'I'm a travel writer and this is the most calming European city hotel'
What do you look for when choosing your European city break? Is it all about the food? Rome and San Sebastian spring to mind. Maybe it’s the night life? Berlin, Barcelona. For me, I envisage plaited wicker red and white chairs on cobbled streets, sun creeping round corners to warm conversations with friends, glass of wine/sangria/fanta limon in hand. Crisps, olives and maybe a bruschetta or two sat between our sunglasses on the table. Paris, anyone?
But what if I told you there’s one place you can find it all, a city of fun and frivolity that often gets a rep for its debaucherous side, with so many forgetting the awe-inspiring architecture of the sloped townhouses, the tulip-lined streets and the boat-clad canals that make it so unique.
Better still, I've found just the place to soak up the city's history, de-stress with a massage (after a tough day of running to and from your restaurant reservations), get your hair done and have the best sleep of your life. You're welcome.
As a journalist, I’ve reviewed my fair share of hotels. Finding a base in a city to explore from that doesn’t feel sterile and this-could-be-anywhere is far from easy. Typically, choosing somewhere central can mean compromising on character and personality of the hotel, unless you want to empty your savings account.
I’m not saying The Pulitzer is cheap – I’ll cut to the chase and tell you rooms are around £400 a night for two people – but for a five-star hotel with eyes-rolling-into-back-of-head food, lavish interiors, rooms that look out onto the canals and just feel *so Amsterdam* – for a night or two I feel like it’s worth it. I'd comfortably say that of all the hotels in all the European cities I’ve stayed in, this has the most character and charm.
So, what are the rooms like?
I let out a little gasp when I saw the view from my room, where tall windows frame a quintessential Amsterdam scene, soundtracked with the tinkle of bike bells as cyclists fly past each other in each direction and small boats tour excited visitors along the canal system. While drinking coffee in bed with the Pulitzer newspaper, it doesn’t get more idyllic than glancing out the window to watch the bustle of the leafy city below from my big bed.
Speaking of beds, they were big white pillowy clouds of comfort that I resented having to leave, I'd happily have spent an hour in that ludicrously capacious shower and, on each deliciously adorable writing desk, there's a mini bicycle repair kit to take round the city with you. A nice Dutch touch. Stroopwafels were replaced daily (if you don’t know, get to know) and I loved starting my morning by dunking them in my coffee – intermittent fasting went out the window with these sticky, caramel-coated treats around.
We visited during Pride weekend and when the day came around, chaos ensued in the best way. An otherwise quiet street was alive with joy and anticipation, with boats parading along with synchronised dancers dressed in drag. The hotel, despite being a haven for the cultured and the classy, embraced the noise and merriment with open arms, with all the staff sharing their excitement – a testament to the hotel's welcoming ethos.
Food is my favourite part of travel. Was it any good here?
The establishment's famed restaurant, Jansz., did not disappoint. Seasonal, fresh and full of intriguing flavours and sexy small plates (that aren't too small, for me this is crucial), the food here was some of the best I've had in this delightful city. Order the oysters to start and make sure you get the crispy potatoes on the side of whatever main you go for. *Chef's kiss.*
Other foodie highlights from my Amsterdam trips over the years include my favourite ever focaccia sandwiches from Zero Zero, bagels from Flo's Deli, salad and fries on the canal at Café George and the craft beers from Mikkeller. I typically trust @thelistamsterdam on Instagram for local food reccos and I've not yet been disappointed.
Ok Women’s Health – is there a gym? Spa?
Both. If you’re the kind of person that can’t miss leg day, there’s a fully-equipped gym for you to work on your dead-lifts in. I actually didn’t spend much time in here, as I was busy setting new step count records stomping across the city.
You can rent a bike from the hotel for €16 a day, and it only takes 30 minutes to cycle to Amsterdamse Bos, a less touristy alternative to Vondelpark offering a big, juicy open green space. You can dip your toe into more workouts with a spot of wild swimming in the long lake that they use for rowing competitions, then cycle back home. It’s one of the most active cities I’ve visited, being small enough to walk and cycle everywhere, with driving not really being the transport du jour here anymore. If you're feeling tired, the buses and trams can get you from A to B.
The beauty room is a sight to behold – I got a blow dry during my stay, which won me all the compliments felt amazing while billowing in the wind when waltzing around the city. I de-puffed my tired face with a delicious cryotherapy facial, then wished I'd gone for the full body cryo treatment, then wished even more that I could have both every morning. Basically, they offer any beauty treatment you can conceive of. If you’ve neglected your nails in the lead up to your trip, you can get a gel mani and pedi while planning out your jam-packed itinerary of taking pictures of cute bridges. People that aren’t staying here come from across the city to experience the luxury treatments, and lots of my friends who live here year-round say it's now known as the place to get pampered.
It's a little expensive for me, sadly
This is definitely a special occasion hotel, you won't catch me staying here for more than a night or two unless I come into some serious money (still holding out hope, obviously). However, I've stayed in some expensive city hotels that often feel fancy, but don't offer anything new or unique. The fact that each of the 225 rooms and suites here is slightly different – every one influenced by kooky creative residents from the past four centuries – means a stay here is memorable, meaningful, and oozing with character. It may be an investment, but it's one that's seriously worth it, and I don't say that lightly. Next time, I'm desperate to spend a night in the Book Collector's Suite and watch canal boats float by as I wistfully typewrite my debut novel. That's the kind of vibe this place inspires.
If you're in Amsterdam for longer than a weekend, I'd advise checking out the Kimpton de Witt around the corner (a 17-minute walk, to be precise). It's sleek and understated, but still offers lodgings with traditional beams and don't-make-me-get-up beds, in a bustling and convenient location. The rooms here are a little more affordable, without losing sufficient style and comfort, and the customer service is just as faultless.
Go here!
To book The Pulitzer from £412 per night, BOOK HERE.
For more information, please visit pulitzeramsterdam.com
To book Kimpton de Witt from £280 per night, BOOK HERE.
For more information, please visit www.kimptondewitthotel.com/en/
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