The Lowdown

This 19th-century grande dame sits pretty on a bend of the Amstel River. Owned by the Heineken family, the iconic property features interiors that channel Hollywood glamour, with three-tier chandeliers and red carpets. The guestrooms are decorated with vibrant colors and textures and skillfully rendered Dutch Masters paintings based on the originals in the nearby Rijksmuseum. The luxe bathrooms have modern marble and under-floor heating. The salon-like vibe of Bord’Eau, chef Richard Van Oostenbrugge’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant overlooking the river, is a hit with the city’s beau monde, which gathers for his inventive takes on haute dishes, like salmon with mustard ice cream or filet of sole with sea urchin and fennel. Hoofdstad Brasserie is a laid-back alternative, or you can splurge on a traditional afternoon tea at the chandelier-strung Promenade. Sip a signature Bloody Mary at Freddy’s or head outside to the all-weather Het Terras. The revamped Skins Institute – De L’Europe Spa offers saunas, a swimming pool and a fitness center equipped with Technogym machines, along with a host of treatment rooms and customizable beauty treatments.

In the Area

Stroll to bustling Rembrandt Square and get tickets for Pathé Tuschinski, a landmark theater that screens current films in an opulent environment, then explore the multitude of Dutch treasures contained within the famed Rijksmuseum, whose iconic works are reproduced on the walls of the hotel. Refuel with a sandwich at low-key café Pasta Tricolore, not far from another of the city’s famous art hubs, the Van Gogh Museum.