Hotel de L’Europe, Amsterdam

Amsterdam has been known for centuries as the home of great artists like Vermeer, Rembrandt and Van Gogh but art isn’t confined to the canvas alone. It can be found in a lovely garden or even a well-appointed inn. At the HOTEL DE L’EUROPE they believe that, “art begins where the potential of most people ends. That is why we like to turn hospitality into an art.” It’s quite a difficult philosophy but they have remained true to it on every one of my visits. I think that part of the reason for this lies in the hands of the Managing Director, Adriaan W. Grandia. He has been with the Hotel de l’Europe for over 24 years. During that time he has personally put his stamp of approval on all aspects of the hotel and it is his attention to detail that has maintained their reputation for all these years.

But the de L’Europe has been a luxury hotel for more than just a quarter of a century. It was originally built in 1896 on the foundation of an old castle. Since it’s opening, it has continually been sought after as a vacation and business destination and once you enter their opulent lobby, you’ll understand why. It’s filled with beautiful chandeliers, rich furnishings, fine architectural details and 19th century paintings.

Though the lobby is gorgeous, the bedrooms are masterpieces. Each room blends rich, vibrant colors with oversized beds, elegant draperies and my favorite, fresh flowers.
The baths are all done in marble. They have deep tubs, his and her sinks and wall to wall mirrors. For weary travelers, they have complimentary mineral water and fresh fruit. The suites at the Hotel de L’Europe give their visitors added space and comfort with an additional sitting area.

The Hotel de L’Europe has several restaurants that all prepare meals that are works of art themselves. Their fine dining option is the Excelsior. Here you’ll find a table overlooking the canal with piano music playing in the background. The menu contains traditional European dishes as well as a daily sampling menu. They also have an extensive wine cellar.

For a more casual meal that is no less elegant, eat at Brasserie le Ralais. This is an informal but intimate restaurant that was recently awarded a Bib Gourmand by the Michelin Guide. La Terrasse provides dinners with a view. Here you can actually sit right outside on the canal and watch boats drift by. The Lobby Lounge serves snacks and drinks throughout the day but I recommend making time for the English afternoon tea service. At night pop into Freddy’s Bar to find indigenous beers or trendy cocktails.

While a perfect view of the canals maybe enough for me, others may want their own pool, and the Hotel de L’Europe delivers that and a full fitness center as well.

The location of the Hotel de l’Europe couldn’t be better. It’s in the middle of town, right across the canal from the flower market, which means you can walk to just about anywhere you want to go. However if you’re not in the mood for stroll, hop on a water taxi. Can you think of a better way to see a city that’s built on canals? So, for one of the best places to stay in Amsterdam, don’t miss the Hotel de l’Europe.