Hotel Snapshot
Hotel De L’Europe has been sitting pretty on the Amstel since 1896. For more than a century, it’s been the city’s Grand Dame—classic chandeliers, polished wood, and that unmistakable air of old-world confidence. But don’t mistake her for a relic. After a complete redesign in 2020 and the splashy debut of ’t Huys in 2024, the hotel has leaned hard into Amsterdam’s creative side. Now it’s equal parts landmark and salon: a place where heritage mingles with bold new ideas, and where you’re just as likely to bump into an artist at work as a guest checking in.
Design & Character
The bones are traditional: marble, mahogany, hushed corridors. You can feel the Heineken family history in the art on the walls (yes, that Heineken). Then suddenly—something jolts. A neon-like installation, a quirky sculpture. It’s part gallery, part clubhouse. Formal when it wants to be, but also playful. Honestly, if Rembrandt were alive today and running some cool Amsterdam creative agency, he’d probably throw his launch party here.
The Rooms
The “regular” rooms (refreshed in 2020) don’t really feel regular. Warm fabrics, proper marble bathrooms, canal or cobblestone views—it’s the kind of room where you don’t just dump your suitcase and go.
And then there’s ’t Huys. Fourteen suites, each handed over to Dutch creatives to do whatever they wanted. The Van Gogh Museum made one into a dreamscape of projections. Jeweler Bibi van der Velden built a suite that feels like stepping inside her atelier (one wall is literally a necklace). Wolfi Pictures? They went with a cinema vibe—velvet seating, cocktails at the ready.
The Food & Drink Situation
This is where De L’Europe flexes hardest. Flore—reborn in 2025—is already the city’s most talked-about restaurant. Two Michelin stars, one Green Star, and a dining room where the ceiling undulates like the Amstel itself. Chef Bas van Kranen is serving conscious fine dining that somehow feels indulgent, not preachy.
Then there’s Brasserie Marie—light, easy, French Riviera energy, especially on the terrace in summer. Order seafood, sit with Champagne, and watch boats glide by. Graziella is pure trattoria: pasta, wine, warmth.
Bars deserve their own note. Freddy’s is classic—wood, leather, martinis that go down a little too easily. And Chapter 1896, the speakeasy, hides away in a darker corner. Small, bookish, intimate. Perfect if you want to disappear into good conversation and stronger drinks.
The Amenities
The ’t Huys wing doubles as a cultural playground and is home to a concept shop with limited-edition pieces by Dutch names like Ronald van der Kemp and the Sisters Janssen. Wellness is a big part of the picture, too; There’s a gym, an indoor pool, and a spa.
Spa & Wellness Scoop
The spa itself is hushed and elegant offering classic treatments ranging from botanical facials to deep massages. Plus, the gym is available for those who want something more active. But the real secret is the balcony tucked just off the relaxation lounge, hanging directly over the Amstel. Quiet, hidden, easy to miss—and maybe the best spot in the building.
Location & Neighborhood Recs
Step out the front door, and the Amstel is right there, canal boats cruising by. Walk ten minutes and you’re at the Rijksmuseum or Van Gogh Museum. The Nine Streets are close—tiny boutiques, coffee stops, and vintage shops you’ll lose hours in. For shopping sprees, Kalverstraat or De Bijenkorf. For food, hop on a bike to De Pijp and dive into its restaurant scene.
Fast Facts
Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Vibe: Old-world glamour meets avant-garde cultural hub
Rating: Five-star
Room Count: 107
Pricing: From €750+ per night
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: The hidden balcony off the spa lounge, perched right above the Amstel canal.
Dining: Flore, with two Michelin stars and a Green Star, is Bas van Kranen’s stage for sustainable fine dining. Brasserie Marie brings Riviera chic to the riverside terrace, while Graziella serves trattoria-style Italian comfort. Freddy’s remains the legendary cocktail den, and Chapter 1896, the hidden speakeasy, is where cultured night owls retreat.
Amenities: Spa, indoor pool, concept store, riverside terrace
Nearby Attractions: Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, Nine Streets, canal tours
Airport: 25 minutes to Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS)
