Conservatorium Hotel

The Conservatorium hotel is a high-end luxury lifestyle hotel offering guests a unique access to the best of the local culture alongside amenities, service and design that compete at the highest level on a global stage.

Originally founded in 1275, present-day Amsterdam is bursting with history and rife with countless museums and galleries. The city is undergoing a palpable arts-led renaissance that is feeding both local and international resurgent appetites for travel to Amsterdam.

A destination for world-class food and drink venues

All dining venues at The Conservatorium hotel are under the helm of celebrated Dutch-chef, Schilo van Coevorden, whose style of food has continuously evolved throughout the years, adapting and adopting traditions from all over the world while retaining the virtues of simplicity and focus on locality and seasonality. Guests, local residents, and visitors are able to soak in the first morning sunlight with the finest coffee, teas, and cakes from The Lounge where they can absorb the daily news from the comfort of the various plush oversized sofas located in the elegant glassed Atrium space. Set to become a cornerstone for both social gatherings and informal business meetings, The Atrium also boasts an informal Brasserie offering classic and light all-day dining including salads, sandwiches, and seasonal plat du jour.

In addition to The Brasserie, the hotel’s specialty restaurant — located on the first floor and overlooking The Atrium and the Paulus Potterstraat (home of the Van Gogh and Stedelijk museums) – offers local dishes from regionally sourced ingredients while magnificent open-plan kitchens enchant the restaurant’s guests. For drinks, Tunes Bar by Schilo is the ultimate watering hole in the city for sophisticated mixology, with an internationally inspired drinks list, a separate elevated smoking lounge, chic décor, DJ, and gourmet tapas style food.

Amterdam’s vibrant center

Ideally located in the heart of the city’s major museums cluster (Museumplein) and the Royal Concertgebouw, and parallel to the prestigious designer-fashion district of P.C. Hooftstraat and Van Baerlestraat, The Conservatorium hotel offers unrivalled proximity to all of the capital’s cultural destinations. While nestled in “Oud Zuid” (The Old South), art lovers will be delighted by the proximity of world-class offerings from such venerated arts institutions as the Rijksmuseum, the Stedelijk, and the Van Gogh Museum. For those seeking bohemian shops, independent restaurants and cafes, or a meander in the Vondelpark, the hotel is remarkably close by. It is also just a short stroll from the charming lanes of the Jordaan neighborhood. Be it on foot or by bicycle, guests of the hotel will be able to leisurely discover the gabled houses dotting the grand canals from the Dutch Golden Age of the 17th Century while simultaneously exploring the vibrant and bustling business (Zuidas) and design quarters nearby.

Piero Lissoni: The Dutch Golden Age meets Contemporary Italian Design

Hotel Conservatorium Amsterdam occupies the famous site of Amsterdam's former Sweelinck music conservatorium. Originally built at the end of the 19th Century and conceived by the renowned Dutch architect Daniel Knuttel as the Rijkspostspaarbank Building, the construction heralded an urban regeneration of the Museumplein, an area which had been left previously derelict. Knuttel was praised for his ability to fuse simplicity and functionality, and the award-winning Milan-based architect, furniture and interiors designer Piero Lissoni has embraced this tradition through the re-incarnation of this spectacular building 100 years later.

Against the backdrop of the building's incredibly rich history, the hotel has been consistently imbued with Lissoni's signature style. Known for his austere lines, demure fabrics and shades of grey that are occasionally dotted by the appearance of bright accents, Lissoni is considered one of the most prominent and exciting contemporary Italian designers. His clean designs are a hybrid of modernist and contemporary chic and contrast playfully with the on-going bath of natural daylight throughout the building's airy spaces.

Outstanding furnishing from leading manufacturers such as Cassina, Living Divani and Vitra sit prominently in all communal spaces and are complemented by Piero Lissoni’s own custom-made furniture and lighting while accent pieces such as vintage Asian rugs provide a sense of familiar comfort. According to Lissoni "The sophisticated simplicity of the hotel was conceived with the hope of creating a personal atmosphere and ambience whereby guests and visitors alike instantly feel naturally at home. This balance of beautiful design and hospitable warmth is key to all of my projects and a key facet to my collaborations with The Mamilla and The Conservatorium hotel."

Pioneering guest rooms

The Conservatorium Hotel is comprised of 129 rooms and occupies eight floors with room categories in the property ranging from superior, deluxe, grand deluxe and suites of varying sizes. Paying homage to the building’s original lofty ceilings and almost half of the rooms have been configured into stunning duplex layout with oversized functional windows and exposed structural beams. The rooms, all with natural daylight and double glazed windows, range in size from 30m2 to a spacious 170m2.

Any highlighted suites: The Van Baerle Suites - are large 65 square meter suites with 4,5 meter high ceiling. The rooms offer a large seating area and working space with free wireless internet and state-of-the-art in room entertainment. The spacious bathroom with natural day light features a solid stone oval bath, large walk-in closet, separate rainfall shower, deluxe amenities and a bathroom LCD mirror TV. The Concerto Suite - is a unique duplex suite of 90 square meter with a separate seating area. This contains a dining area which is complimented with a service area, free wireless internet, state-of-the-art in room entertainment and features natural daylight through the architectural historic windows. The very spacious bathroom has a freestanding oval stone bath tub and a separate rainfall shower as well as deluxe amenities and bathroom LCD mirror TV. The bedroom on the duplex level offers a beautiful view on the Stedelijk Museum. The I love Amsterdam Suite - is a beautiful triplex suite of 155 square meter with a view of the Amsterdam skyline. Located on the top floor, the original wooden beams and historic architecture define the space. The suite is divided in three levels with a spacious bathroom. The Penthouse - of 170 square meters features a large living room and dining room with a support pantry for special events. A large 8oinch screen to use as private cinema. Floor to ceiling windows overlooking Amsterdam and the historical Conservatorium Hotel facade.

For more information please visit conservatoriumhotel, or call +31 20 5700000.


Hotel Okura Amsterdam

Hotel Okura Amsterdam

Experience true hospitality

Hotel Okura Amsterdam is one of the finest five-star luxury hotels that you will find in The Netherlands and exclusive member of ‘The Leading Hotels of the World’. It is conveniently located in proximity of Schiphol International Airport as well as major tourist attractions. With 300 comfortable rooms, including the largest (485m2) and most luxurious suite of the Benelux Countries, the hotel offers unrivalled high-class accommodation facilities.

Ciel Bleu Restaurant

Ciel Bleu Restaurant on the 23rd floor of Hotel Okura Amsterdam is a unique destination in many ways. The spectacular view of Amsterdam is the perfect opportunity to see the city from another perspective. Forget today’s buzz and let the chef surprise you with his creations combined with extraordinary wines. Desires of international guests are the basis of Chef Onno Kokmeijer’s inspiration. He is constantly looking for the best ingredients and innovative methods of preparation. Sommelier Noël Vanwittenbergh persuades you with his knowledge of wine and surprises you with the most special and exclusive wines. The ultimate Ciel Bleu experience involves exceeding your expectations, not just with regard to food, but also with regard to service. The restaurant team cooperate flawlessly and everybody exudes a sense of fun at work. They will make sure you are comfortable and relaxed. The service is anything but formal and the interaction with guests is light-hearted and lively. The team aims to surprise you with personality, involvement and expertise.

Serre Restaurant – Inspired by Ciel Bleu

At the ground floor of Hotel Okura Amsterdam you will find an international restaurant offering a menu inspired by that of Ciel Bleu, Okura’s two-star restaurant. At Serre Restaurant, classic culinary creations are transformed into somewhat simpler dishes without loosing their essence. All day long, the most delicious food is served, from a broad selection of lunch options and specialties from all corners of the world, to gastronomic snacks and extensive dinners. In summer, you can also enjoy Serre’s delicacies on the spacious terrace on the Amstel Canal. Michelin awarded the restaurant a Bib Gourmand for its outstanding quality for moderate prices.

Yamazato Restaurant

On the ground floor of Hotel Okura Amsterdam you will find Okura’s traditional Japanese Yamazato Restaurant, a famous place for enjoying the authentic haute cuisine of Japan, kaiseki ryōri. Yamazato is renowned for its menu, which boasts more than fifty specialities, and its traditional Japanese ambiance. The 15th and 16th-century Sukiya style decor, the exquisite Japanese hospitality and the view of the Japanese garden complement the culinary arts of Executive Chef Masanori Tomikawa to perfection. Yamazato received a Michelin star in 2002 and was the first traditional Japanese restaurant to be awarded one Michelin star in Europe.

Teppanyaki Restaurant Sazanka

Experience the ancient traditions and contemporary tastes of Japanese cuisine in Teppanyaki Restaurant Sazanka. Chef Masashi Nonaka and his team will prepare the most delicious fish, meat and vegetarian dishes on a hot iron griddle at your table: à la minute cooking with Japanese precision. The contemporary Japanese interior, inspired by the elements of stone, wood, water and fire, is an oasis of tranquillity. The teppanyaki griddles are large enough for seven to ten guests and are ideal for both business and celebratory dinners.

Le Camelia

Breakfast is the most important meal. Le Camelia provides the best breakfast experience in line with Okura’s culinary reputation. The buffet selection offers an extensive variety of cereals, seeds, fruits and vegetables and many organic and healthy suggestions. The seasonal buffet is prepared with a mix of European and Asian ingredients. Le Camelia can also be rented as a private restaurant, ideal for festive celebrations and events.

Taste of Okura

Would you like to learn how to cook like a Michelin starred chef? You’ll find the perfect kitchen to do this in Hotel Okura Amsterdam. At the culinary center ‘Taste of Okura’, Okura’s chefs show how to prepare their dishes. As a result of the culinary diversity within Hotel Okura Amsterdam, there’s a variety of workshop you can choose from. In addition to a kitchen, the culinary center also has a wine room where wine and sake tastings are organized. Okura’s sommeliers help you developing a discerning taste in wine, show you how to distinguish between different grape sorts and the varieties of flavor from continent to continent and tell you all about the origin and the rituals that are associated with drinking sake. The workshops of Taste of Okura can be enjoyed individually, as a group or for business occasions.

Lobby Bar

Lobby Bar is a charming bar with a delightfully informal ambiance that makes it the perfect place to meet friends and business guests for a cup of coffee, or a drink and a snack. There are no fewer than 60 delectable cocktails to choose from. The Art Deco design style from the 1920's played an important role in the design of this bar. Typical characteristics of this style, like clean geometric lines, can be found in the carpet and armchairs.

Twenty Third Bar

Twenty Third owes its name to its location, which offers an unparalleled view over virtually all of Amsterdam. In this stylish bar on the 23rd floor of Hotel Okura Amsterdam a wide range of cocktails is served. The drinks list offers an extensive selection of wines as well as 17 different champagnes, six of which are also available per glass. All drinks were selected especially for Twenty Third by sommelier Noël Vanwittenbergh and bar manager Marc Wüst. In addition to this great variety of drinks the bar offers, various delicacies which are prepared in the adjoining Ciel Bleu Restaurant which has been awarded two Michelin stars.

For more information, visit hotelokuraamsterdam, or call +31 20 6787491.


The College Hotel

Experience the art of food

Gastronomy enthusiasts will feel right at home in the restaurant of The College Hotel. Chef Nick Schouten and his team present a cuisine with an international touch, but which originates in the Dutch kitchen.

Chef Nick Schouten makes subtle use of new techniques, but only complementary. His love for the trade, eye for presentation and use of fair and fresh products ensure a high level of cuisine. The elongated open kitchen makes lunch and dinner at The College Hotel all the more enjoyable. You can see the kitchen crew work at all times.

The College Restaurant is also perfect for a delicious lunch. Are you having a business meeting? You and your business partners will definitely be pleasantly surprised by The College Power Lunch. This 3-course lunch gives you a small taste of our delicious dishes from the dinner menu. And for the ladies we have Lady Lunch consisting of a selection of appetizers, a tasty main course and a sweet dessert tasting. All while enjoying a glass of quality wine per person. Upon departure you will receive a ladylike giveaway gift.

For more information, visit thecollegehotel, or call +31 20 5711511.


Restaurant As

As loves pure cooking

Restaurant As is situated in the former St Nicolaas Chapel (designed by architect Lau Peters in 1962) on the edge of the Beatrixpark in Amsterdam. As represents pure cooking. Demonstrating in a respectful manner, that one organism dies to keep another alive. We serve an appealing range of dishes, largely shaped by nature. Seasonal and climatic changes determine what’s on the menu.

Suppliers

Our taste-buds are numbed under the influence of food-multinationals. Everything contains sugar, everything tastes similar. Restaurant As works with authentic, full-flavored ingredients supplied by local retailers who share our thoughts on taste, quality and sustainability.

Our kitchen

Our kitchen is directly connected to the outdoors, and so is our cooking. The weather determines our culinary course of action. Indian summer? Samba. Brass monkey weather? Braising. We cook on the open fire in our wood oven, and prepare the dishes on the stone workbench in plain view. We apply time-honored cooking methods like curing, smoking and pickling. Our freshly baked sourdough-bread completes the scene.

Make a reservation at restaurantas.nl or call +31 20 6440100.

Photography: Jochem van Grunsven