Andaz Amsterdam is a design hotel venue on the elegant Prinsengracht canal in Amsterdam’s Jordaan district. Nestled in the former Public Library the hotel boasts 122 rooms, but you wouldn’t tell from outside since it nicely fits in the surrounding historic canal architecture. Inside, though, we are talking a completely different world. Step in and enjoy opulent design at its best!
It’s quite an experience, indeed, to step in from Amsterdam’s scenic historic canal environment into a completely different world of sumptuous design and chic furnishings. Colors and shapes offer stark contrasts but they somehow always manage to convey a surprisingly calm and classy spirit.
As you would expect from a hotel this level Andaz’ hosts are all friendly and helpful. The reception desk was replaced by round tables underneath huge chandeliers. But the checkin process can take place anywhere, really, in the lounge or at the bar since the staff is elegantly equipped with the latest tablet gadgets.
Renowned local Amsterdam architect Marcel Wanders was in charge of bringing to life a rich Dutch heritage and modern materials for today’s discerning guests.
Mind you, the New York Times dubbed him the ‘Lady Gaga of the design world: a constant font of ideas and energy who is nearly impossible to ignore’.
Well, I fully agree!
‘Best Design’ Hotel Award 2014
Jetsetter.com, the world’s leading luxury travel site, announced on June 11, 2014 the winners of its 2014 ‘Best of the Best’ Hotel Awards. The Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht won in the category ‘Best Design Hotel’.
This award is the latest addition to a powerful list of industry-recognized awards attributed to the Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht since its opening in November 2012. Congratulations!!! Well deserved!
Bluespoon Restaurant
The restaurant area features an open cuisine and iconic furnishing. Once you order a soup or so you will easily understand what the ‘Bluespoon‘ name and icon is all about.
Swiss chef Julien Piguet makes sure his staff comes up with varied delicacies. I followed his recommendation and tried the fish soup for starters and the veal blanquette for mains.
Needless to say that the white wine was a perfect match! If I could only remember its name!
Unfortunately this time around I didn’t stay at the hotel, hence there are no hotel room photos. But telling from Andaz’ homepage they must be equally impressive…
Here are some other impressions from a quick visit.
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If you’re not carrying heavy luggage you can actually walk to the hotel from Amsterdam’s train station and enjoy the picturesque canals.
We got lucky recently in Zurich when we got the opportunity to conduct an interview with Andaz’ interior designer Marcel Wanders and his director Robin Bevers. Check out here what Marcel had to say regarding the Next Big Thing in hotel interior design…
2 Comments
Andaz hotels are usually very good, there’s also a great one in London housed in an old train station.
Yes, I guess it was not our last Andaz that we visited ;-)