W Hotels Worldwide debuted in the Netherlands this week with the highly anticipated opening of the W Amsterdam.
The 238-room hotel spans two iconic buildings, one of which used to house the former Telephone Exchange and the other was previously home to KAS Bank. Office WINHOV and Baranowitz Kronenberg Architects collaborated with local designers to refresh the historic buildings with contemporary features inspired by their past.
Guests check in at the rooftop W Lounge, the W brand’s re-interpretation of the traditional hotel lobby, on the sixth floor of the Exchange building.
With four outdoor terraces and floor-to-ceiling windows, guests have access 360-degree views over canal houses and heritage sites. Looking out to the Royal Palace and historic center, W Amsterdam is also the site of the city’s first rooftop pool, Wet Deck. The roof is also home to Mr. Porter, a restaurant which blends a modern steakhouse with a high-energy lounge.
Across the street in the Bank building, The Duchess restaurant combines traditional London and Viennese dishes. The building also houses a fitness center, a spa located in an original bank vault, and an exhibition gallery that showcases local design, fashion and music.
“The opening of W Amsterdam marks the pinnacle of Amsterdam’s rapid growth as one of Europe’s most popular destinations for jet setting travellers,” 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 capitals hospitality scene, W Amsterdam will bring something new and exciting to the hotel industry in the Dutch capital.”
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