Starwood Hotels & Resorts (Starwood) has launched its latest W hotel in the Netherlands.
W Amsterdam is located in the epicentre of the city’s social scene, and positioned close to the Dam Square and Royal Palace. Spanning across two buildings, the 238-room hotel was designed by Office WINOV and Baranowitz Kronenberg Architects, who worked together to refresh the historic buildings with contemporary features that the W brand is known for.
The first building used to be the site of the former Telephone Exchange (Exchange), while the second used to be home to KAS Bank (Bank). The Exchange building now offers 172 guestrooms while the Bank building – to open early next year – will feature 66.
When fully operational, W Amsterdam will have a total of 21 suites, including three WOW suites and two Extreme WOW suites – the W brand’s take on the presidential suite concept. Measuring 183sqm in size, the Extreme WOW suite will come with an open plan bathroom, walk-in wardrobe and large round bed that overlooks the Royal Palace.
As with most newly opened Starwood properties, W Amsterdam will support SPG Keyless technology – the group’s keyless entry system that enables guests to use their smartphone or wearable device as a room key.
The hotel offers three dining outlets. Mr Porter is located on the rooftop and blends qualities of a modern steakhouse with the ambiance of a chic, high-energy lounge, while The Duchess is located just across the street and serves up a wide range of European favourites. There is also the W Lounge where guests can enjoy cocktails and drinks at the attached bar.
Recreational facilities include the Wet Deck, which is Amsterdam’s very first rooftop pool; Fit – a fitness centre; spa; and XBank, a 700sqm exhibition gallery that showcases local design, fashion and music talents. All of these will be open in early 2016 alongside the remaining guestrooms.
Finally, W Amsterdam offers 414sqm of meeting and event spaces, including a Great Room, which can be divided into three smaller meeting rooms.
For more information, visit starwoodhotels.com
Clement Huang
