W Hotels Worldwide has debuted in the Netherlands with the opening of W Amsterdam. Owned by Europe Hotels | Private Collection, the hotel brings the W brand’s distinctive New York energy, Whatever/Whenever service mentality and upbeat programming to the Dutch capital. Just steps away from the vibrant Dam Square and the Royal Palace, the hotel introduces WET DECK, the city’s first rooftop pool, and new culinary venues, including THE DUCHESS and MR PORTER.
“The long awaited and much anticipated opening of W Amsterdam brings a distinctive new take on hospitality to the heart of the city,” said Anthony Ingham, Global Brand Leader of W Hotels Worldwide. “Amsterdam has emerged as a world leader in design, music and fashion, all of which have long been passions of W Hotels and our global travelers. As one of Europe’s most popular destinations, we are excited to welcome guests and locals alike to an energetic space full of unexpected moments.”
Located in the epicentre of Amsterdam’s vibrant social scene, the 238-room hotel spans two iconic buildings, one of which used to house the former Telephone Exchange (‘Exchange’) and the other was previously home to KAS Bank (‘Bank’). W Amsterdam was designed by Office WINHOV and Baranowitz Kronenberg Architects, who collaborated with local designers to refresh the historic buildings with contemporary features inspired by their storied past.
“Amsterdam’s progressive spirit is a perfect match for W Hotels. We are thrilled to introduce a new style of modern hospitality to the Netherlands in partnership with Europe Hotels | Private Collection and its owner, Liran Wizman, who share our vision for W Hotels,” said Michael Wale, President, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Europe, Middle East and Africa. “W Amsterdam is our first W Hotel in the country and reinforces Starwood’s commitment to grow our presence in this important European market.”
The Exchange building features 172 stylish guest rooms, while the 66 rooms in the Bank will open early next year. The hotel will have a total of 21 suites, three WOW suites and two lavish Extreme WOW suites – the W brand’s take on the Presidential suite. Boasting 183 square metres of innovative design, an open plan bathroom complete with a hot tub, walk-in wardrobe and large round bed with extraordinary views of the Royal Palace, the Extreme WOW Suite is the city’s most glamourous crash pad. W Amsterdam features SPG Keyless, a keyless entry system enabling guests to use their smartphone or wearable device as a room key.
Guests arrive in style when they check in at the rooftop W Lounge, the W brand’s re-interpretation of the traditional hotel lobby, on the sixth floor of the Exchange building. With four outdoor terraces and floor-to-ceiling windows, guests can enjoy spectacular 360-degree views over canal houses and heritage sites. Looking out to the Royal Palace and lively historic centre, WET DECK is Amsterdam’s first rooftop pool. Spanning 22 metres and heated in winter, WET DECK is where Amsterdam’s style-savvy locals mix it up over open air cocktails and city scape views. Also located on the rooftop, MR PORTER blends qualities of a modern steakhouse with the sophisticated ambiance of a chic, high-energy lounge.
Across the street in the Bank building, THE DUCHESS opened in June to rave reviews, combining an eclectic taste of London and Viennese grandeur. The building also houses FIT state-of-the-art fitness centre; a spa located amid the original bank vaults; and XBANK, a 700 square metre exhibition gallery and immersive creative incubator concept space that connects local design, fashion and music talents – all of which will be unveiled in early 2016 together with the remaining guest rooms.
W Amsterdam will offer 414 square metres of ultra-modern meeting and event space, including a Great Room which can be divided into three smaller meeting rooms.
“The opening of W Amsterdam marks the pinnacle of Amsterdam’s rapid growth as one of Europe’s most popular destinations for jet setting travellers,” said Liran Wizman, owner of W Amsterdam and Europe Hotels | Private Collection. “With its innovative lifestyle programming and two distinctive restaurants set to shake-up the capitals hospitality scene, W Amsterdam will bring something new and exciting to the hotel industry in the Dutch capital.”
With the opening of W Amsterdam, Starwood now has three hotels in the Netherlands – including Sheraton Amsterdam Airport Hotel Schiphol and Hotel Des Indes, a Luxury Collection Hotel, The Hague. The company will continue to expand its Dutch portfolio with the debut of Element Amsterdam in early 2016.
