Considered one of Amsterdam’s finest hotels, this Leading Hotels of the World (LHW) member might surprise you. Despite a historic façade and elegant interior, Hotel de L’Europe boasts some modern features that will appeal to both business travelers and tourists. Pair that with its canal-facing location and easy walking distance to everything in Amsterdam, and you have a luxury hotel that is worth the splurge. These are five of the best reasons to stay at Hotel de L’Europe.
The décor
It’s hard not to begin with the obvious. From the moment the doormen greet you and whisk you through revolving doors, you are surrounded in elegance and panache. The décor is something out of a palace, but the service more modern and refined.
Gilt-framed paintings line the walls (seemingly plucked from the Reijksmuseum), and the tufted armchairs and sofas are as palatial as can be. Even if you arrive early, you might find yourself sitting amid this beautiful space while awaiting your room. Don’t be surprised if the staff offer you a complimentary coffee.
As you move through the hotel, you quickly discover the bar, lounge and restaurants facing the canal itself. During warmer months, you can dine al fresco. What seems like a small hotel is deceiving as there are rooms on either side of the main lobby. There is also a gallery with shops and meeting space. Enormous floral arrangements brighten up every space around.
The cuisine
Home to Flore, the two Michelin-starred restaurant that draws in Amsterdammers and in-the-know foodies, this hotel offers excellent dining options. There is a French brasserie with classic dishes for lunch and dinner as well as an Italian trattoria.
Freddy’s Bar is an authentic Dutch pub where you can sample local brews, bar food, and mix and mingle with interesting locals and guests.
Flore closes on Monday and Tuesday, but opens for dinner the rest of the week as well as lunch on weekends. Prepare for a menu that is guided by the Dutch micro seasons and only using the freshest ingredients. While I didn’t dine there, I appreciated that there is a vegetarian menu (they are interestingly called the omnivore and botanic menus).
The breakfast spread at the Marie brasserie overlooks the canal and features a beautiful array of Dutch and international cheeses, salad, fruit and the option to select from a cooked-to-order menu.
The rooms
Divided between more contemporary and traditional styles, the rooms and suites here vary considerably. That is to be expected in a historic building with some rooms enjoying balconies facing the canals while others have more serene confines looking towards the courtyard.
What unifies them is the sumptuous amenities that start with the bed. Padded mattresses and plush duvets are ideal for a jet lag-induced slumber, and the easy-access controls on either side are appreciated. Power outlets and USB ports of all kinds also are on both sides.
Plush armchairs flank the coffee tables where fruit bowls and chocolate treats await all arrivals. Large cupboards house safes, minibars, robes and umbrellas.
The marble-coated bathrooms are divine with their heated floors, deluxe Dyptique perfumery beauty products (in both take-home tubes and large pump bottles), wide vanities, soaking tubs and glass shower stalls with drenching rain pressure.
Suites add extra living space, and the largest spectacular canal views. The one-bedroom apartment has a separate living room, full kitchen and dining room. It also has a series of specialty suites that range from ultra-modern to Art Deco in style.
The service
This is what truly sets this hotel apart. There are numerous luxury hotels in Amsterdam, but the team here is doting without being overbearing. As you check in, reception offers a glass of bubble and still or sparkling water as you complete your formalities.
If your room is not ready, you are invited to store your luggage, take a dip in the pool, have a shower in the spa or simply relax in the lobby. The concierge team can book reservations that you might not be able to get on your own, and the doormen are like magicians in the way they manage the narrow street in front without disrupting guests that need to unload luggage at the door.
The amenities
One floor below reception is a lovely indoor pool and whirlpool with views out towards the canal. This is rare in the city and certainly something that draws a lot of interest from travelers.
Also with exterior views is a small gym with a decent array of cardio and free weight equipment. Chilled towels, bottles of water, fresh fruit and grain bars are on offer to complete your workout.
The spa here has a lengthy list of massage and beauty treatments that can ease away stress from a long travel or work day. It is well-known among locals, too.
Anyone that joins Leaders Club, the free loyalty program of The Leading Hotels of the World, can take advantage of complimentary breakfast for two each morning plus early check-in or late checkout considerations when available. And the more you stay with LHW, the more points you can earn. Frequent guests can earn elite upgrades to use for a higher room category.
You can earn points for your stay at any LHW hotel when you book through direct channels or a travel advisor to redeem for future travels. Citi ThankYou Rewards is also a transfer partner, which means you can move points from Citi to LHW for redemptions and elite hotels like De L’Europe.
And the newest perk is that anyone with The Platinum Card from American Express gets automatic Sterling status with Leaders Club. That means immediate upgrades to use for future stays. And if one doesn’t clear, you earn 500 points as a consolation! No other loyalty program offers that. Sterling members also earn bonus points when they stay at LHW hotels, which quickly boosts your balance for future redemptions.
