Overall a very nice hotel. The room was fairly large by European city standards, and everything in the room was of the highest quality. Although, I must say that this hotel was actually a little “too fancy” for our tastes. Among the amenities offered was a “pillow menu” with about 6 different options to chose from, overnight shoe polishing service, and nightly turn down that included some kind of linen mat to place on the floor next to the bed. There is a lobby bar, bistro, and world renowned restaurant on site, but we did not eat at any of them as we were usually out and about for lunch. As for dinner, I still haven’t developed a taste for calf’s tongue in goose fat so we ate elsewhere. We had some issues regarding the internet not working on one day, and another problem trying to buy pay per view movies on the television. In both instances, they sent the hotel manager to our suite within 5 minutes to try and resolve the problem. I don’t think I’ve ever met a hotel manager before, and I met two just at this hotel. They were very proactive in trying to solve the problem or coming up with a suitable alternative. There have been some comments about the location of the hotel being a little bit isolated in some of the other reviews. On our first day there, we felt the same way. However, after talking to the concierge and seeing how easy it was to use the trams, we found the location to actually be very good. It was close enough to visit all the areas you want to see, but far enough away from the madness that it was quiet (you can actually get a good night of sleep). You can catch a tram directly to the museum area or downtown with about a 2 minute walk, followed by a 5 minute tram ride. You can also walk to either area in 20-30 minutes, and get a chance to see the city in the process. There are at least 50 restaurants within a 15 minute walk, but ask the concierge so you know which way to go. This hotel seemed to cater mostly to business clientele, obviously ones with large expense accounts (we were staying for free on points). We stayed for 6 days and aren’t sure we saw any other tourist / leisure travelers the whole time. The recommendations of the concierge seemed to reflect this as well, since they were most familiar with only the best restaurants (most expensive) in the city. On a side note, the hotel is handicap accessible, but it requires a special lift for the stairs in front, which means you have to wait for them to get the ramps setup and it takes a couple of extra minutes.

Fantastic hotel. All the concierge are very helpful. Hotel is classy and expensive but worth it. I stayed 2 times in one month at this hotel and loved it more and more. The view from my room was breathtaking. Room service was great.

Visitors often have an advantage over the local residents, for they get to try some of the best hotels in any given area; locals tend not to stay in local hotels for obvious reasons; we live here. But last weekend my partner and I decided to stay at Amsterdam’s Grande Dame Hotel – the Amstel Hotel – in which we have eaten and drunk many times over the years, for it is close to our Amsterdam apartment. Staying as a guest was just amazing; very sumptuous, great service – almost regal but never stuffy! Luggage was whisked straight from our car to the room – and we had a beautiful view of the River Amstel below – while we supped champagne cocktails in the bar. Check in was very civilized and the receptionist accompanied us to our room, and explained the usual workings. The room was excellent; good strong Wi-Fi, the most sumptuous towels ever seen; wonderful rain shower we did not want to get out of; impressive lighting and a wonderful view. Also very quiet. We ate in the hotel’s 1 Michelin star Restaurant La Rive, and it was delightful; the sommelier is excellent in our view and not only knows his wines, but he enthuses over them. His recommendations were spot on! The food was delicious, and it was good to see that the fish course came in small and large portions, so you could easily have a fish course (which we did!); only the souffl? disappointed a little as it was more mousse than souffl? we thought. Breakfast is choice of a buffet or full English – though after dinner the previous night, we were hard pushed to eat very much. Complimentary newspapers were also available. Check-out was a very civilized 12.00 noon; plenty time to chill and pack to leave. The Amstel Hotel is well situated; trams are close by and the taxis arrive promptly, and the hotel just oozes ambiance and luxury. This was unlikely to be our last visit to our local favourite hotel!!

Having just spend a 4 day break at this hotel I can thoroughly recommend it. As an Intercontinental Ambassador I was upgraded to a beautifull corner suite overlooking the river. The rooms was spacious and luxurious and the bathroom a delight to my wife. As mentioned previously the 'rain' showers in the rooms are great. I had no problems with any of the staff and found them all to be helpful and courteous. I will definately be returning to this hotel at the earliest oppertunity.

I check out of the Hotel Pulitzer and into the Amstel. And now I could breathe! A beautiful and clean hotel. The location is average. It is a taxi ride, a metro ride, or a 20 minute walk to anything nearby. But the rooms are spacious and large. The service from the staff was well above average. The concierge was helpful and knowledgeable and the front desk staff was one of the best I have every encountered. The only negative was the first night I ordered room service it took over 1 hour to arrive. However, the people were apologetic and explained they had a big party they were servicing that night. The breakfast is a bit weak also. Overall, this must be one of the best in Amsterdam. For the same price as the Hotel Pulitzer, the values do not compare!