Last edit by: bgriff
Notes about the W Amsterdam:
- The hotel is divided between two buildings. The Bank building is reported to be quieter and less of a scene. Each building has a Platinum breakfast offering and guests can try either regardless of which building your room is in; more details about breakfast are included in this post.
- Many people have reported limited upgrade availability.
- The hotel is divided between two buildings. The Bank building is reported to be quieter and less of a scene. Each building has a Platinum breakfast offering and guests can try either regardless of which building your room is in; more details about breakfast are included in this post.
- Many people have reported limited upgrade availability.
W Amsterdam, Netherlands [Master Thread]
#121
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: HKG • Ex SFO, NYC
Programs: UA 1K, AA EXP; Marriott Amb; Hyatt Globalist; Shangri-la Diamond; IHG SpireAmb; Hilton D; Accor G
Posts: 3,319
We stayed at this property just before Christmas the first city on our 15 night European vacation and it was awesome. Mind you I'm not a huge fan of W hotels and when we arrived we thought we were going to be in Exchange building and we got to check in and could hardly here ourselves think - some live DJ (guess I'm just too old for that now), but then we found out we'd been upgraded further from our SNA upgrade. Actually to the nicest suite they have - the Extreme Wow Suite, in the Bank building. It is the fact that this W has two buildings that makes it a great hotel because no matter your mood or personality you can choose.
The Suite was gorgeous. I think about 2000 square feet, two stories, fireplace, fussball table, second floor had round bed beautiful walk in shower. Truly spectacular.
The only thing I didn't like about the upgrade - every other hotel after that I kept wondering where the fireplace was as in the room. Haha!!
We also had friends we weee meeting and arranged for a reservation in the Lounge - extreme VIP treatment. They roped off a super nice corner section for us and we felt like rock stars. Again probably some of the best treatment and service we've ever received.
Kudos to the management of this hotel. And many many thanks for the exceptional upgrade - I know that is definitely an exception but it really kicked of our trip to Europe in major style.
The Suite was gorgeous. I think about 2000 square feet, two stories, fireplace, fussball table, second floor had round bed beautiful walk in shower. Truly spectacular.
The only thing I didn't like about the upgrade - every other hotel after that I kept wondering where the fireplace was as in the room. Haha!!
We also had friends we weee meeting and arranged for a reservation in the Lounge - extreme VIP treatment. They roped off a super nice corner section for us and we felt like rock stars. Again probably some of the best treatment and service we've ever received.
Kudos to the management of this hotel. And many many thanks for the exceptional upgrade - I know that is definitely an exception but it really kicked of our trip to Europe in major style.
#122
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Sydney, Australia
Programs: HH Diamond, Marriott Titanium/LTG, IHG Platinum
Posts: 1,921
We stayed at this property just before Christmas the first city on our 15 night European vacation and it was awesome. Mind you I'm not a huge fan of W hotels and when we arrived we thought we were going to be in Exchange building and we got to check in and could hardly here ourselves think - some live DJ (guess I'm just too old for that now), but then we found out we'd been upgraded further from our SNA upgrade. Actually to the nicest suite they have - the Extreme Wow Suite, in the Bank building. It is the fact that this W has two buildings that makes it a great hotel because no matter your mood or personality you can choose.
The Suite was gorgeous. I think about 2000 square feet, two stories, fireplace, fussball table, second floor had round bed beautiful walk in shower. Truly spectacular.
The only thing I didn't like about the upgrade - every other hotel after that I kept wondering where the fireplace was as in the room. Haha!!
We also had friends we weee meeting and arranged for a reservation in the Lounge - extreme VIP treatment. They roped off a super nice corner section for us and we felt like rock stars. Again probably some of the best treatment and service we've ever received.
Kudos to the management of this hotel. And many many thanks for the exceptional upgrade - I know that is definitely an exception but it really kicked of our trip to Europe in major style.
The Suite was gorgeous. I think about 2000 square feet, two stories, fireplace, fussball table, second floor had round bed beautiful walk in shower. Truly spectacular.
The only thing I didn't like about the upgrade - every other hotel after that I kept wondering where the fireplace was as in the room. Haha!!
We also had friends we weee meeting and arranged for a reservation in the Lounge - extreme VIP treatment. They roped off a super nice corner section for us and we felt like rock stars. Again probably some of the best treatment and service we've ever received.
Kudos to the management of this hotel. And many many thanks for the exceptional upgrade - I know that is definitely an exception but it really kicked of our trip to Europe in major style.
Hopefully this is the start of many excellent upgrades for Platinums and more, I do recognise that there aren't that many suites in this hotel but with extremely positive outcomes like this - keep 'em coming W Amsterdam!
#124
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: CW
Programs: Marriott titanium, KL/AF FB Ulti
Posts: 644
Just returned from an excellent stay. Almost nothing to complain.
Staying 3 nights, I decided to save roughly 150-180 USD on parking costs, by parking on one of Amsterdam's P+R, just 10 minutes by tram, for 1 euro per day. I drove to the W kiss and ride zone, which is excellent. I don't know how they did it, but there is reserved space just in front of the hotel, where you can stop for a couple of minutes and your baggage is unloaded while you can stay in your car.
I've checked in in the bank building (ground level). Had to wait approx 10 minutes, there is one reception desk with most of times 2 people, serving 1 client at the same time. Got upgraded to a wonderful room in the bank building. Once arrived in the room, a handwritten welcome card was from the W Insider, some chocolated and.. a small Veuve Clicquot champagne bottle were awaiting me. Great welcome!
Luggage was delivered quickly and the first night I've received a turndown service.
Breakfast in the bank building is offered in restaurant The Duchess. Nice breakfast! I could choose one dish from the a la carte menu (was awesome) as well as anything I wanted from the buffet. I really appreciated the atmosphere.
The evening before departure I've received a goodbye card from Igor at my desk and again some chocolates. A nice welcome when returning from a day at work.
I didn't use the spa or gym, but I had a sneak preview there and they looked great. The gym in the bank building offers a view at the canals.
I'm not writing a full review here, but want to emphasize that due to very friendly and attentive staff, the service level imo is higher than in the other Ws that I've visited (NY TS, NY US, London, Paris, Barcelona).
Just one strange moment during my stay: I was smoking a cigar at the rooftop area outside the WXXX Lounge, clearly a smoking area, since the terrace heaters were turned on while it was snowing outside, there were ashtrays and staff offered me matches. At once a waiter with a security guy approached me and said: you cannot smoke here. I just smiled at them, because I thought they made a joke, but then they got serious and insisted: "smoking is not allowed on the premises". I was really confused and felt a bit overwhelmed because the waiter involved the security guard, so I used my phone as a torch and showed them that I was the matches, that they offered me. Then they watched my cigar and said: is this a cigar? Still confused I confirmed this, and then they walked away telling me that they thought it was weed.. After all, it's a fun story and I can understand that they don't want drugs in their hotel, but the difference between a Cuban cigar and a joint should be easy to recognise for a Dutch security guard who works in Amsterdam.
Besides this, excellent stay. Would definitely consider coming back!
Staying 3 nights, I decided to save roughly 150-180 USD on parking costs, by parking on one of Amsterdam's P+R, just 10 minutes by tram, for 1 euro per day. I drove to the W kiss and ride zone, which is excellent. I don't know how they did it, but there is reserved space just in front of the hotel, where you can stop for a couple of minutes and your baggage is unloaded while you can stay in your car.
I've checked in in the bank building (ground level). Had to wait approx 10 minutes, there is one reception desk with most of times 2 people, serving 1 client at the same time. Got upgraded to a wonderful room in the bank building. Once arrived in the room, a handwritten welcome card was from the W Insider, some chocolated and.. a small Veuve Clicquot champagne bottle were awaiting me. Great welcome!
Luggage was delivered quickly and the first night I've received a turndown service.
Breakfast in the bank building is offered in restaurant The Duchess. Nice breakfast! I could choose one dish from the a la carte menu (was awesome) as well as anything I wanted from the buffet. I really appreciated the atmosphere.
The evening before departure I've received a goodbye card from Igor at my desk and again some chocolates. A nice welcome when returning from a day at work.
I didn't use the spa or gym, but I had a sneak preview there and they looked great. The gym in the bank building offers a view at the canals.
I'm not writing a full review here, but want to emphasize that due to very friendly and attentive staff, the service level imo is higher than in the other Ws that I've visited (NY TS, NY US, London, Paris, Barcelona).
Just one strange moment during my stay: I was smoking a cigar at the rooftop area outside the WXXX Lounge, clearly a smoking area, since the terrace heaters were turned on while it was snowing outside, there were ashtrays and staff offered me matches. At once a waiter with a security guy approached me and said: you cannot smoke here. I just smiled at them, because I thought they made a joke, but then they got serious and insisted: "smoking is not allowed on the premises". I was really confused and felt a bit overwhelmed because the waiter involved the security guard, so I used my phone as a torch and showed them that I was the matches, that they offered me. Then they watched my cigar and said: is this a cigar? Still confused I confirmed this, and then they walked away telling me that they thought it was weed.. After all, it's a fun story and I can understand that they don't want drugs in their hotel, but the difference between a Cuban cigar and a joint should be easy to recognise for a Dutch security guard who works in Amsterdam.
Besides this, excellent stay. Would definitely consider coming back!
#125
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: HKG • Ex SFO, NYC
Programs: UA 1K, AA EXP; Marriott Amb; Hyatt Globalist; Shangri-la Diamond; IHG SpireAmb; Hilton D; Accor G
Posts: 3,319
Just one strange moment during my stay: I was smoking a cigar at the rooftop area outside the WXXX Lounge, clearly a smoking area, since the terrace heaters were turned on while it was snowing outside, there were ashtrays and staff offered me matches. At once a waiter with a security guy approached me and said: you cannot smoke here. I just smiled at them, because I thought they made a joke, but then they got serious and insisted: "smoking is not allowed on the premises". I was really confused and felt a bit overwhelmed because the waiter involved the security guard, so I used my phone as a torch and showed them that I was the matches, that they offered me. Then they watched my cigar and said: is this a cigar? Still confused I confirmed this, and then they walked away telling me that they thought it was weed.. After all, it's a fun story and I can understand that they don't want drugs in their hotel, but the difference between a Cuban cigar and a joint should be easy to recognise for a Dutch security guard who works in Amsterdam.
#126
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Programs: Marriott Gold, IHG Elite KLM Flying Blue,
Posts: 519
Wonderful restaurant The Duchess in W Amsterdam
For pictures:
Recently I visited the Lounge of the WAmsterdam to have a lunch with a friend. I have been several times to the WLounge and I like the atmosphere, the view, the open fire with chairs around it, the terrace in summer, the friendly casual service, etc.
However the lunch menu was still the same as it was a few months ago and I think thats a little dissapointing since I was expecting a new menu with more/different items for lunch. My appetite Wished for something else so we only had some coffee. The price for a chapuchino was five euro, a high end price for what is offered.
We had a quick look into the The Duchess and in Mr. Porter. The first glance of the The Duchess made us think it over if we wanted to have a small lunch in this opulent restaurant. And I did read some negative reviews of the restaurant….
But after our coffee we decided to give it a try …… We were greeted at the reception of the restaurant. The receptionist took care of our coats and she escorted us to our tables.
We were totally impressed by the beautiful interior of the restaurant. It reminded me of some restaurants in other historic Starwoodhotels. The Duchess is located in the Bankbuilding of the WAmsterdam.
The waiters did not speak Dutch, only English at that moment, and I was not pleasantly suprised. The menu was also only in English and we did not like it being in Amsterdam.
The waiter who helped dus was very formal and a little coldish in his attitude. It was not helpfull when deciding which choice to make. The menu offered a wide range of plates and it was so hard for us to make a choice. Even more since the menu offered only ample information of the dishes. Finally the waiter could offer some help and advised the Ceasarsalad. We wanted to order it, but I do not like fish or seafood. So I asked for another dressing since only the dressing included anjovis. But I was rather shocked to hear it was not possible! I just asked for another dressing, not a total different salad. But it was not possible ….. and so we had to find another kind of small lunch. We did not take some of the special selection of prepared water, though it was tempting. I like the Shiraz wines and asked for a glass… finally I ended up with the served Chardonny which my friend ordered. So I mentioned it and the waiter changed it for me. It seemed not possible to taste the wine first. Another waiter served us a small delicious bread with some olive oil and tomatodressing, we loved dit!
To be honest, the formal cool attitude of this waiter spoiled our experience. I have been to many restaurants worldwide and even with Michelinstars but his formal attitude made me feel unWelcome and uncomfortable.
We made our choice for the Green Salad with almonds and Crispy Gnocchi with hot Cherry Tomatoes. I was pleasantly surprised by the large salad, which tasted excellent. As for the small portion of Gnochi, the taste was even better. We enjoyed the freshness and quality so much.
We did speak to another waiter, from Estland, and he was much more spontanuous and open in his attitude. He even did say goodbye to us and we appreciated this attitude very much. We did notice our first waiter was leaving too….
A young waitress was on duty now, I told her I was not pleased with service. Until sofar nobody asked us if we liked the lunch/food/wine and if we needed something more. She immediately asked us….. She was nice and was Dutch, so that makes it even easier to talk about our experience in this beautiful restaurant. She made us feel Welcome and explained to us the personnel of the restaurant is trained to give a more formal serice to the guests, which are mainly foreigners. I told her I did not like this formal cold attitude, and I do not feel at home or comfortable with this kind of approach. She did not know of Starwood standards and did not know Starwood at all. Though the restaurant is located in Starwood WAmsterdam hotel, they seem to have minimal interest in the standards of the hotel. I do know the restaurants are under a different management and not part of Starwood, which I do regret. In more Starwoodhotels around the world they have this situation. The WAmsterdam is different since they do not offer another restaurant which is under management of the hotel, being a Starwoodrestaurant.
This waitress helped us pleasantly with making a choice of the dessert wich ended up in a choice of the delicious capuchino and friandise. The friandise is heavenly! Our tastebuds exploded with such delicious brioches, bonbons, cakes, etc., all handmade!
The restaurant was not busy for lunch and with the kind waitress it was possible to take our time to enjoy. The prices on the menu were ok, only the price of the Crispy Gnochi was on the high end regarding the small portion. The wines tasted fine and the desert was heavenly.
My impression.
The attitude of the first waiter made us feel uncomfortabel and the English Menu was at first confusing for us due to a lack of information or a helpfull waiter. After a change of the waiter I felt at home and enjoyed my experience in this restaurant very much. I am a little dissapointed the personnel did no know the standards of Starwood/Whotels, since the restaurant is located in a Starwood/Whotel. I do know the management of Starwood/Whotels have contacts with these restaurants, regarding the level of service tot he guests and Wishes of these guests regarding their dinnerexperiences.
In fact, breakfast is served inTthe Duchess, being it with Starwood/Whotel personnel. So a little more interest of the personnel of the The Duchess into the standards of the hotel should be more then Welcome, so guest can continue to enjoy the high standards of Starwood.
I don’t know if I Wish to have dinner here, since it seems to be very busy in the evening and I guess with a very formal/coldish service. Guest only have a maximal time, I believe 2 hours, to complete dinner and I would not like to feel hurried but Wish to have time to enjoy this Wonderful experience, to enjoy the excellent quality and taste of the products.
Though we only had a very small lunch it seems very promising to have another “tastebud explosion” here!
For Pictures: