The location couldn’t be better magnificent canal out the front, a large garden out the back, and nearly everything of note in town within reasonable walking distance: Rijksmuseum (15 minutes), the Dam/Royal Palace (15 minutes), Negen Straatjes shopping (12 minutes), FOAM photography museum and Museum Van Loon (under five minutes).
Located in the Herengracht, one of Amsterdam’s most exclusive areas which is also a UNESCO heritage area dating back to the 1600’s it is in ‘the’ location to be within the city. The area is full of canals and peppered with antique shops, cafes, bars, and galleries and is just a stone’s throw from the main shopping areas of the city.
Prime period pieces remain a staircase that rises through 60 meters of gleaming marble and stucco (by the architect of the Netherlands’ grandest royal palace), Rococo licks and curls, and 17th-century ceiling paintings. Parts reach museum perfection, such as the Maurer Room, a private dining suite with 18th-century wall paintings and its interior entirely intact. Then comes an elegant newer layer, where the style is contemporary, but the tone maintained: modern Murano glass lamps and chandeliers; blues and cream colors that give a calm, muted touch; stylish staff uniforms by one of Holland’s hottest designers.
It’s a delicate matter, hitting that balance between appropriate formality and friendly warmth. Too heavy on one side results in stiff hauteur; on the other means plastic smiles and irritating familiarity. But the staff here have it just right. Behind the hotel is a large garden, in semi-formal 17th-century style; indoors are formal and informal restaurants and a cocktail bar. Downstairs there’s a large gym (with a view of the garden), a tranquil Guerlain spa, and an indoor pool.
First impressions count and the Waldorf Astoria has this down to a fine art. As you ascend the sweeping double staircase that raises you up into the hotel lobby. You are greeted by the doorman, complete with a bowler hat, and enter the foyer floored in white veined marble with white pillars rising up to high ceilings finished in original decorative plasterwork.
Now the hotel has this clever way of feeling intimate, but at the same time still has 93 rooms to its name. Maybe it is down to the entrance or the soft furnishing and pastel colors of the public areas that are so homely.
You start your hotel experience in the reception room to the right of the entrance, your bags are checked away and you are then taken up to your room.
The hotel has 93 bedrooms, made up of suites, superior, deluxe, and lofts. I stayed in a queen deluxe room facing out into the garden area. I must admit I was completely in love with my room, it was extremely spacious at 345 sqft and I from the moment I entered I knew I wouldn’t want to leave! Finished in cream and warm brown it was homely and tasteful, there was nothing clinical about this hotel room as so many hotel rooms can be.
The bathroom was the deal-breaker or rather deal maker for me; the size of many bedrooms in Amsterdam, it had a central bath finished in marble, which was double-ended so perfect for couples. On one end of the bath, there was a TV and the bath had an internal hand shower you could pull out for rinsing your hair. The bathroom had a separate walk-in shower so not part of the bath, there was a double sink finished in marble with wrap-around lighting around the main mirror and an additional shaving mirror which is extremely useful. Toiletries were by Salvatore Ferragamo. The bedroom area has a large double-sized closet which was perfect for two people to store their clothes. There was a lovely little area beside the bed with a sofa, table, and chair, and the bed was just perfect, firm, which I like but so so cozy. Something really useful was the iPhone charger beside your bed and the room also included UK plug points a nice little touch that makes all the difference so no fumbling around for UK adaptors. I loved the room welcome pack which included a letter from the manager, some delicious queen olives, and a vial of Chateaux de Saint Martin red wine.
The room included complimentary wifi, an entertainment system (which I didn’t use, but it was playing classical music when I arrived), and a Nespresso machine.
The window was full length along the bedroom with a spectacular view out into the gardens and the curtains were automatic so you just needed to press a button to raise and lower them.
The lobby leads you into the lounge area called Peacock Alley complete with a nautical clock in the middle of the room. This is a nod to the legacy of the Waldorf Astoria in Manhattan as Peacock Alley was the lane that split the original Waldorf and Astoria hotels in two. This area is a relaxing space perfect for afternoon tea. The lobby is a level up off ground level like many houses in Amsterdam so once you go down into the basement you are level with the back gardens. The basement is home to the spa, bar, and restaurant.
The Vault bar was once a safe room when the building was a bank and the back of the bar still contains the original safety deposit boxes. Its small seating 40 covers but cozy and they do a great selection of wine and cocktails.
Peacock Alley
“Meet me at the Peacock” is a renowned expression for the place in Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam to meet up, a place to see & be seen. The gold and blue palette of the legendary Peacock Alley paints an unparalleled setting for a leisurely lunch, Afternoon Tea, dinner, or cocktails. The iconic themed Afternoon Teas, with the ever-changing surprising seasonal arrangement, is renowned among lovers of these savory and sweet treats. Cocktail enthusiasts can enjoy creative cocktails, ranging from Waldorf Astoria classics to contemporary creations prepared by the Team of Vault Bar. This elegant lounge area with flowing drapery, hand-blown glass, and classic furniture gives a truly authentic experience.
The hotel is something very special, the restoration of the building is to museum standards, but it has all the mod cons you would expect of any 5-star luxury property. The garden is beautiful and a bonus in Amsterdam’s limited space. The rooms are luxurious, the communal areas divine and the staff is exceptionally helpful without being too familiar.
Spectrum
Dining at Spectrum is about using your senses and understanding your palate. The dishes are familiar yet intriguing, curious yet understandable, controversial yet comforting. The Kitchen Team of Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam is led by Two Michelin Star Chef, Sidney Schutte. He developed a gastronomic vision in which the distinctive philosophy, qualities, and values of Waldorf Astoria merge with his years of international experience as a Chef at the highest level. The Restaurant Team is led by restaurant Manager Ralph van Hattem. After only 7 months of opening in 2014, the restaurant received two Michelin Stars. Spectrum is a clear reflection of the gastronomic and hospitality vision of the Chef and Restaurant Manager. The atmosphere in the stylish, modern restaurant contributes to an overwhelming total experience.
Vault Bar
Nestled in the heart of the hotel, the Vault Bar is Amsterdam’s most unforgettable cocktail destination. Be surprised by an avant-garde selection of cocktails, enjoy a wide choice of the finest wines and spirits and savor a selection of modern and small bites with an innovative twist.
