De L’Europe Amsterdam, the landmark hotel on the river Amstel whose 19th century building is as much an emblem of the city as the canals it crowns, was established in 1896. The hotel is evolving from the traditional Grand Dame of the city’s hospitality scene into a true cultural and creative hub; the ultimate destination for those seeking the authentic spirit of Amsterdam. Built on the site of the first inn in Amsterdam and filled with priceless Dutch art from the Heineken family - who have owned the hotel since 1950 - guests will feel immersed in the rich history of the property, and experience timeless service paired with the best in contemporary Dutch culture.
A BRAND-NEW LOOK
Now, following a complete redesign of the hotel’s rooms, suites and entire ground floor - including a reimagined grand lobby, event spaces and three restaurants - De L’Europe has reinforced its position within Amsterdam’s luxury hospitality industry. Guests can expect rich, natural materials, warm colors, unique objects, and antique and bespoke furniture - perfectly conveying the hotel’s historical grandeur. A number of rooms have expansive balconies and terraces, ideally positioned to enjoy the sunset; a gorgeous golden glow reflecting on the water as canal boats float by. Later in 2023, an entirely new collection of suites, curated by some of the Netherland’s most celebrated and innovative creatives, will open in the adjacent ‘t Huys wing -– ‘t Huys being old Dutch for ‘house’ – where icons of art, style and luxury come together under one roof.
UNIQUE SHOPS AND SPACES
The ground floor of ‘t Huys – open to both locals and guests of De L’Europe – is home to library-inspired bookstore MENDO, where bibliophiles can browse the expertly curated selection while lounging in mid- century armchairs; and tranquil oasis Wunderkammer, an innovative florist, which can be also be used as a unique events space, where renowned floral artists and co-founders, Florian Seyd and Ueli Signer, display striking works of art. With the expansion of ‘t Huys, De L’Europe strives to become a living creative space, where locals seek inspiration and share their work. A place for culture-lovers and craftsmen to gather, the area has long been associated with craftsmanship; all of the Golden Age Dutch artists lived in the surrounding streets, and Rembrandt’s legendary work ‘The Night Watch’ was painted nearby.
A TOAST TO HISTORY
The hotel also boasts some of Amsterdam's finest dining, with three restaurants – Flore, which won its two Michelin stars in the first year of opening; beautiful brasserie Marie, with its exclusive riverside terrace which comes alive come summertime; and Italian trattoria Graziella, located in ‘t Huys. Flore has become the hottest table in the city, with Bas van Kranen, the youngest Michelin star chef in the Netherlands, at the helm. His vision of ‘conscious fine dining’- with a largely vegetable-led menu - has resulted in Flore winning the only Michelin Green Star in Amsterdam, reflecting its position at the forefront of sustainable practices. De L’Europe’s legendary drinking den Freddy’s, named after Alfred ‘Freddy’ Heineken himself, offers a stylish spot for a nightcap, with an interior of rich burgundy tones, polished wood and classic leather furniture. After sundown, the in-house jazz pianist adds to the charming old-school atmosphere - almost as if Freddy were about to walk in the door himself.
BLENDING PAST AND PRESENT
As a proud member of The Leading Hotels of the World and the last remaining family-owned luxury hotel in the city - which the Heineken family is incredibly proud to be relaunching - the sense of tradition and history within the hotel is palpable. But this is also a property located in the beating heart of a modern, youthful and energetic city, situated on the Amstel River and the Muntplein, one of the city’s busiest squares, with bustling bars, eclectic shops and traditional cafes surrounding the hotel, making it the perfect base for exploring this side of Amsterdam. Just a short stroll away are The Nine Streets, a must-visit for picture-perfect views of life on the canals weaving throughout the city, while art lovers will love how close both the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum are to this most modern of Grande Dames.
BOOK: Rates at De L’Europe Amsterdam start at €799 ($857) on a B&B basis https://www.deleurope.com/
