Kimpton De Witt Amsterdam

Formerly a Crowne Plaza, the hotel reopened in May 2017 as the first Kimpton hotel in Europe. Though the brown, angular building doesn’t make for a great first impression, interiors stand in stark contrast to the facade, with minimalist, Nordic-style furniture in a soothing gray, pink, and beige palette that stands out against black and white painted tiles in the reception area. Brushed-gold accents in lamps, railings, and shelves combine with gray rugs, leather and velvet seating, and dark, marble-like tables to create sleek, inviting spaces. The restaurant has a more industrial-chic style with its wood-and-steel tables, exposed pipes, and leather stools, while the bar -- housed in a 17th-century building -- has a more historic feel, thanks to original embossed leather walls, carved wooden doors, and wood wall paneling.

The combination of sleek interiors, boutique touches such as wine hours, and central location make this hotel an excellent choice for couples, families, and business travelers, but the Kimpton lacks a spa, which the slightly more expensive Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht does have. Couples seeking something more intimate and classic may prefer the Banks Mansion, a beautiful boutique with outstanding freebies and a central location in the Canal Ring. Travelers on a tighter budget wanting to stay in the Old Center may want to compare rates at Hotel Sint Nicolaas.  

The hotel is located on a busy thoroughfare in the Old Center, surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and shops popular with tourists. Main attractions such as Dam Square, the Old Church, and the Amsterdam Museum are all less than 10 minutes away on foot, as is shopping along Niewendijk, Damrak, and Kalverstraat. The Anne Frank House is just about a 15-minute walk away. There are also several public transport stops within two blocks of the hotel, providing easy access to over a dozen bus and tram lines. Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Vondelpark can each be reached in about 20 minutes by tram. Centraal Station, the city’s main train station, is just a five-minute walk away, which puts the airport just a 25-minute train ride away. The drive to Amsterdam-Schiphol normally takes between 30 to 40 minutes. Valet parking is available for a fee, and the hotel has eight bikes that can be borrowed free of charge. 

The hotel has 274 rooms, ranging from small double units to huge suites with terraces and views. All rooms were fully renovated in mid-2017 and feel fresh, stylish, and plush, with a color scheme that can be either dark or light gray, clean lines, and designer details such as bird-shaped reading lights, golden parrot statuettes, and eye-catching armchairs with bold blue floral patterns. Velvet throw pillows, brushed-gold accents, padded fabric headboards, and wooden floors add texture and style. Note that light sleepers may want to request a room away from the street, as traffic noise can be an issue. 

At 12 square meters (130 square feet), Standard Rooms are small even by European standards, though they fit work desks, and all other room types are more spacious. Closets are outfitted with safes, umbrellas, and yoga mats, and small coffee corners, complete with Nespresso machines, minibars stocked with a great (albeit overpriced) array of drinks and snacks, and electric kettles. Smart TVs have a range of international channels, and wonderful Hypnos beds come with soft duvets, several pillows, and fluffy bed runners. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, and it was fast and reliable in our room. Bluetooth speakers, Frette robes, and bedside USB charging stations are provided as well. Bathrooms are modern and spotless, with Delft-inspired tiles, big walk-in rainfall showers, a full range of quality toiletries, and hairdryers. However, they have glass doors, which can make some guests uncomfortable. 

Housed in buildings dating back to the 17th century, Specialty Suites feature original architectural details such as pitched ceilings with exposed beams. The childhood home of 17th-century Dutch playwright PC Hooft -- located in the middle of the property -- now houses a beautiful three-bedroom suite. 

Wyers is a hip restaurant serving up tasty American-style comfort food in an industrial-chic space with direct access from the street. A filling (albeit expensive) a la carte breakfast with an array of sweet and savory options is served every morning here, and the restaurant remains open throughout the day until late in the evening. Weekend brunch is also available. Dating back to the 1640s, the House Bar has an excellent drink menu with a wide range of cocktails, wines, and local beers. Miss Louisa is a small corner cafe offering coffee and beignets to-go. Daily free wine receptions are popular among guests. 

The hotel also features a few great amenities for business travelers, including a small but well-equipped gym, a 24-hour business center with two computers and a printer, 24-hour room service, and extensive meeting space, including three boardrooms with wet bars and coffee machines.