This Amsterdam hotel is steeped in history

What we love 

➤ Location, location, location: The hotel’s location could not be better for exploring Amsterdam. It’s a short walk to the Rokin metro station, which connects you to neighborhoods throughout the city and Holland, making getting around a breeze.  

➤ Green eating: The hotel has three on-site restaurants, one of which, Flore, is the proud recipient of a Green Michelin star, and two Michelin stars.

➤ Charming service: Kind smiles greeted me everywhere, from reception to the restaurants to the on-site shop to the bar to the front door. A staff member even offered me a private tour of the property, to help me get acclimated. 

Things to consider 

➤ Popular hotel: The hotel is popular, and rightfully so, but this means it can be busy and comes with a higher price tag. 

➤ Breakfast is pricey: If your booking does not include breakfast, you may want to consider leaving the property for the first meal of the day (it starts at around $55 per person). 

Backstory: Hotel De L’Europe’s history dates back to 1482, when a tower, called Het Rondeel, was built to help guard the city. Over the centuries, the tower was in and out of use, including as an inn in 1638. Eventually, it reopened in 1845 under the name Het Rondeel as the first hotel in Amsterdam dedicated to welcoming families. In 1896, it was reopened again by the Dutch Hotel Company as the Hotel De L’Europe, which it has stayed since. 

Alfred "Freddy" Heineken bought the hotel in the 1950s, and there are nostalgic nods to his legacy found throughout the property. Today, the lavish hotel is home to a prime location along the Amstel River, a two-star Michelin restaurant, a spa with a pool, themed suites, and more.

First impressions: I was already pleased with the short walk from the metro (lugging a suitcase along cobblestone streets is not for the faint of heart) when I arrived at De L’Europe. I was greeted by the kind doorman before making my way through the revolving door into the impressive lobby, which is like a step back in time. Think crystal chandeliers, framed art hanging on the walls, plush sofas, and a piano. The highlight is at the end: wall-to-wall floor-length windows that overlook the Amstel River. Check-in was a breeze, and I was even offered a tour of the property to help get me acclimated. 

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Essential information: The hotel is the first in the country to earn three Michelin Keys. Because of this, make dining reservations before you go, especially if you want to eat at Flore. Also, the front door to the hotel is locked at night, but the front desk will let you in when you buzz.

My room: I stayed in the Amsterdam Fashion Week suite, which is one of the exceptional ‘t Huys suites at the property. Danie Bles (the founder of Amsterdam Fashion Week) curated the suite’s decor, which includes a mix of modern art; fashion magazines to flip through; and the best part—(pre-loved) fashion pieces that you can wear or purchase during your stay. During my stay, the space had been transformed with a pop-up by curator curator Heleen Hülsmann and her brands Salon Heleen Hülsmann and DYO.

The spacious suite (around 50-60 square meters; standard rooms start at 25 square meters) comes with a living room that overlooks the Amstel River, a grand bathroom complete with a large soaking tub, and a bedroom tucked away in the back, for complete quiet. The Coco-Mat bed is heavenly. 

Dining and drinking: The hotel is home to Freddy’s Bar, named after Alfred “Freddy” Heineken, who was a regular. Make sure you start or end your night here with a drink and some live jazz. You’ll also find Italian fare at Trattoria Graziella, the speakeasy Chapter 1896, and riverside-dining at Brasserie Marie. Order the oysters, which are sourced from Holland, and ask your waiter for a wine recommendation—the hotel’s cellar contains more than 1,250 labels.  

The star of the show, though, is Flore. Flore holds two Michelin stars and a Green Michelin star and was named the 2024 Vegetable Restaurant of the Year by Gault & Millau. The restaurant is helmed by chef Bas van Kranen, who is celebrated for his sustainable culinary practices and his commitment to Dutch micro-seasonality, foraging and sourcing hyperlocal ingredients from around Holland. Van Kranen's signature dish features 25 different vegetables that change weekly, based on the micro seasons.

Amenities: The hotel has an on-site shop that is part of the ‘t Huys (an older spelling of “het huis,” which translates to “house” in Dutch) concept, which also includes a collection of bespoke suites. The hotel also offers connecting rooms and a kid's program called Little Marie, for those traveling with children. The spa includes treatment rooms for wellness and beauty, and also has a heated pool on the lower floor, as well as a 24-hour fitness center.

Not-to-miss: Don't miss having an espresso (or a Heineken) at Freddy's Bar. Whether you choose to sit inside or out, the people watching and mix of locals with visitors makes it a cozy spot to spend an hour, or three.

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Sustainability: Flore and its well-earned Green Michelin star is a standout at De L'Europe. Chef Bas van Kranen's preference for hyperlocal over luxury products is the central focus of the menu, so patrons will often find ingredients foraged or sourced from the North Sea and Wadden Sea, along with other nearby farms in Holland. Van Kranen's passion extends to partnering with other like-minded Dutch producers who are also committed to ethical farming. The kitchen is entirely dairy free, and the eco-conscious decisions are even reflected in the decor, like the reclaimed wooden furniture.

The hotel proudly earned a Green Key, Gold Level, in 2006 for its sustainability practices, and in 2023 was named a Sustainability Leader by Leading Hotels of the World. De L'Europe partners with the Black Jaguar Foundation, helping conserve and protect areas across the Amazon Rainforest and Brazil, and guests are also invited to sponsor native trees, which the hotel will equally match.

What's nearby: De L'Europe is in the city center, within walking distance of numerous shops and restaurants, and is also a short walk from Dam Square (the world's first stock exchange was located nearby), the Bloemenmarkt (flower market), and Anne Frank House. It's also about a 15-minute walk to the Rijksmuseum, van Gogh Museum, and the Moco Museum. The the Rokin metro station is a brief walk from the hotel, and the station connects you to other neighborhoods within the city and the country.

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Who I'd recommend it to: De L'Europe is one of those gems that is good for all sorts of travelers. The connecting rooms and spacious suites are great for families or those seeking additional space; the speakeasy and spa appeal to couples; and the gourmet restaurants are ideal for foodies.