Go Back  FlyerTalk Forums > Miles&Points > Hotels and Places to Stay > Hyatt | World of Hyatt
Reload this Page >

Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht - REVIEW - MASTER THREAD

Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht - REVIEW - MASTER THREAD

Old Nov 27, 2012, 2:59 am
  #46  
Suspended
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Programs: Everything is refundable
Posts: 3,727
Originally Posted by RTW1
Where did you see any negative reviews?
I've only seen positive reviews with minor remarks so far....

And really... comparing with the Sheraton Amsterdam, and airport location?
From faked lamps to uninspiring hallways to mediocre food, it reminds me of Barsey...

Rock-solid, but nothing special.

Considering what we expected, really disappointing...

The Regency Duesseldorf beats the Andaz AMS by a mile...

For my date, I also get the Pulitzer for 189..., so there is no reason in the world to pay a premium of Euro 120 for some faked designer pieces and a dead fish over my bed...
FD1971 is offline  
Old Nov 27, 2012, 3:19 am
  #47  
Hyatt Contributor Badge
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Between AMS and BRU
Posts: 8,852
Originally Posted by FD1971
Considering what we expected, really disappointing...
Maybe what you expected.... but have even stayed there to even prove your prejudices?

For me the only disappointment has to do with the rates they charge....
RTW1 is offline  
Old Nov 27, 2012, 8:21 am
  #48  
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC*SE, AA Plat, SPG Plat, HH Diamond, PC Plat Ambassador, Hyatt Diamond, Fairmont Plat
Posts: 1,179
Originally Posted by SkiAdcock

...although it will take a while to get to the RAI.
It is only an hour walk . That is how I plan to get to the RAI from my inaugeral stay at the Andaz in May 2013.

SG
Snow Goose is offline  
Old Nov 27, 2012, 8:41 am
  #49  
Hyatt Contributor Badge
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Between AMS and BRU
Posts: 8,852
There's a tram just around the corner that takes you to Amsterdam Zuid station.... then just a 10-15 min walk or one train stop.

But it's not a bad walk....
RTW1 is offline  
Old Nov 27, 2012, 9:59 am
  #50  
Ambassador: World of Hyatt
 
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: San Diego,CA
Posts: 10,058
Lightbulb Decor just one sum of its parts

Originally Posted by FD1971
From faked lamps to uninspiring hallways to mediocre food, it reminds me of Barsey...

Rock-solid, but nothing special.

Considering what we expected, really disappointing...

The Regency Duesseldorf beats the Andaz AMS by a mile...

For my date, I also get the Pulitzer for 189..., so there is no reason in the world to pay a premium of Euro 120 for some faked designer pieces and a dead fish over my bed...
Greetings from Schipol Airport where I am delayed hours for my 45 minute flight with no clear communication in sight Thanks British Airways
I could have enjoyed Andaz Amsterdam longer otherwise

I left the spectacular Andaz Amsterdam earlier this afternoon.
It's really to early IMHO to determine if the Andaz Ansterdam is worth its premium.
In my own experience and early assessment it clearly is.
I paid 243 Euros a night and received an excellent value^Were there problems yes.Were there some dissapointments yes.
Did the incredible team overcome almost every single obstacle times 5 yes.
Can most the early start up issues be fully adressed to a large degree? yes

As many of us know value is subjective and not soley determined only by the average daily rate alone.
I flew to experience this historic moment in time.
For over 15 years I have personally wanted the Hyatt mangement style in Holland and now we have it^
For me it is a hospitality moon space station landing in a city with a number of challenges for any hotel operator.
Despite the bumps in the road which was to be expected only 3 weeks into the doors opening
it was a impressive performance of heartfelt passionate professionals ready to jump through the hoops for their guests complete satisfaction.
These folks are as excited to serve their guests as a number of us are to experience this new international Andaz.
Is it for everbody no.
Neither is a W or for that matter or the Amstel InterContinental which at least is in Amsterdam.
This is not a Park Hyatt or a Grand Hyatt this is a small boutique hotel with approx 120 rooms and its a very small personalized service experience.
The hotel team is obsessed with every guest comment and all of our indivdual feedback.
They are at work customizing and optomizing the experience today and going forward to make it what their guests want in their experience

Hyatt brought out some of their most experienced seasoned team members and I must say
I am a big fan and admire the lions share of their team
The Hyatt touch is alive and well in Amsterdam and I predict in one years time
the property will likey vault to the top of traveler must stay lists provided most of the current team witnessed stay in place.
I return back into the US the second week of December and at or before that time I will bring you yet another overly detailed trip report for those patient and interested to read through it all.

Make no mistake about it this is with one of my favorite hotel stays of the year with some caveats included and one of my favorite hotels ever in the city of Amsterdam where I have had the pleasure of visiting since the 90s
That's coming from one who has been in most of the major branded hotels(with a program) within the city
As with all stays anywhere in the world experiences will vary just like your mileage and points

Cheers
777 global mile hound is offline  
Old Nov 28, 2012, 4:45 am
  #51  
Suspended
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Programs: Everything is refundable
Posts: 3,727
Originally Posted by RTW1
Maybe what you expected.... but have even stayed there to even prove your prejudices?

For me the only disappointment has to do with the rates they charge....
I only toured the property so far...and as expected, it is comparable to Barsey

Remember that Barsey started with relatively high rates as well...

I can already predict that the Andaz will take the same path.

Rock solid, but nothing more than that, no suite upgrades for Diamond members, no free valet parking as originally announced and some poor reviews to come, when the property will be booked and no upgrades available.

Will visit the restaurant in some weeks, though, but cannot really justify a premium of Euro 180 over the Sheraton at the airport with a solid lounge, a very good chance for a suite and public transport at your foot steps...

Last edited by FD1971; Nov 28, 2012 at 4:57 am
FD1971 is offline  
Old Nov 28, 2012, 4:53 am
  #52  
Suspended
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Programs: Everything is refundable
Posts: 3,727
Originally Posted by 777 global mile hound
It's really to early IMHO to determine if the Andaz Ansterdam is worth its premium.
In my own experience and early assessment it clearly is.
I paid 243 Euros a night and received an excellent value^Were there problems yes.Were there some dissapointments yes.
Did the incredible team overcome almost every single obstacle times 5 yes.
Can most the early start up issues be fully adressed to a large degree? yes
As expected, the average rate for the next couple of months is in the high 200's.

A closeby competitor, the Pulitzer is available for some dates next year in the high 100's (BTT) and is on average probably 10-20% cheaper.

And with all due respect, we are talking about a 5 star hotel charging rates close to $400, so I do expect the staff to overcome certain obstacles...
FD1971 is offline  
Old Nov 28, 2012, 4:56 am
  #53  
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Programs: Hyatt Lifetime Globalist, Bonvoy Lifetime Gold, ProrityClub
Posts: 47
Smile

Originally Posted by Markie
I shall be writing a review so will try and pass on tips and tricks - if there are any of course!
anything "special" for Diamond members ? Complimentary upgrades ?
what suite when using Diamond suite upgrade ?
LuxTravel is offline  
Old Nov 28, 2012, 8:44 pm
  #54  
Marriott 10+ BadgeHilton Contributor Badge
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Switzerland
Programs: Bonvoy LT Gold, IHG Plat, BAEC Silver, TP Gold
Posts: 1,475
Why give any ratings if you haven't actually stayed there...? We can read comments based on pictures and experiences "others" had there only. We all know how pictures can be deceptive (in one way or the other).

Clearly the decoration of this Andaz is not "mainstream" and it will not suit everybody. But again, it's a rather small boutique hotel in Amsterdam.

I'd love to try it out as my experience at the Andaz London was more than satisfactory

And I agree with others, you can't compare the rates of an airport hotel with a city hotel. I wouldn't like to stay near Shiphol and having to commute every time I wanted to head downtown...
enelym1978 is offline  
Old Nov 28, 2012, 9:57 pm
  #55  
Moderator: Hyatt Gold Passport & Star Alliance
 
Join Date: May 1998
Location: London, UK
Programs: UA-1K 3MM/HY- LT Globalist/BA-GGL/GfL
Posts: 12,031
Originally Posted by LuxTravel
anything "special" for Diamond members ? Complimentary upgrades ?
what suite when using Diamond suite upgrade ?
I think the bedside sweets were the amenity and the Suite is an Andaz Suite. This is covered in todays blog post - see above.

Otherwise, free breakfast and internet as standard.
Markie is online now  
Old Nov 29, 2012, 11:44 am
  #56  
Ambassador: World of Hyatt
 
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: San Diego,CA
Posts: 10,058
Thumbs up Amsterdams New Iconic Hotel of Tomorrow within Reach Today

Welcome to Amsterdam Andaz!
An Oasis in the city of canals awaits


A HYATT GOLD PASSPORT AMBASSADOR REVIEW


General Info

The hotel is situated just blocks from the well known Luxury Collection Pulitzer Hotel on the historic well known street Prinsengracht.
The Pulitzer was the first hotel I ever stayed at in Amsterdam many years ago and perhaps the most overrated and overpriced hotel for what it is. Location of Andaz is spot on and close to all the action without the negatives of the Red Light district and Central Station area and the daily sea of intense frenzy of local traffic,noise & bikers.One can easily walk to Andaz from Central Station in good weather without too much luggage.
Cool personalized shopping abound in either direction of the hotel wherever one chooses to walk.

After many years of asking Hyatt and waiting for their presence in Amsterdam the moment had finally come!
For years Amsterdam despite the beauty of the people and the city Amsterdam has been challenged by customer service standards and a lackluster food and beverage scene for foodies that could compete with the global travel market expectation for CRM standards that many discerning travelers have come to expect.I had confidence that if anyone could do it right Hyatt would.
Would it be all I hoped for? Or a bust? I was anxious up to my arrival.

Looking back at 20 years of Amsterdam hotel history there has been the frequently challenging array of cookie cutter and quirky old hotel choices in Amsterdam from budget to luxury typically stuffy and prententious with frequently surly or frequently lost disconnected customer service at least with the major brands typically most of us have afiliation with.
Hotels in Amsterdam have also had numerous challenges primarily due to their frequently historic infrastructure and antiquated elevator systems. It marks a first for impressive change I’ve almost ever seen in the city ever. Even the Marriott properties have driven me crazy in this city with one elevator at the newly renovated Renaissance almost severing my arm several years ago!

Andaz Amsterdam has eliminated most logistical/infrastructure negatives with smooth planning, beautiful elevators (that visually appear to have book lined walls through glass) with a minimum of stairs which impressively makes it even fair enough for those in need of handicapped accessible to enjoy a stay.
For all the guests rooms and suites are a short walk from the lobby and elevators as if in your own condo residence.
It's the anti hotel feel

Upon Arrival

My first point of contact was with a bellman who said welcome to Andaz Amsterdam Mr. 777 Global Mile Hound!
I finally figured he had been tipped off by another team member that had been working there from Andaz Wall Street during the pre opening as to what I looked like. So much for being anonymous lol.
For a moment I thought they had spy cams with our photos on our guest profiles!
Upon entering the entranceway I felt like I was walking into a high end jewellery store
By the time I reached the front desk in seconds I met my smiling radiant welcoming host I pad in hand
It felt like they were tracking my every movement.Could they also beam me up Scotty (Star Trek style to the room?)
The front office had contacted me with emails prior to arrival asking when I would be arriving

As I gazed in circles there was so much exciting design around I hadn't really realized however I had entered into a new world of design where
Alice in Wonderland with her array of modern colourful 3D circus lights had gone vertical meets wild and unpredictable Dutch designer with a
small touches of Philippe Starck thrown in. Who Knew Andaz could be so cool?

For those of you who don’t know who Philippe Starck is he remains the granddaddy of high design boutique hotels and product designer celebrity who in the 80s paved the way after his association with the Ian Scrager Hotel Group that gave way years later to the W brand and later Andaz and many others as we know today.
All as a result of his original design creation and inspiration.
But speaking of Andaz hotel design its Andaz time to shine.

Enter Marcel Wanders
The creative Dutch designer who I salute responsible for Andaz Amsterdam.He clearly is an original even if nothing in life is truly original. He certainly turned in an overall very impressive performance for the most part on the finished project
In some ways breaking new ground. Of course it won’t be for everyone’s tastes and thats excatly the point!

Guest Service

The team on board at Hyatt Amsterdam starts at the top with of one of the best General Managers Toni Hinterstoisser to ever manage IMO or lead any Andaz or Hyatt property in my decades with Hyatt.
He is generous and doesn’t micro manage Hyatt terms and conditions. He empowers his team to make guests happy by creating relationships over nickel and dime behaviours
He is a visionary who has assembled an exceptional team of experienced Hyatt team members to effectively do the very best job possible under his leadership by giving guests the highest most individualized personal service. I like in particular that guest satisfaction comes first over all else even if it means sometimes breaking the rules as written by exceeding expectations
Without making this long review longer I watched a number of impressive guest interactions along with his hands on out of the back office approach interacting with both team members and guests.
That should be mandatory for all GMs.
Many of us all know and experience that is frequently simply not the case at all where it’s operationally run from behind the scenes. The Hilton Amsterdam is a hotel case in point where management hides isolated in a bunker from all of their guests
Almost every Andaz team member has a list and taking note the positive of which there is much as well as the negative and working with the highest levels of commitment towards making this a destination property within Amsterdam for all travellers. Even with some of the hotels minor shortcomings its positives for Hyatt loyalists is not to be missed with current folks on board. It is my hope they can keep the exceptional team in place over the long haul.

Guest Room (First Night)

I had been advised that all suites were sold out weeks before my arrival which is my fault as it was available when I originally booked my rate of 243 Euros a night. None the less after setting that expectation going forward I was escorted by one of the lovely and outgoing front office managers who hails from the impressive Park Hyatt Milan. She was information friendly and shared that there are 120 approx room and only 5 suites on property between the two buildings. With one of those being a Presidential suite that should make it crystal clear suites should be hard to come by as the property becomes increasing popular. For those wishing for their nights in a suite you might want to be pro active and use their suite upgrades accordingly in advance should a suite be important for an upcoming stay. I was very fortunate as I was able to move to a s suite on the second night of my 3 night stay as apparently someone cancelled. As a result I had both a guest room and a suite to enjoy and test the waters. Oddly I missed some of my guest room features over my suite.
The basic room itself was very entertaining whimsical where modern architecture collides with traditional Dutch classic design.
Yes most of the rooms are small but they are extremely well appointed.
The designer gave a great sense of increase space by removing much standard hotel furniture relying on built ins for a classy custom finish

Hyatt Diamond Welcome Amenity

Consisted of a local nice Dutch bottle of wine which I sadly left behind as I was travelling to other cities. That’s when you wish Hyatt would allow the points at International properties! And a small metal tin of customary and expected local treat Strop waffles .The room as was my suite was spotless fresh and immaculate all one would expect from a gleaming new hotel. No stinky scents in the lobby or public areas that permeate and have led me to stop staying at many Starwood properties.


ROOM DETAILS/Focal Points


A tinted shower door where one can see out into the room when one is showering but can’t others can’t see you.
Which really doesn’t matter as once you come out there is no privacy!
This may not be for most families.The suites do offer a bit more privacy in bath area

A toilet area where one reads about Dutch history in a visually artistic way while attending to the nature of personal business. Even Dutch postage stamps are illustrated

Clear Glass head boards by the bed

THE HOSPITALITY WORLDS BEST GLASS PANED THERMOSTAT EVER DESIGNED to grace a wall and did I say finally idiot proof?

Roll out light up mini bar in a drawer (fantastic except that my mini bar had no temperature control and at best my beverages were moderately chilled to room temperature. I am told the bars are very sensitive to item placement. I have short and long term concerns about these mini bars especially during the summer with no ice machines on any floor except through room service

The light up rectangular vanity mirror and counter in guest rooms by the bed. It’s confusing at first as laying out toiletries soon makes the room look like a mess. There is no bathroom technically with both the shower and the toilet area being confined to separate glass door closets

What I learned eventually as I lived in the space is that by using the nearby beautiful stark white closets and shelf area you can store your toiletries and still keep the minimalist clean lines and sink/vanity area clear of room clutter free enjoying the unique design aspects of the room.

The lively debate over the fish in a spoon photo art above the bed.It gets your attention and folks talking about it the designer succeeded IMHO
Art (ok eyes of the beholder) is meant to provoke and it does!

Too typically expected and silly IMO are the clich Dutch wooden clogs attached to one wall in every room or suite

No two Bluedelft sinks are the same anywhere in the hotel.All have their own unique patterns

Large impressive LG Flat screen TVs are in every room and suite

I pod plug in sound systems for music in the room as they are in every Andaz with a new color scheme instead of white

A firm bed much like most other Andaz properties (not my preference I woke up with mattress impressions in my face from the patterns digging into my face .
Look forward to some foam or feather duvets but to those concrete platform bed lovers will love it
The Anti Hyatt Grand and Westin Heavenly bed!

•Lighting is lovely throughout the room and has gorgeous night lights that may be turned on or off right above the night tables with all room lighting controls. The bed itself has no overhead lights which I personally see as one of the rooms shortcomings which is high in mood light lighting but somewhat deficient in task lighting light reading.For those romantics I call it seductive lighting.He## if you are trying to work in bed or read.There are some directional lighting that have cool factor but limited
task lighting to be fully effective.

•Interesting books on Amsterdam educate and entertain as well as show off local area things to do on wall shelves of both rooms and suites.Interesting mood lighting is also placed on the shelves as well

FITNESS CENTER

For those looking for a full fitness center as I was like the brilliantly equipped Andaz Wall Street you will be severely disappointed.
Its a room with some bikes and treadmills essentially
This was the most disappointing aspect of my stay .They do have a spa which wasn’t open while I was there nor did it matter to me.
Had hoped to work out and it never happened during my stay.
I was so absorbed with the hotel, its team, seeing friends and all other local sightseeing I failed to check out their fitness partnership with Splash which may be a reasonable solution to the problem For those who wish for a full body work out. Uncertain if there is a daily fee to do so but I imagine there may be. I really counted Hyatt to insure in 2012 that fitness enthusiasts would be well looked after.
I was quite surprised

Upon Departure

I summoned for a bellman and went to grab my checkout portfolio where my checkout agent charged my account a flat rate of 44 Euros to my check out bill and pushed a button behind him and Voila the taxi was there in seconds.Many of the team members on duty came to say goodbye much like the folks at the Park Hyatt Sydney did.
Your wish is their command and whatever your request these folks appeared pleased to accommodate and wish the sometimes overly repeated Hyatt mantra
“You are more than welcome”
Personally it was all my pleasure and more than being welcome I felt truly honoured by all the heartfelt team who surprisingly all came to say goodbye like departing family.
“I am not worthy” (quote from Saturday Night Live)

Final Assessment

I’d put this property on par with the Park Hyatt Sydney (in some ways better) in individual attention.Not a room or suite comparison as the budget was higher
3 weeks into their opening I have never seen a hotel team work harder despite some of their continued challenges and no Andaz in the history of the brand has this much class or heart.Even W can no longer compare in my book.
There is Hollywood magic by the canals
as one walk up to the hotel at night and looks into the front hotel windows with cool people watching and the candles flickering in their holders That is Andaz Amsterdam.
All one needs to do is grab a drink sit in this incredible space and forget about what isn't perfect about Andaz or the rest of the world and look towards the canal.
It's a true escape in a world class establishment with personality and charm come to life.
Andaz sets the new stage going forward for Hyatt and most of the industry
One always seem to know they are in Amsterdam inside Andaz thanks to Mr.Wanders for playfully reminding us every step and turn of the way as we walk and live in the shadow of his creation simply known as
Andaz Amsterdam.


I highly recommend this hotel ^^:-::-::-::-: 4 out of 5 stars and climbing
My gratitude to all the good folks @ Andaz Amsterdam
Take a bow well done all.
Looking forward to the continued progress
Much continued success! Cheers

Last edited by 777 global mile hound; Nov 29, 2012 at 12:34 pm
777 global mile hound is offline  
Old Dec 3, 2012, 12:06 pm
  #57  
Suspended
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Programs: Everything is refundable
Posts: 3,727
And another nice sale at the Pulitzer with rates dropping to the 140's. ^

Does anyone expect the Andaz to match the offer?

Why should anyone pay a premium of more than 100% for the Andaz...
FD1971 is offline  
Old Dec 7, 2012, 2:16 pm
  #58  
Ambassador: World of Hyatt
 
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: San Diego,CA
Posts: 10,058
Originally Posted by FD1971
And another nice sale at the Pulitzer with rates dropping to the 140's. ^

Does anyone expect the Andaz to match the offer?

Why should anyone pay a premium of more than 100% for the Andaz...
Interesting.Thanks for the heads up!
I call the 140s rate the Andaz Amsterdam effect.
That's actually lower than 50% off their rack rates for a room
Finally the rate of what it always should have been.
I certainly feel with exception of the fitness center issue the hotel is worth in the low to mid 200s.
Perhaps in time especially winter the Andaz folks may offer some nice packages and specials.At least one would hope so to get some folks in to try it
Certainly a vastly more civilized and polished experience than the Pulitzer!
The beds are more comfortable at the Pulitzer however Andaz management is already working on some nice foam toppers for their cool looking platform beds
777 global mile hound is offline  
Old Dec 8, 2012, 2:37 am
  #59  
Suspended
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Programs: Everything is refundable
Posts: 3,727
Originally Posted by 777 global mile hound
Interesting.Thanks for the heads up!
I call the 140s rate the Andaz Amsterdam effect.
That's actually lower than 50% off their rack rates for a room
Finally the rate of what it always should have been.
I certainly feel with exception of the fitness center issue the hotel is worth in the low to mid 200s.
Perhaps in time especially winter the Andaz folks may offer some nice packages and specials.At least one would hope so to get some folks in to try it
Certainly a vastly more civilized and polished experience than the Pulitzer!
The beds are more comfortable at the Pulitzer however Andaz management is already working on some nice foam toppers for their cool looking platform beds
Unfortunately, you overestimate the aura of the Andaz brand completely.

It did not really shine in London and even the name Hyatt does not ring a lot of bells in Europe, let alone AMS.

The Pulitzer, featured not only in Hollywood movies, but also various documentaries about Amsterdam certainly plays in another league..., both in terms of reputation but also brand value.

Euro 140 is excellent value, even for some weekdays in Amsterdam, an ordinary Holiday Inn comes close to that price.

I do not see anyone paying a 100% premium for the Andaz, that goes for status card holders as well as regular customers...

And why should you pay so much more?

For free parking, constant suite upgrades, nice club lounge, spacious rooms?
FD1971 is offline  
Old Dec 8, 2012, 2:52 am
  #60  
Hyatt Contributor Badge
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Between AMS and BRU
Posts: 8,852
So now you're stooping as low as comparing rates that are non-existent to somehow validate your preconceived point that the Andaz is crap?
For what dates is that magical €140 rate you are talking about? Nothing seems to go for less than €200 and that is for one of their crappy "classic" rooms. You know, one of those broom closets they sell.
RTW1 is offline  

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

This site is owned, operated, and maintained by MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Designated trademarks are the property of their respective owners.