Inside Amsterdam’s Most Aesthetic Hotel

Amsterdam is on a mission to change its reputation. The Dutch capital has long been associated with boozy stag dos and cannabis cafes, but recently there has been a crackdown on tourists flocking there for wild weekends. There’s hope this will make space to showcase the city’s sophisticated side – its rich history and culture, picture-perfect canal vistas and quirky shopping districts. Nowhere is this showcased better than at The Pulitzer, one of Amsterdam’s finest five-star hotels: a design lover’s dream spread across 25 canal houses in the heart of the Nine Streets.

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Review: The Pulitzer, Amsterdam

STAY

The hotel’s story began in 1970, when Peter Pulitzer (grandson of Pulitzer Prize founder Joseph Pulitzer) bought a row of 12 houses along the Prinsengracht and Keizersgracht canals, and spearheaded their renovation into a unique hotel. Over the years, the venue expanded across 13 more houses, and in 2015 and 2016, it underwent a big revamp, helmed by designer Jacu Strauss. 

His aim was to reflect the illustrious history of the building, imagining all the people who may have lived there over the years, while also tapping into the city’s wider culture. This gives the hotel a distinctly unique, quirky feel which is not restricted by one particular interior style or colour palette. Upon arriving at the hotel, you’re greeted by a huge piano hanging from the ceiling, followed by a lobby decked out with vintage Persian rugs, plush armchairs and a selection of historic and contemporary artwork. Beside this sits a library filled with Pulitzer Prize-winning books.

This eclectic feel continues across the 225 bedrooms, which are all different in style. Categories range from the Cosy Room (designed for solo travellers) to the incredible Merchant Suite: a palatial, three-bedroomed emporium complete with views over the Keizersgracht – certainly one of Amsterdam’s top hotel rooms. The Collector’s Suites are also particularly special, inspired by the flamboyant Dutch aristocrats who once resided in the canal houses. The Flower Collector’s Suite, for instance, draws on Amsterdam’s botanical culture with floral-inspired artwork and pops of fuschia.

We stayed in a Generous Room, which offers a little more space than the Classic, with the option to add an extra bed – ideal for parents travelling with a child. This came complete with all the amenities you’d expect from a hotel of this calibre, plus fun Amsterdam quirks, like Dutch stroopwafels and a bike repair set. All rooms feature sleek marble bathrooms decked out with Debaser products, some with rainfall showers, others decadent roll top baths. 

EAT

There’s much to be excited about, too, in the hotel’s food and drink offering. Jansz is the hotel’s elegant all-day restaurant, named after 17th century craftsman Volkert Jansz, who once lived in the space. It serves modern European fare: the dinner menu includes starters of Dutch oysters with apple and cucumber, and shrimp croquettes ahead of a selection of seasonal small and large plates. There’s tender, creamy roasted aubergine served with hummus and pomegranate seeds, perfectly fresh yellowtail crudo, and ribeye carpaccio jazzed up with capers and piccalilli. Mains, meanwhile, include a standout baked cauliflower dish, spiced with a garam masala and topped with macadamia; Dorset lamb with green asparagus and potatoes dauphinoise; and halibut with spinach and beurre blanc. Pair with some of the deliciously moreish smashed potatoes and a portion of buttery spring greens – heaven.

Breakfast, meanwhile, includes an impressive buffet featuring mini pastries, fruit and continental fare, alongside a made-to-order menu featuring banana pancakes, French toast, egg dishes and avocado on toast. Nab a table by the window for views of the canal while you dine – or, during the summer months, enjoy your meal on the restaurant’s pretty terrace, perched beside the water. 

For cocktails, head to the famed Pulitzer’s Bar. The Art Deco-style space has a glamorous, speakeasy-style feel to it, with dark walls, brown leather armchairs, gold antique mirrors and books dotted around the walls. With its low-level jazz music and buzzy atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot for a Friday night drink, hotel guest or not. A recently launched cocktail menu ‘Journey Into Dreamland’ offers imaginative twists on classics: the Nightmare is The Pulitzer’s version of a daiquiri, made with Ketel One Jenever, fermented blueberry and sloe gin, while the Red Moon uses the highball as its muse, made with gin, rhubarb and grapefruit foam. Our ultimate favourite, though, has to be the Lullaby: a delightful champagne cocktail mixed with peach caviar, wine reduction and vodka.

Also worth a visit is the central Pulitzer Garden, which spills out from the lobby into a courtyard area. Stop by for an al fresco coffee or glass of wine, or visit the Spritz Garden, which serves up refreshing tipples throughout the summer months.

DO

Craving some R&R? The hotel has recently launched a new wellness concept, The Beauty House, offering an array of treatments including massages, reflexology, 111SKIN facials, blow drys and manicures. If you fancy a quick workout, there’s a 24-hour gym housed within a garden outbuilding.

You’re also perfectly placed for a weekend exploring the city. Wander round the corner for a spot of shopping on the picturesque Nine Streets, which are lined with boutique stores and charming cafes. Just a few minutes away you’ll find the trendy Jordaan area, home to fashionable restaurants, bakeries and bars, as well as the Anne Frank House and contemporary art gallery Ron Mandos.

No weekend in Amsterdam is complete without a boat trip along the world-famous canals. The Pulitzer has two of its own boats (both suitably stylish): The Belle, which can be booked out for private tours complete with champagne and snacks, and Tourist, which offers daily public cruises. Alternatively, make like the locals and meander round the city on one of The Pulitzer’s Dutch-style bicycles.

THE FINAL WORD

It’s hard to fault this gem of a hotel, which seamlessly blends old and new. Despite its upmarket, five-star status it has a relaxed feel, with warm, genuine staff there to cater for your every whim. With its ultra-Instagrammable interiors, prime location and impressive foodie offering it ticks all the boxes for a quintessential Netherlands experience; this is Amsterdam at its best.

BOOK IT

pulitzeramsterdam.com