Refurbishments, ah yes....
To put it midly, owner wants ROI: return on investment.
Hotel has as strategy to focus on its true core: " Amstel Hotel".
Quite understandable.
Everyone from Amsterdammers, crowned heads, celebs and the harem etc, know the "Amstel" as instant recognition.
The true reason while slowly any Intercontinental references are being phased out.
As the news embargo is being lifted,
i can speak freely now:
https://www.gulf-times.com/article/6...ary-experience
It wasn't easy keeping this all a secret......
The iconic Amstel Hotel Amsterdam,
a Katara Hospitality-owned property,
is set to undergo a refurbishment programme starting in July next year,
according to general manager Rudolf van Dijk.
Speaking to Gulf Times on the sidelines of Qatar Travel Mart 2023 Tuesday,
he unveiled plans for the 156-year-old hotel’s modernization as it embraces the challenge to evolve into a more contemporary space.
Nestled in the heart of Amsterdam,
Van Dijk said the hotel’s refurbishment will cater to the needs of the modern traveller,
recognising the prevalence of laptops and tablets in today's travel landscape.
The refurbishment will introduce a more modern look, focusing on convenience and comfort but the history and heritage of the building will remain intact.
A new food and beverage concept,
crafted in collaboration with Spanish chef Dani Garcia,
will bring a Mediterranean Spanish flair to the hotel's culinary offerings,
maintaining a commitment to quality and luxury.
The ambitious refurbishment plan, Van Dijk said,
involves a strategic split of the building into two phases.
The first phase will include the refurbishment of guest rooms and the restaurant.
Following this, the second phase will target the spa and wellness centre,
ensuring a holistic transformation of the entire establishment.
Jointly designed and planned with Katara Hospitality,
Van Dijk said this project aims to enhance the hotel's allure and beauty.
“The building will be even more beautiful than it already is,” he said.
Citing the influx of visitors from the GCC area,
he said the appeal of Amsterdam’s sense of luxury
and its strategic location within the Netherlands make it an attractive destination.
Van Dijk noted that many visitors use Amsterdam as a base to explore the country,
taking advantage of its proximity to cities like The Hague and Rotterdam.
He also underlined the importance of Amsterdam as a hub for South American visitors,
who often use the city as a starting point before branching out to explore Europe,
with Paris being a popular destination.
In response to the diverse clientele,
Van Dijk highlighted the hotel’s commitment to offering personalised services,
including catering to the needs of guests requiring halal food.
He noted that this commitment is not only for guests of Qatar or Katara Hospitality,
but extends to all visitors,
as providing a personalised experience is a cornerstone of Amstel Hotel's hospitality.
Orginal plan:
Rooms phase 4 south wing refurbishmemt:
Was set for JUL 2024 orginally but delayed ....
Preparation JAN 2025
Commencing JUL 2025
during / after refurbishment:
Amstel hotel,
keeps it recognized cherised name
but switches to Vignette Collection, yet still part of IHG
If all in progress, negotiations / talks about to switch to Regent, yet still part of IHG
New restaurant concept by Spanish Dani Garcia
https://grupodanigarcia.com/en/el-chef/
This is Katara Hospitality's orginal choice and plan
............
New plan:
Several new contenders have risen which have made the owner a
very generous offer ....
Due to the Amsterdam: "hotel stop" regulation policy.
Which of the major chains have already got a flagship 'classic heritage" property in Amsterdam:
Hilton: Waldorf Astoria
Accor: Sofitel Le Grand
Yet at below,
is missing classic heritage luxury and are currently capped out at:
Marriott: W, Renaissance, Marriott
Hyatt: Andaz + Hyatt Regency
- And with a need to battle the upcoming threat of the Rosewood in the superdeluxe class...
- And with no new hotels allowed to be built because the Amsterdam "hotel stop" policy....
So Marriott & Hyatt have flirted with the owner,
our beloved regal IC AMS is being flattered to be transformed to the Dutch flagship exclusive:
(+ offering complete refornat refurbishment transformation support for interiors & back of the house)
Marriott: Ritz Carlton (pst: reserve) or St.Regis
Hyatt : Park Hyatt
(although it would lose its recognizable "Amstel Hotel" designation)
But yes there was even a new contender,
besides everyone on HfP, to press for a Four Season take over.....
This what you hear as rumour at the high society annual
Mussels & Frites Red Mullet dinner.
Kempinski........
as the hotel can still keep the recognized "Amstel Hotel" designation!
and be granted more autonomy...
As Kempinski operates their hotels under management contracts / leasing
For us mere mortals, this means no refurbishments of the rooms yet ......
As all major contenders are
( because of the Amsterdam "Hotel Stop"
policy)
vying to persuade the owner of IC AMS to switch,
offering very alluring prospects,
hence the negotiations continue and we are all kept in limbo!
Unless IHG has the upper hand in pokerface with a full house in Royal flush to woo Katara hospitality....
You can get an idea what Katara Hospitality aims for in its portofolio.
https://www.katarahospitality.com/our-hotel/
Katara seems to love the Fairmont brand.......
Because Accor has already got a heritage luxury hotel with the Sofitel Legend "The Grand" Amsterdam.
Any IC AMS rebranding to Fairmont or Raffles would serious upset the status quo....
To be continued .........