LLM travel writer Plamena Manolova discovers a different side of the Dutch capital whilst exploring the picturesque Oud-Zuid neighbourhood, where the Hilton Amsterdam is quietly tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Hotel
As a brand known for its remarkable portfolio on city hotels for business travellers, at a first glance the Hilton Amsterdam appears to fit the bill. In its classic Hilton way, the hotel has found a home in a block-like building situated within Amsterdam’s Financial District. However, once you are welcomed through the doors of the hotel, Hilton Amsterdam shines in a much more tranquil light.
The blooming garden, overlooking Noorder-Amstel Canal, has wrapped itself around the hotel and offers more than just lush green ambience to the guests. The garden has secluded the hotel from the noise of the city offering a peaceful retreat which feels more like a meditative experience than a city break.
The Hilton Amsterdam was the first international hotel in the Netherlands, and one of the first Hiltons in Europe, but that is not the only reason why this particular Hilton has always been in the spotlight. Back in March 1969, the hotel was a prime focus of media attention when John Lennon and Yoko Ono started their ‘Bed-In’ for peace. The room where this event was held still exists and has the signs stating ‘Hair Peace’ and ‘Bed Peace’, of course these are not the originals.
Room
Though I didn’t stay at the famous John and Yoko Suite (this one is available to book), the king deluxe room did just fine. One of the most impressive parts of this room is the view; situated on the ninth floor of the hotel, the room gifts its guests with a panoramic view of the city and the canal. It’s particularly beautiful at sunset, when the soft pink glow of the golden hour fills up the room with a shimmering light, as you sit and watch the city transforming into its nocturnal form.
The room itself is spacious and equipped with a king-size Hilton Serenity bed and a seating area perched right by the window, perfect for post exploring rest. All other Hilton amenities can be found in the room, including their signature Crabtree and Evelyn toiletries, black-out curtains for full relaxation (once you have finished admiring that sunset, of course), and 24-hour housekeeping and room service available at each room category.
Food and drink
Dining at the Hilton Amsterdam is quite the experience. Start off with pre-dinner cocktails at Half Moon Lounge, which are presented to you in an unusual menu which inspired by the musical theme of the hotel.
The ‘menu’ itself is an actual music box where you get the play classic songs such as Is this Love, Fly me to the Moon, Light my Fire and more. Once you pick your favourite song, a cocktail tailored to its lyrics is presented to you with some extra interactive effects such as fiery cocktails, drinkable print outs of John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s famous Hair Peace, Bed Peace photo taken in the hotel.
After cocktails head to Roberto’s for an authentic Italian dinner. The restaurant is led by its executive chef, Franz Conde, who draws all of his inspiration from his time spent living and cooking in Italy, ensuring that all products and wines derive from there. For starter don’t miss out on the IlCarpaccio’Cipriani’which is beef carpaccio prepared in a classic way from Harry’s Bar in Venice, from the fifties. For main course, a personal favourite was the Agnello al pistacchio salato e patate in casseruola, which, in simple words, is a deliciously roasted lamb loin served with casserole potatoes, and salted pistachio sauce.
To do
The Hilton Amsterdam is situated a 10-minute tram ride away from the town centre, however, within walking distance of the hotel you can discover some of the most desirable museums. Start with the museum of contemporary arts and design – Moco Museum, which is located just a 15-miniute walk away from the hotel. There you can indulge in the art world and discover the works of famous artists like Banksy, Kaws and many more.
Just opposite the Moco is the Rijksmuseum National Museum, which is one of the most recognisable buildings in Amsterdam, telling the story of 800 years of Dutch history and European art.
You can also request a bike with the concierge and cycle to one of the nearby parks such a Amsterdamse Bos, where you can find the most adorable goat farm and feed some baby goats. This is undoubtedly going to be the highlight of your whole trip!
Factbox
Price for a deluxe king room with canal view start from £350 per night.
Address: Apollolaan 138, Amsterdam, 1077 BG, Netherlands
Phone: +31 20 710 6000
Email: info.amsterdam@hilton.com
Website: hilton.com/en/hotels/amshitw-hilton-amsterdam/
