Hilton Amsterdam *****

Rating: 8.6

Although I do not write about the big chain hotels like Hilton, Marriott, Radisson and similar ones, some of these hotels are worth talking about.

The Hilton Amsterdam, located in the Oud-Zuid district of Amsterdam is one of those places. The hotel opened their doors in 1962 as the first hotel in the Netherlands from an international chain. The hotel's architecture, designed by Hugh Aart Maaskant, is notable for its unique V-shape, intended to highlight the intersection of the Apollolaan and Minerva Avenue.

Famously, the Hilton Amsterdam is known for John Lennon and Yoko Ono's "Bed-In" for peace in 1969, a protest against the Vietnam War, which took place in the presidential suite of the hotel. This event has become an iconic part of the hotel's history.

Today, the Hilton Amsterdam offers 271 rooms, including a variety of suites such as the John and Yoko suite, the King Hilton Junior suite, and the Presidential suite. The interiors of the newly refurbished rooms are designed by Nobilis Paris, offering a blend of comfort and luxury.

I've stayed at the hotel many times during business events I had to attend in Amsterdam. I also went there with my wife on private visits of the city. I also organised a conference in the Hilton Amsterdam ones. This was a great event where some 200 guests were picked up in an old canal boat for a sightseeing trip by night.

Drink and Eat

Dining options include the Roberto's Restaurant, known for its Italian cuisine. The hotel also features the Half Moon Lounge, which serves local beers and has an interior inspired by Ralph Lauren's designs.

Location

Situated in a quieter neighborhood of Amsterdam, the Hilton Amsterdam is about one kilometer from Museumplein, home to the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum. The hotel's location provides easy access to exclusive shopping streets, traditional cafes, and famous local attractions.

AMSTERDAM, NORTH-HOLLAND, NETHERLANDS