STAMFORD, CT—W Hotels Worldwide, part of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., has debuted in the Netherlands with the opening of W Amsterdam.
Owned by Europe Hotels | Private Collection, the hotel brings the W brand’s New York energy, service mentality and programming to the Dutch capital, according to the brand. Near Dam Square and the Royal Palace, the hotel introduces Wet Deck, the city’s first rooftop pool, and culinary venues such as The Duchess and Mr. Porter.
“The long-awaited and much-anticipated opening of W Amsterdam brings a distinctive new take on hospitality to the heart of the city,” said Anthony Ingham, global brand leader of W Hotels Worldwide. “Amsterdam has emerged as a world leader in design, music and fashion, all of which have long been passions of W Hotels and our global travelers. As one of Europe’s most popular destinations, we are excited to welcome guests and locals alike to an energetic space full of unexpected moments.”
The 238-room hotel spans two buildings, one of which used to house the former Telephone Exchange and the other was previously home to KAS Bank. W Amsterdam was designed by Office WINHOV and Baranowitz Kronenberg Architects, who collaborated with local designers to refresh the historic buildings with contemporary features inspired by their past.
“Amsterdam’s progressive spirit is a perfect match for W Hotels. We are thrilled to introduce a new style of modern hospitality to the Netherlands in partnership with Europe Hotels | Private Collection and its owner, Liran Wizman, who share our vision for W Hotels,” said Michael Wale, president, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Europe, Middle East and Africa. “W Amsterdam is our first W Hotel in the country and reinforces Starwood’s commitment to grow our presence in this important European market.”
The Exchange building features 172 guestrooms, while the 66 rooms in the Bank will open early next year. The hotel will have a total of 21 suites, three WOW suites and two Extreme WOW suites, the W brand’s take on the presidential suite. Featuring an open-plan bathroom complete with a hot tub, walk-in wardrobe and round bed with views of the Royal Palace. W Amsterdam features SPG Keyless, which enables guests to use their smartphone or wearable device as a room key.
“The opening of W Amsterdam marks the pinnacle of Amsterdam’s rapid growth as one of Europe’s most popular destinations for jet-setting travelers,” said Liran Wizman, owner of W Amsterdam and Europe Hotels | Private Collection. “With its innovative lifestyle programming and two distinctive restaurants set to shake up the capital’s hospitality scene, W Amsterdam will bring something new and exciting to the hotel industry in the Dutch capital.”
With the opening of W Amsterdam, Starwood now has three hotels in the Netherlands, including Sheraton Amsterdam Airport Hotel Schiphol and Hotel Des Indes, a Luxury Collection Hotel, The Hague. The company will continue to expand its Dutch portfolio with the debut of Element Amsterdam in early 2016.