed sit-down check-in in palatial splendor. Four concierges are ready to assist at all hours, unheard of in the city's other hotels. Off the lobby is a sumptuous lounge with emerald accents that sparkle under chandeliers, and the river views are the best. The adjacent terrace is equally enticing, and a jazz band plays weekly. It opens early for coffee and closes late for cocktails. Locals in the know flock here for afternoon tea, morning meetings or quick bites.
The acclaimed La Rive restaurant (closed Sunday) affords glorious river views and sublime French Mediterranean cuisine. The wine cellars are a treat, and one of the two rooms can be used for private dinners. A brasserie and bar are classic Dutch with dark polished woods, Delft on display, and royal-blue upholstered seating.
The hotel's health club includes a well-equipped gym, Roman-style 15-m pool, lots of daylight, a whirlpool and juice bar. There also are masseurs and fitness trainers standing at the ready, and a sauna, solarium, steam room and cold plunge are also on offer.
Maintenance is consistent, and newly carpeted accommodations are the latest improvements. All guest rooms are individually appointed in grand style. They boast French period furniture, plush drapes, exquisite wall patterns, individual artwork in each room, and residential appointments. The enormous marble baths come with frosted glass WCs, thick robes and towels, slippers, L'Occitane toiletries, and extra-large rain showerheads. The long list of accoutrements includes air conditioning, three phones with voice mail, data ports, wireless high-speed Internet (for a fee), bedside controls, bottled water, safes, flat-screen TVs, CD and DVD players, and in-house movies. The minibar has been supersized with bottles distinctly larger. Guests can get printers and fax machines upon request.
Of the 24 suites, the split-level penthouse suites are amongst the most glamorous, with elaborate traditional appointments and wonderful views. All boast new hardwood floors and upgraded amenities.
All rooms and public areas are smoke free. Room service offers a full menu round the clock. Turndown service arrives nightly, and guests are welcomed with a tray of fruits from management. Butlers are happy to pack or unpack bags on request. Pets are discouraged. Fresh flowers—particularly tulips—are everywhere in honor of Dutch horticultural fame, and they are changed often.
The high staff count of 2.5 to each guest ensures top-flight service. They can book anything for you, from afternoon tea to a moonlight trip on one of the hotel’s three antique boats. In addition to a fleet of limousines, the hotel uses these 19th century boats for transfers.
The Amstel Intercontinental is certainly Amsterdam’s best luxury hotel and it provides one of the world’s finest hotel experiences to anyone lucky enough to stay here.
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