Private dining suites, personalised fragrances misted onto pillows, and marble staircases designed by the same architect who once worked under King Louis XIV — Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam is more than plush; it takes five-star to a whole new level.
A Historic Palace in the Heart of Amsterdam
The 17th-century Dutch heritage palace is not only located within Amsterdam's UNESCO-listed canal district, it's drenched in centuries of history — with every room, loft and luxury suite designed so individually that no two are exactly the same. With suites costing over £8,000 a night, it's no surprise the hotel continues to attract celebrity guests like James Corden and Harry Styles, who, sources tell the Daily Mail, has picked the hotel as a place of residence during the Amsterdam leg of his 'Together, Together' tour.
Harry Styles' Amsterdam Residency
The pop superstar arrived in the Dutch capital ahead of his first show on 16 May, as thousands of fans descended on the city for the opening night of his highly anticipated residency. As part of a string of mini-residencies across seven major cities — including London, New York and Mexico City — the Watermelon Sugar singer is scheduled to perform 10 shows at Amsterdam's Johan Cruijff Arena. Harry officially kicked off the Amsterdam stretch of the tour on Saturday evening, supported by best pal James Corden and fiancée Zoe Kravitz, who were spotted dancing in a VIP section during the opening night performance.
Unparalleled Luxury and History
While fans shell out hundreds on tickets, flights and soaring accommodation prices, the singer is clearly taking a well-earned break in one of the most luxurious hotels the Dutch capital has to offer. Situated along the Herengracht canal in central Amsterdam, the property is based in one of the city's most exclusive and historic neighbourhoods — once home to wealthy merchants and elite Dutch art collectors. Even today, Amsterdam's mayor, Femke Halsema, is said to live just a few doors away.
Made up of six neighbouring canal palaces, the buildings have had several uses over the centuries, including serving as a prominent bank headquarters. In the early 2010s, Waldorf Astoria acquired the palaces and spent five years meticulously restoring them before officially opening in 2014. Because the property spans six separate heritage buildings, each of the hotel's 93 rooms, lofts and suites feature a completely unique layout, with varying ceiling heights, original timber beams, decorative fireplaces and period detailing.
Opulent Suites and Pricing
Its opulence is reflected in the pricing of rooms; a King Superior, the smallest of all offered at the hotel, costs as little as £1,213 for a night's stay, according to the hotel's website. The Brentano Suite, on the other hand, exceeds £7,247 per night — though some could argue you can't put a price on staying in a piece of history. Acquired in 1753 as a family residence by Dutch merchant Josephus Brentano, the estate has hosted a prestigious list of visitors, including Emperor Alexander I of Russia, as well as King William I and Prince Frederick of the Netherlands. Spread across more than 1,324 sq ft, the royal suite sleeps up to three guests and offers a true home-away-from-home experience with its partitioned dining room, living room, study, master bedroom, master bathroom and separate restroom.
Architectural Marvels and Unique Features
Another of the hotel's most striking features is its grand marble and stucco staircase, designed by Daniel Marot, the architect who famously worked for King Louis XIV. As guests move through the connected palaces, the interiors subtly transition from classic Louis XIV grandeur to softer Rococo details. Hidden inside the property is a lavish private dining suite, named the Maurer Room, boasting beautifully preserved 18th-century Rococo interior with original Dutch wall paintings.
Upon arrival, every guest is invited to select a signature scent from a historic French candlemaker, which is later sprayed onto pillows by housekeepers during evening turndown service. Some of the hotel's most loyal guests even receive limited-edition ceramic replicas of the six canal houses, inspired by the famous Delft Blue miniature houses traditionally gifted by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.
From Bank Vault to Cocktail Bar
Before becoming a hotel, part of the property operated as a bank — but, rather than remove its original steel vault doors, designers transformed the once-secure room into the stylish Vault Bar, where cocktails are served in an old-money, dimly lit setting. Tucked away behind the canal palaces, sits the city's largest private hotel garden, complete with manicured pathways and over 10,000 tulips planted annually.
Wellness and Dining
As for general wellness, the hotel is home to the Netherlands' only Guerlain Spa, featuring a heated indoor pool with garden views and direct access to a secluded outdoor relaxation area — a rare luxury in central Amsterdam. Now closed, the hotel housed Spectrum, a celebrated fine-dining restaurant led by chef Sidney Schutte, known to create detailed seven-to-eleven tasting menus inspired by modern Dutch cuisine. However, guests can stop by the hotel's Peacock Lounge for all-day dining and its iconic Afternoon Tea experience, which sees famous artworks by Dutch artists like Rembrandt and Van Gogh get turned into intricate pastries and savoury creations.
Other Luxury Hotels in Amsterdam
For those seeking similar opulence, several other five-star hotels in Amsterdam rival the Waldorf Astoria. Tivoli Doelen, set along the Kloveniersburgwal canal, is dedicated to Rembrandt and offers rooms from £223 per night. Hotel TwentySeven on Dam Square boasts 16 suites with Nepalese silk carpets and bulletproof doors, starting at £864 per night. Hotel Okura in De Pijp blends Dutch design with Japanese hospitality, featuring a Michelin-starred restaurant and the largest hotel pool in the city, from £312 per night. Rosewood Hotel, situated along the Prinsengracht canal in a former Palace of Justice, offers 134 luxury rooms, a 400-year-old spa, and a speakeasy distillery, from £1,068 per night.
