Rosewood Hotel Amsterdam Review – The Points Guy

No two hotels in Amsterdam are alike, but even so, Rosewood Amsterdam still wows with its uniqueness.

The massive brick building it now occupies was once a 17th-century orphanage before becoming the city’s Palace of Justice, and houses former courtrooms and even cells… so, yes, it’s probably haunted (although we didn’t witness any paranormal activity during our visit).

These historic sites are quite special, but thanks to a decade-long, multi-million dollar renovation, the hotel appears completely modern. Rosewood Amsterdam was designed by Studio Piet Boon to be a living work of art. It has one of the most comprehensive collections of hotel art in the world, with more than 1,000 pieces, including an interactive sculpture called “Statica” by Frederik Molenschot at the entrance, several pieces by Frank Stella, rotating exhibits in partnership with the Nxt Museum, and even a vending machine selling cheeky miniature sculptures by artist Casper Braat.

The sculpture-filled central garden designed by Piet Oudolf (you may have seen his work in New York’s High Line) and the tranquil underground spa, complete with a sweltering swimming pool, accentuate this effect.

Of course, you’ll find cashmere-clad creatives and stately business types a common sight at any Rose City outpost. But at least people here seem to take time to stroll under the elms of the Prinsengracht Canal or sip a cocktail at the Advocatuur inspired by the city’s 1960s Provo counterculture movement.

This fall we joined them for a few nights to see what all the fuss is about and what it’s like to stay at Amsterdam’s newest luxury hotel.

Rosewood Amsterdam Location

Rosewood Amsterdam is located in the city’s historic Canal District, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, close to many of Amsterdam’s major tourist attractions. In fact, due to a ban on building new hotels in the city center to combat overtourism, this will be the last major hotel to open along the canal for a long time to come.

From Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS), you can take frequent trains to Central Station for €5.20 ($6) one-way. The journey takes only 15 to 20 minutes, from where you can take the tram to a stop near the hotel for €3.40 ($4). Alternatively, an Uber ride to and from the airport costs around €30-40 ($35-47 USD) and the journey takes about 30-50 minutes, depending on traffic.

Rosewood Hotel Amsterdam booking details

Although the Rosewood Amsterdam only has 134 rooms, it offers 26 (yes, 26) rooms of various categories, suites and specialty “villas”, of which only 5 are the latter.

Standard deluxe rooms at Rosewood Amsterdam start at €723 ($843) per night. The executive suite with canal view where I stayed started at €1,560 ($1,819) per night.

Rosewood Amsterdam is part of American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts, so if you have American Express Platinum Card® or American Express Business Platinum Card®you can book through amextravel.com and receive benefits such as upgrades based on availability, up to $100 in credit that can be used on-property during your stay (such as drinks or meals), free daily breakfast for two, and guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout.

Both cards recently underwent revamps, and both now offer a half-year $300 (up to $600 per calendar year) statement credit on prepaid stays at Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts properties, so if you’re able to take advantage of this benefit, you could save $300 on a Rosewood Amsterdam hotel.

Outstanding features

• Ideally located in Amsterdam’s charming canal district.
• Gorgeous and art-filled public spaces and rooms.
• Advocatuur has quickly become one of the coolest cocktail bars in Amsterdam.

shortcoming

• Room category advantages can complicate bookings.
• Room rates are high even for a luxury hotel in Amsterdam.
• There are only two accessible accommodations.

Rooms and Suites at Rosewood Amsterdam

My canal-view executive suite was on the third floor and had panoramic windows overlooking the Prinsengracht, with walls painted a beautiful silvery blue that hinted at the city’s famous waterway.

The round sectional upholstery in topaz brown is both modern and reminiscent of the ornate furniture found in Amsterdam’s preserved house museums.

In addition to a variety of local delicacies, including a Nespresso coffee machine and Wilhelmina mints, the minibar offers a variety of handcrafted bottled cocktails and a bottle of the hotel’s own distilled Provo Dutch gin.

The bedroom has the same postcard-like view of the canal, seemingly echoing a large mural of sinuous inky lines surrounded by green surroundings. However, its most attractive feature for me was the huge king-size bed, covered in 600-thread-count Rivolta Carmignani sheets, which was just the rest I needed after days of dodging bicycles on Amsterdam’s busy streets.

The bathroom suite is also an inviting space, with a mocha marble sink, a deep soaking tub with canal views, and a spacious walk-in shower stocked with Votary rosemary chia seed hair and body products.

Restaurants and bars at Rosewood Amsterdam

Rosewood Amsterdam has three main dining options.

court

The Court is located in the lobby, with views over the gardens and beautiful grounds, and is popular in nice weather. The Court is the hotel’s all-day casual space, offering coffee and pastries in the morning and drinks and hearty meals in the evening.

advocate

The Advocatuur is the hotel’s stylish cocktail lounge, located down the hall from the entrance.

One living room is a minimalist mix of blood red wall and seat upholstery and boldly patterned upholstery. The main bar, however, feels like a psychedelic courtroom (in a good way), with angular overhead lights and a moody marble-topped counter.

There, friendly bartenders will whip up signature cocktails inspired by Amsterdam’s counter-culture Provo movement faster than you can plead “not guilty.” J’accuse is a smoky treat made with Macallan 12-year-old whiskey, oxidized barley, seaweed-infused Verjus and Kalamata olive white chocolate ($24).

An Indian-inspired bar snack menu is also available. The bartender might treat you to a sip of homemade Provo jenever, crafted by master distiller Alex Davies, and even display a gleaming copper pot still nicknamed Irene next to the bar for mass-produced gin.

Those truly interested in the spirit may be invited to a private tasting in one of the building’s old storage rooms, where graffiti and etchings inspired the gin’s label.

Ejuven

Although its name means “century” in Dutch, chef David Ordóñez’s menu at the hotel’s flagship restaurant, Eeuwen, draws on the changing seasons, which feels appropriate given its greenhouse-like atmosphere.

Dinner can start with ultra-fresh oysters with red plums, buttermilk and lovage oil ($18 for two), followed by delicious grilled langoustine with a savory baby carrot puree, leeks and umami mushroom XO sauce ($42).

Succulent monkfish with white beans and mushrooms in salted lemon beurre blanc and chicken jus ($42) is a hearty yet sophisticated main course, but try the hot buckwheat plum clafoutis with honey sabayon, crème fraîche and tangy kaffir lime ($19).

Eeuwen is also the place for leisurely breakfasts, which include flaky pastries, bowls of seasonal berries and specialties such as toasted rye bread with avocado, eggs and Amalfi lemon ($27), and fluffy traditional poffertjes (miniature pancakes) dusted with powdered sugar and served with blueberry jam ($14).

Rosewood Hotel Amsterdam Amenities and Services

From the smiling doormen helping visitors with their designer luggage, to the neatly groomed staff at the reception, to the well-informed waiters at Eeuwen and Advocatuur, the staff at Rosewood Amsterdam is always at your service. Need a rundown of what’s happening in town right now? Concierge is at your service. Want to learn more about Advocatuur’s cocktail menu? There’s no rush as you work with the bartender to try out the options.

As for amenities, the hotel’s wellness suite is located below ground level, where guests will find a spa, swimming pool, and fitness center.

The gym, although compact, is equipped with the latest Technogym cardio and weight machines, as well as plenty of free weights.

The pool area feels like a sanctuary as it has a calm pool and fantastic light white walls with a ripple texture effect. Guests can also use the steam room and sauna here.

Meanwhile, Asaya Spa offers a full range of treatments, using products from trendy brands such as Dutch organic brand The Tides and Australian Ayurveda-inspired Subtle Energies.

Accessibility facilities at Rosewood Amsterdam

The hotel’s public areas, including the spa, are wheelchair accessible due to ramps and elevators, but guests may have to use specific entrances or passages. The hotel has two wheelchair accessible rooms, so if you have reduced mobility or hearing and vision requirements, it is recommended that you contact the hotel directly to book accommodation that suits your needs.

check out

After a decade and millions of dollars in historic preservation and renovation, Rosewood Amsterdam certainly made a splash along the city’s canals when it opened earlier this year.

It maintains this buzz thanks to excellent bars and restaurants, an impressive art collection, and some of the most luxurious accommodation in the Dutch capital. While the limited number of rooms and high prices may make this hotel too rare for many travelers, if it’s within your budget, it’s well worth a stay at Rosewood Amsterdam to experience its unique spaces and incredible art collection.

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