Dating back to 1867, the iconic InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam almost always gets a great review. With only 55 guest rooms and 24 suites, there are relatively few guests for the physical size of the hotel.
The Amstel has been on my list of historic hotels to stay at for a number of years, and one of the few where you can redeem hotel points. It did not disappoint.
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InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam Review
Arriving at the hotel by Uber, the porters sprung into action to take my suitcase but I was more than happy to roll my own Rimowa.
There is something special about historic hotels with their wooden revolving doors that display their own hotel coat of arms.
Check in was handled efficiently and I was pleased that my room was ready despite being slightly before official check in time. Walking through the grand lobby, you could feel that the Amstel was not your average hotel.
I especially liked the centrepiece clock at the top of the stairs.
The hallways felt like a grand home, as the Amstel is known as the ‘Grand Dutch Residence’ after all!
Executive Room Review
With only 55 rooms, every room is spacious and decorated beautifully with Delftware and other Dutch touches.
Room 117 had a proper entry hall with side table and artwork.
The king sized bed was flanked by beautiful marble topped tables and attractive bedside lamps.
The mini bar area had a complimentary coffee machine and tea making facilities too, perfect with a Stroopwafel.
There is also a full sized desk and television on the far wall.
While the best rooms in the hotel are on the Amstel river side, I had booked using points so understandably received no upgrade.
The bathroom was generously sized with a separate deep soaking bath and rain shower.
A small card with the following days weather and fun fact was left on the pillow as part of the daily turndown service, a nice touch that differentiates a luxury hotel.
Also worth mentioning are the stylish Do Not Disturb signs, the only hotel I’ve stayed at to date to provide ones made from leather.
Swimming Pool
A great swimming pool is a must for a hotel to be truly luxurious. Be it the wonderfully heated outdoor pool with views of the Bavarian Alps at the Kempinski Berchtesgaden or uninterrupted ocean views and direct access to the Atlantic Ocean at Reid’s Palace in Madeira, a great pool can make a stay.
The InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam fortunately has a beautiful pool on the same level at the Amstel river that is just gorgeous.
Wonderfully heated for a comfortable swim, even during a European winter, and with access to both an indoor lounge area and a lounging deck outside to enjoy the activity on the river.
Light refreshments are provided by the spa seating area with fruit, juices and teas.
Amsterdam Canal Tour
Naturally when in Amsterdam, one must take a tour of the canals by boat. And the Amstel runs their own private tour on weekends with a delightful little boat right from their own dock.
The convenience and quality of the tour made for excellent value and one that I would highly recommend.
Booking The InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam
The InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam is an expensive hotel in an expensive city. Using 60,000 points per night in 2018 was exceptional value and an example of when buying points can save you money.
With the introduction of dynamic pricing in the IHG Rewards Club program, you can currently redeem a free night for 47,500 points. Buying these points for US$240 is a great saving compared to the paid rate of €463 (roughly US$514 before taxes).
Summary
The InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam lived up to expectations and many a great review. It is a truly luxurious hotel with grand rooms and a beautiful swimming pool.
A grand hotel that I definitely want to return to.
