Amsterdam's most prestigious hotel, opened in 1867 on the banks of the Amstel River. The palatial red-brick Victorian building has hosted royalty, presidents, and rock stars for over 150 years. Features La Rive restaurant (Michelin star), a magnificent pool, and views of the river from most rooms.
The InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam stands on Professor Tulpplein 1, directly on the Amstel River, approximately 1.5 kilometres southeast of Amsterdam Centraal and an equal distance south of Rembrandtplein. The Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge), one of Amsterdam's most photographed drawbridges, is a ten-minute walk west along the river. The Utrechtsestraat restaurant and shopping street, one of Amsterdam's best dining strips, is a five-minute walk. Tram line 7 or 10 stops on the Frederiksplein, a three-minute walk, connecting the hotel to the centre and Leidseplein in under ten minutes.
Opened in 1867, the Amstel Hotel — as it was originally known — was commissioned by Cornelis Outshoorn and built in the French Second Empire style with a distinctive red-brick façade, central mansard tower, and a curved river frontage that makes it instantly recognisable from the water. The building underwent a comprehensive restoration in 1992 before joining the InterContinental collection and has retained its palatial interior, characterised by a sweeping double staircase, chandeliers of Venetian glass, ornate plasterwork in the public rooms, and hand-painted ceilings in the banqueting halls. It has served as the city's premier address for royalty, heads of state, and international celebrities for over 150 years.
The 79 rooms and suites are among the largest in Amsterdam, with standard Deluxe Rooms beginning at approximately 45 square metres and the Royal Suite extending across a full wing. Most rooms face the Amstel River and offer an expansive view across the water, particularly striking at night when the city bridges are illuminated. Rooms are fitted with silk fabrics, handmade Dutch furniture, marble bathrooms with deep soaking tubs, and butler call buttons for immediate personalised service.
La Rive, the hotel's signature restaurant, holds one Michelin star under Executive Chef Edgar Vos, serving refined Dutch-French cuisine. The dining room occupies a river-facing salon with tall windows overlooking the Amstel, and the wine cellar beneath the restaurant is one of the most extensive in the Netherlands. The La Rive Bar operates adjacent to the dining room, serving cocktails and light fare. Breakfast in the grand Spiegelzaal ballroom is an elaborate formal affair reflecting the hotel's palatial character.
The indoor swimming pool is housed in an ornate vaulted room with a terracotta tiled surround and arched windows, and is one of the most aesthetically distinctive hotel pools in the Netherlands. The spa provides massage, facial, and beauty treatments in a setting of polished stone and dark timber. Butler service is standard for all guests, not only suite occupants — a hallmark of the property's approach to personalised care.
The Amstel Amsterdam is the preferred choice of high-profile visitors to the city requiring absolute privacy and security, and the hotel's river frontage and secure mooring make it particularly suitable for guests arriving by private vessel. The concierge operates a full 24-hour service and maintains relationships with museum directors, restaurant owners, and gallery curators across the city.
Amenities
- Michelin-starred restaurant
- Indoor pool
- Spa
- Bar
- Butler service
- Concierge
Location
Professor Tulpplein 1, 1018 GX Amsterdam
52.3564, 4.9072 View on map
Highlights
- Amstel River views
- Victorian palatial interior
- La Rive Michelin-star restaurant
- Historic grandeur
Tips for visiting
- River-facing rooms on floors three to five offer the best combination of view and noise level — the river itself is quiet but rooms on lower floors are closer to passing tour boats during the day.
- La Rive requires advance reservations, particularly on Thursday through Saturday evenings — the Michelin-starred kitchen operates a fixed tasting menu format and cannot usually accommodate walk-ins.
- The hotel's butler service can arrange private arrival by water taxi directly to the hotel's river mooring — a significantly more atmospheric transfer from Amsterdam Centraal than road taxi, and available with advance notice.
- The historic indoor pool is available to all guests at no additional charge and is rarely crowded — early morning before 8 am is the quietest time.