In short… With classic old-school charm and a very central location backing onto a canal, De L’Europe Amsterdam makes for an ideal base for exploration in this very walkable city.
The surroundings… Just a 20 minute walk from the central station, the De L’Europe is right in the heart of the city, at the center of Amsterdam’s primary circular boundary. The back of the hotel looks onto one of the main canals, avoiding any sense of congestion despite being so central. The lobby has great light and everything was a quick walk away, with my longest journey being only a 30-minute walk.
The vibe… A very classic lobby interior with some great modern touches. I especially loved the view onto the canal, as well as the antique Flemish paintings that adorn the walls, which I later learned depict the hotel’s original building as well as some historical representations of the city. When entering, you are greeted by some very smiley and kind doormen and the front desk staff, which makes you feel immediately welcome. I am always pleasantly surprised when classic hotels have come through a major renovation with their historic details and beauty intact, and to my delight this was the case here.
The rooms… My room, a suite overlooking the canal, was beautiful and full of light, with wooden accents and, frankly, a huge bed. The décor was not overwhelming, as it often is in historical hotels, but authentic, clean and designed with restraint. My favorite part was the marble bathroom, a true testament of luxury. With Diptyque products and a deep bathtub, it’s clear that relaxation is cherished here. They’ve recently created a new series of rooms called the t’Huys, which were all designed by notable Amsterdam architects, designers and tastemakers. The rooms I saw are all extremely different, with various design features connecting the room to its designer. The standout for me was the Van Gogh room, complete with museum replicas of Van Gogh paintings—really like being in the museum itself. There’s a photography-themed room curated by Amsterdam-native photo gallerists, a cinema room/bedroom, and others created by Dutch designers, from a gray and very sleek futuristic room to a completely pink and red room designed by a pair of sister ceramicists! They are nothing if not specific, some leaning a bit gimmicky, but others that maintain the charm of the hotel, with an edgier twist. Seriously unlike anything I’ve seen before, and there’s definitely a suite suited to every taste.
The wellness… Despite not having a treatment in the spa, I did enjoy the pool, steam room and sauna. The spa is at canal level, which is quite cool when you’re in the pool or in the gym. It’s a really nice space that you get to through the newer extension of the hotel and are met with a lovely spa robe and hotel branded flip flops, always a nice touch.
The food & drink… The breakfast room at the De L’Europe looks right onto the canal, which is a lovely way to start the day. The breakfast is classic hotel fare, with a buffet and more to order, and my omelet was perfect! I enjoyed a delicious lunch in the hotel’s Italian restaurant, Trattoria Graziella. From the small plate appetizers to the pasta mains and the drinks, everything was excellent and made with care, served by a very kind and attentive staff. I had the chance to tour the hotel’s other restaurants and bars, which are all decorated differently with great attention to each place’s respective vibe. Restaurant Flore is their small-format fine dining restaurant, which also looks directly onto the canal. They have an extensive wine cellar and offer wine tastings for guests of the hotel.
Extra tip goes to… The great front desk staff! They were super kind and attentive, and on my tour they explained that every member of staff is required to either speak or take Flemish language classes paid for by hotel management. I thought it was a really interesting and cool touch that the hotel invests in keeping the language alive.
Be sure to… Go to lunch or dinner at Trattoria Graziella! It ended up being one of my favorite meals of the trip (despite not being in Italy), but it was truly a beautiful space and the food (and my Aperol spritz) did not disappoint, either. And there often is nothing better than having dinner in the hotel and rolling upstairs for a bath in your room right after!
Parting words… Overall, this was such a great hotel that still felt classic and old-school with just the right amount of modern detailing. The staff and room were perfect, and truly felt like home away from home, which is all you really want and need when staying in a new city.
Date of stay: May 24-26th, 2024
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