The distinguished, five-star Tivoli Doelen Amsterdam is a treasure. The Netherlands’ most legendary hotel is quietly charming, fastidiously dressed, and elegantly hospitable without a single whiff of stuffiness or conceit. It has certainly earned the right to boast, but simply doesn’t see the need, as Pursuitist has the honor of naming Tivoli Doelen one of the world’s most exceptional hotels, and the best hotel in Amsterdam, if not all of Holland.
“This recognition is a tribute to our dedicated team, who work with passion and commitment every day to deliver a truly memorable stay for our guests.”
Angelo Vassallo, General Manager,Tivoli Doelen Amsterdam Hotel.
Praise is nothing new for Tivoli Doelen, which has also recently been honored with two Michelin Keys, the prestigious new international distinction from the Michelin Guide. The showering of praise is nothing new, considering that it’s Amsterdam’s oldest hotel. Hats of to the thoughtful staff and the gracious leadership of General Manager Angelo Vassallo. Together they’ve earned the right to claim its status as the very best.
A ROYAL HISTORY
Tivoli Doelen Amsterdam happens to be Amsterdam’s oldest hotel — an integral part of the city’s rich history since the 1500s. Remarkably, the hotel played host to master artist Rembrandt van Rijn, who, in 1639-42, painted his most iconic masterpiece to adorn the Great Hall of Amsterdam’s Kloveniersdoelen, later to become known as the Doelin Hotel.
At the time, the building housed the city military council and their foreign-noble guests. Captain Banninck Cocq decided to cheer up the walls (and promote his standing as a leader) by commissioning Rembrandt to paint collective portraits his militia guards in a monumental work. The Nachtwacht (The Nightwatch) was the result. Considered one of the most famous Dutch Golden Age paintings, it’s now prominently displayed in the Rijksmuseum as the best-known painting in its collection.
The preferred retreat of royalty for centuries, the property regularly hosted distinguished people such as Empress Elizabeth “Sisi” of Austria. In 1884 she stayed for long periods of time — under a fake name for privacy — and booked up to 40 rooms for her royal entourage. Today, guests can get the royal treatment in Tivoli Doelen’s elegant Empress Suite.
A different kind of royalty arrived from England in 1964 when the Beatles visited Amsterdam, for the only time, on their first world tour. John, Paul, George, and Jimmy Nicol (filling in for Ringo) checked into Doelen Hotel for two nights, gave a press conference, and were mobbed by fans when they boarded a boat tour from the Doelen dock. The band members occupied rooms 101-104 which still graciously host guests — especially Fab Four fans.
THE SUITE LIFE
Behind its historic façade lies a contemporary five-star property where classic elegance meets modern sophistication. With its refined interiors, warm hospitality, and attention to detail, Tivoli Doelen captures the spirit of Amsterdam—refined, creative, and full of character.
The hotel’s 81 rooms and suites evoke the grandeur of the past with regal shades of scarlet, gold and cream enhancing the decor and such comforts as soft seating, plush carpeting, roomy beds, crisp white linens, well-equipped coffee and tea stations, oversized TVs, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, and elegant bathrooms featuring marble tiles, gold fixtures, luxurious towels and robes, and oversized Lalique toiletries. I especially appreciated the staff’s thoughtful surprises: daily sprigs of fresh flowers, a custom Delft tile, and a lovely bedtime snack — a grandiose pastry flecked with gold-leaf and delivered in a glass box.
Moving up to a Suite is a wonderful go-big option, with more space, more picture windows, two sitting areas, a full-sized sofa, writing nook, hall entryway, and an extra glamorous bathroom. I adored my corner Suite, and couldn’t help but spend more time than usual enjoying a variety of breathtaking views from every open window. TIP: The light and bright Junior Suite also provides canal views plus its own private balcony.
And for an unforgettable stay, Tivoli Doelin’s exclusive Rembrandt Suite features a full-size replica of the artist’s iconic “Night Watch” painting on the entire wall of the sitting room. The serene bedroom has splendid views of the canal from the suite’s private balcony.
ARTFUL EXPERIENCES
The hotel continues to pay tribute to Rembrandt with its exceptional Omber Restaurant, named for the warm umber tones that are unique to the Dutch master. The well-balanced menu is colored by the rich flavors of the 17th Century, Dutch cooking traditions, and seasonal local produce. I started my evening with the complimentary welcome in the hotel’s bar area — a glass of champagne and a succulent bite of smoked herring with caviar and dill— then progressed to the dining room for Ossenworst tartar with pickled mayo, and a succulent Dutch ribeye with asparagus. Dessert called for a fantastic Dutch cheese plate (after all, when in Rome…) paired with a Night Watch night cap, an Omber specialty cocktail of coffee, rum, and Speculoos.
The hotel also curates artful cultural experiences. Guests can book a Rembrandt Guided Tour to learn all about the Dutch master and the hotel neighborhood from a Rembrandt expert. And for a hands-on discovery, the Rembrandt Paint Making Workshop teaches guests Rembrandt’s techniques of paint making, then how to apply the paint on canvas to create their own masterpiece.
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
Bordering the River Amstel and Kloveniersburgwal Canal in Amsterdam’s medieval city center, Tivoli Doelin is walkable to most everything, while being refreshingly sheltered from noisy nightlife and the city’s (sometimes) maddening crowd. The Doelin is discreetly tucked away on a quiet street behind the Allard Pierson Museum, which holds one of Europe’s most important heritage collections.
The Opera & Ballet Theatre, Rembrandt’s house, and Rembrandt Square are just a five-minute walk, while an additional five minutes will take you to the Hermitage Museum, Dam Square, or Horticus Botanicus, one of the world’s oldest botanical gardens. Twenty-minute strolls will take you to the poignant Anne Frank House, or the affluent district of Amsterdam-Zuid, home to the world-renowned institutions the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Stedelijk Museum, along with the Royal Concertgebouw music hall, designer shopping on P.C. Hooftstraat, and gorgeous Vondelpark.
TIVOLI DOELIN AMSTERDAM HOTEL
- Nieuwe Doelenstraat, 24, 1012 CP Amsterdam, The Netherlands 1012 Nieuwe Doelenstraat, 24, 1012 CP Amsterdam, The Netherlands 1012
- (+31) 20 55 40 600 ; (+31) 20 55 40 686
- doelen@tivoli-hotels.com
