AMSTEL TIMES

 0,20 TUESDAY AMSTERDAM, APRIL 26TH 2016

April 26th, 1866 - April 26th, 2016

InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam, CELEBRATING 150 YEARS OF ELEGANCE

In 2016 we will start to celebrate the 150th jubilee of our hotel, as the construction started on April 26th, 1866. The hotel opened its doors 1 year and 1 day later. The hotel is very proud to take you on a unique historical journey back in time and guide you through the life of the first ‘Grand Dame’ of the city: InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam.

Amsterdam 1800 – 1850

The dominant image of Amsterdam after the Golden Age during

the first half of the nineteenth century was a city in decline. From the proud metropolis that it used to be in the golden age was not much left anymore. The foreign visitors still praised the beauty of the Canal Districts, but wrote as well about the stench and pollution in the neighbourhoods such as the Jordan River and Eastern Islands, where hovels and dark lanes were crammed with people. Municipal reports mentioned time after time the neglected state in which public buildings, streets, docks and bridges were situated, but money for recovery was barely there. Moreover, a relative decline compared to other European cities became visible. Even though Amsterdam was still an important port city and the fact that there were taken some initiatives such as the construction of the North-Holland Canal, the ruling elite reflected the city for too long to the Golden Age, instead of facing the truth and adapting to the real situation that Amsterdam was really in.

LOVED BY THE PEOPLE Samuel Sarphati (1813 – 1866) was a Jewish doctor who had a significant role in the wellbeing, education and housing industry of Amsterdam during the 19th century. He was educated and prosperous; nevertheless, he was also very aware of the poverty around him. Each day, in his busy doctor’s practice, he was confronted with the consequences of the unhealthy conditions in which many of his fellow citizens of Amsterdam were living. These terrible conditions inspired him to develop numerous plans to make Amsterdam a better place to live: he e.g. acquired a concession for the collection of waste and garbage in 1847- an activity that the City Government acknowledged as a public task only after Sarphati’s death. Another expression of his social involvement was the creation of the first Dutch bread factory in 1855 to stop the flour cartel created by millers and bakers, to eventually provide good and affordable bread for every citizen of Amsterdam – a real success that would soon be copied. However, the housing crisis continued to be a problem. Sarphati designed his own plan to expand the city beyond the Singelgracht, because the city council failed to take any action. In addition to providing more housing, he also wanted to create space for prestigious buildings that would make the city proud of again and put Amsterdam on a par with other European cities. 1853 Dr. Sarphati’s ambition continues – Dr. Sarphati visits London for the Great Exhibition and is confronted with beautiful buildings and initiatives that made him realise how much Amsterdam was falling behind on other European cities. Therefore, he founded the ‘Vereeniging voor Volksvlijt’, translated as ‘Association for Public Industry’ and became the first President. This association had the main purpose to exchange knowledge and to realize this objective, the association was in need of a permanent building for exhibitions and congresses. Impressed by the ‘Crystal Palace’ in London, Dr. Sarphati built according to the design of Cornelis Outshoorn the ‘Paleis voor Volksvlijt’ (The Amsterdam Crystal Palace). With this new palace for public industry, a whole new time commenced (unfortunately, due to a fire, the Amsterdam Crystal Palace was completely destroyed in 1929).

A VISIONARY ARCHITECT Cornelis Outshoorn (1810 – 1875) was by far the most progressive architect in his time. Unlikely many of his colleagues, Outshoorn focussed on the future.

AMSTERDAM 1860-1880

Innovations for the city – The Amsterdam of the late nineteenth century found itself in the midst of significant changes. Trams, telephones and electricity were introduced. New newspapers, unions and new political parties were set up. The economy grew and an incredible number of buildings were constructed in a short space

of time. All of the neighbourhoods beyond Singelgracht date from that period: the Pijp, with the renowned Albert Cuypmarkt, the Weesperzijde and the Vondelpark. Many imposing, stately buildings that still play a big role in the city nowadays were also built during this period: Central Station, the Rijksmuseum and the Concert Hall. 1862 – The Paleis voor Volksvlijt was one of the most beautiful buildings in Amsterdam; it was situated on Fredriksplantsoen, where the Nederlandsche Bank is currently located opposite the hotel.

This building was the result of the joint efforts of Sarphati and Outshoorn. Sarphati thought that Amsterdam needed a large exhibition hall. The Paleis voor Volksvlijt (completed in 1864) had to be an imposing building, constructed from iron and glass. When the Crystal Palace of Amsterdam was finished, Dr. Sarphati wanted to embellish the city even more; he had the idea that a large and very

special hotel with international allure should be constructed to welcome the wealthiest people into the city: a palace on the Amstel River banks. This spot was a wonderful place with clean air and close to the (back then) Rhijnspoorstation. The hotel was named the Amstel Hotel.

Crystal Palace of Amsterdam

1863

– THE INITIAL IDEA of Cornelis Outshoorn was to create 4 wings with a circular construction and with a glass and iron inner roofed area. This way a large courtyard could be implemented, where privileged visitors were able to park their carriages. The main façade was planned to run alongside the boulevard that is now called the Sarphatistraat. He reproduced elements from other famous buildings in Europe for various parts of the hotel, such as the entrance hall of Grosvenor Palace in London. He was rather nationalistic in his choice of materials: the hotel had to be constructed using Dutch red and yellow bricks. A brave choice, because these bricks did not yet have a good reputation.

NO INTEREST IN A LUXURIOUS HOTEL 1866

– IT WAS INITIALLY DIFFICULT to generate enthusiasm among the potential investors: no one actually believed that there would be a demand for such affluence in Amsterdam. Influential citizens wrote open letters to the newspaper, stating that it was unacceptable to spend so much money on one building while there was such a high level of poverty. However, Sarphati was not discouraged: he believed that if the city welcomed prosperous public, the citizens would benefit from it. He purchased the land from the municipality, had a section of the Amstel and the Singelgracht filled in, and started laying the foundations. His perseverance was rewarded: the construction started on April 26th 1866 and the hotel was completed exactly one day and one year later, on April 27th 1867. The official opening of the Amstel Hotel was held on July 16th 1867. Sarphati did not live long enough to see the completion of his plans: he died on June 23rd 1866, at the age of 53. Unfortunately, there was a lack of money to realize the initial idea. Only one wing was realized.

OPENING OF THE AMSTEL HOTEL 1867 – ALL THE CRITICS WERE DUMBFOUNDED

when the hotel actually opened. The entrance hall in particular was breathtaking and unprecedented: marble, crystal chandeliers, Persian carpets, exquisite furniture, gold leaf, and the high ceilings made the atmosphere unique. The Amstel Hotel welcomed its first guests, but had a rough start - on their opening day only 25 out of 100 rooms were decorated and even the years that followed didn’t do very well. The extension in 1668 to 100 rooms was funded using extra credit. Because of the absence of an elevator and the bathrooms being in the basements, rooms on the ground floor were most loved and where more expensive: two guilders per bed, while a bed in the upper floors was respectively around FL. 1,50 and FL. 1. Candles were available at the price of 25 cents for those who wanted lights in their room in the evening.

THE LEGENDARY DR. MEZGER, CURING THE WEALTHY AND THE POOR 1870

– Although everyone was

enthusiastic about the hotel, there were not many guests during the first few years. Things got so bad, in fact, that the hotel had a depth of 20.000,- guilder and the shareholders considered using the building for another purpose in 1869: an orphanage. Luckily, they decided to wait a little longer; shortly afterwards, a guardian angel landed in the hotel: Johann Georg Mezger. He was a Dutch doctor with extremely unconventional treatment methods: he rubbed and kneaded the limbs of his patients using his ‘golden thumbs’. While the

conventional treatment was to wrap body parts tightly in bandages and to prescribe absolute rest, he propagated remedial gymnastics as a method of curing wounded and injured body parts. Mezger is now considered as one of the founders of physiotherapy. Mezger opened his surgery in the Belgium, Bulgaria, Persia and also Empress Elizabeth (Sisi) of Austri whole wing to make use out of his treatment. Since then, the reputat Amstel Hotel in 1870 and rapidly attracted many prominent visitors, Hotel rose tremendously. A cartoon dating from that era gives a good number of noble pa including members of German him; in the cartoon, standing next to Me and French aristocratic families, Met dank aan Groene the Romanian Queen Carmen Sylva, the King and Crown Prince of Sweden, the King of Belgium, Bulgaria, Persia and also Empress thought that I had th but you have the so Elizabeth (Sisi) of Austria who under your thump”. also treated the ord even rented a whole wing to occasionally gave th and duchesses. The make use out of his treatment. noble patients staye which finally had gu Since then, the reputation of the the doors. Mezger a Hotel for the first fe Amstel Hotel rose tremendously. moved to the corner hotel, at Amstel 177 A cartoon dating from that era Ruyschstraat 1, a st Amstel to the south of the hotel. From 1883 onwards, the hotel rente gives a good indication of the the ‘Café Continental’ opposite the hotel for his guests, and later the 32,33Bismarck, and 33a on Weesperzijde, number of noble patients that came to him; current in thenumbers cartoon, who is right next to Ruysc Since thepower Amstel Hotel exploits its rooms according to its gu standing next to Mezger, says: “I thought that I this hadyear the in my hands, decorated and fully furnished, with bronze clocks, candelabras with p vases, your piano’s, thump”. lace curtainsNevertheless, and expensive carpets. Moreover, due to but you have the sovereigns of Europe under visitors, many houses near the hotel were reconstructed into offices diamond trade. Mezger also treated the ordinary citizens, international and he occasionally gave them 1873 – The property in front of the was actually meant to be a g priority over dukes and duchesses. The majority of Mezger’s noblehotel patients however, a carriage house (as the initial idea was not realized) and a additional hayloftcoming were built, as the hotel was much more in need of stayed at the Amstel Hotel, which finally had guests through the 1888 – The good fortune eventually ran out: Dr. doors. Mezger also lived at the Amstel Hotel for the first few years. He laterJ.G. Mezger left the h Wiesbaden, Germany. At this stage the hotel already had a tremendo even though the therapist moved to the corner house opposite the hotel, at Amstel 177.left, wealthy guests kept on coming. Never articles were published that questioned whether the city should have him there. People were by theto reason Since then the Amstel Hotel exploits its rooms according toalso itsupset guests be given by Mezger for people of Amsterdam allegedly ‘failed to treat his clients courteously probably that he would earn more in Wiesbaden. well decorated and fully furnished, with bronze clocks, candelabras with The contents of the Weesperzijde were put up for auction. 
 precious ornaments, vases, piano’s, lace curtains and expensive carpets. The hotel would notthe have survived Moreover, due to the prosperous visitors, many houses near hotel were the first few ye Mezger. This is why there is a plaque in the Amst reconstructed into offices for of the growing international diamond trade. Health Club to commemorate his service: for the

and physiotherapy. Mezger’s departure turned ou devastating than was initially anticipated: guests about the hotel, and kept on coming back.

1873 – THE PROPERTY IN FRONT OF THE HOTEL was actually meant to be a garden full of flowers; however, a carriage house (as the initial idea was not realized) and a horse stable with an additional hayloft were built, as the hotel was much more in need of this. 1888

– THE GOOD FORTUNE eventually ran out: Dr. J.G. Mezger left the hotel and moved to Wiesbaden, Germany. At this stage the hotel already had a tremendous reputation and even though the therapist left, wealthy guests kept on coming. Nevertheless, newspaper articles were published that questioned whether the city should have done more to keep him there. People were also upset by the reason given by Mezger for his relocation: the people of Amsterdam allegedly ‘failed to treat his clients courteously’. The true reason was probably that he would earn more money in Wiesbaden.

The hotel would not have survived the first few years without Mezger. This is why there is a plaque in the Amstel Hotel’s Health Club to commemorate his service: for the hotel, the city and physiotherapy. Mezger’s departure turned out to be less devastating than was initially anticipated: guests now knew about the hotel, and kept on coming back.

1892

– The architect Margadant constructed a power station opposite the hotel in 1892, which took away the need for gas lighting. The guests merely had to flip a switch and the lights came on. This was a significant difference. The carriage with the horse stable and hayloft was torn down because of the construction of a power station. 1896-The electric chandelier was placed in the lobby and is still there. With its 49 lamps, it is polished once a year. The entire structure is lowered to just above the floor using a winch. A trapdoor has been fitted in the floor space on the second floor, in which the pulley device is positioned.

A WHOLE NEW TIME Things were going so well, in fact, that in 1899/1900 the architect Margadant was assigned the task of increasing the height of the sidewings of the hotel by adding an additional storey, allowing extra rooms to be built. The characteristic façade of the building with the towers became less recognisable as a result. The hotel decided to renovate as the number of guests grew so rapidly; during summer the hotel was A WHOLE NEW TIME ! completely full and a lot of guests couldn’t be given a room and needed Things were going so well, in fact, that in 1899/1900 the architect Margadant was assigned the task of increasing the height of the side-wings of the to bybe placed the renovation elevators to all floors hotel adding an additionalelsewhere. storey, allowing extraDuring rooms to be built. were added together with smoking-, reading- and conversation rooms, the restaurant ‘Table d’hôte’ was improved and halls for large diners and soirées were created. In 1900 the fourth floor was added to the hotel. 1892 – The architect Margadant constructed a power station opposite the hotel in 1892, which took away the need for gas lighting. The guests merely had to flip a switch and the lights came on. This was a significant difference compared to the old gas lighting. The carriage with the horse stable and hayloft was torn down because of the construction of a power station.

1896-The electric chandelier was placed in the lobby and is still there. With its 49 lamps, it is polished once a year. The entire structure is lowered to just above the floor using a winch. A trapdoor has been fitted in the floor space on the second floor, in which the pulley device is positioned.

The characteristic façade of the building with the towers became less recognisable as a result. The hotel decides to renovate as the number of guests grew so rapidly; during summer the hotel was completely full and a lot of guests couldn’t be given a room and needed to be placed elsewhere. During the renovation elevators to all floors were added together with smoking-, reading- and conversation rooms, the restaurant ‘Table d’hôte’ was improved and halls for large diners and soirées were created. In 1900 the fourth floor is added to the hotel.

WORLD WAR II The hotel was put onder the control of the ‘Reichskommissar’ SeyssInquart during the Second World War. The Jewish hotel director, Raphael Belinfante, was forced to give up his position. The shareholders presented him with a generous golden handshake; however, he was unable to enjoy this for long: he died in 1944, in Auswitz. The hotel was placed under the authority of the ‘Reichskommissar’, who appointed a temporary trustee: the German Strack. Strack made himself at home in the hotel and placed some paintings in his room. He only stayed a short while; this is evident from the minutes of the shareholder’s meeting dated 13 March 1942: “Mr. Strack, temporary trustee, has requested to receive a number of paintings he has left behind. As he took with him paintings belonging to the Amstel Hotel that are of more value than those he left behind, the meeting rules that this request will not be honoured and that he will be informed of this decision by letter”. Strack apparently reconciled himself to this, as the paintings were exchanged two months later.

1945 - Around this year the hotel underwent again many refurbishments and renewals; the bronze clocks, piano’s and lace curtains were removed.

1914-1918 – The hotel serves as the headquarters for the Dutch defence during the First World War.

1914-1918 – The hotel

serves as the headquarters for the Dutch defence during the First World War.

1917 – From now on all the rooms had hot and cold running water and

each room was given its own bathroom. Initially there were only fourteen bathrooms serving a hundred rooms. They were situated in the basement. Even the Shah of Persia, who stayed in the hotel in 1889, didn't have a private bathroom but had to make his way down, escorted by ten servants.

After World War II ended in 1945, Field Marshal Bernard Law Montgomery, visited Amsterdam and the Amstel Hotel

1920 – The floor tiles in the lobby are replaced with a mirrored marble floor. Tulpplein 1: An Amsterdam hotel on Tulpplein

(Tulp translating as Tulip). There is not a more Dutch way to stay. However, this name does not relate to the common tulip. Those who take a good look at the street sign will see that this ‘Tulp’ has an educated title. Professor Tulp became prealector anatomiae in Amsterdam on November 24th in 1628: he dissected corpses. As the ‘anatomy lecturer’ of Amsterdam Guild of Surgeons in De Waag on the Nieuwmarkt (now a restaurant) he held a public dissection twice a year. A prominent anatomist then showed his colleagues what the inside of a human body looked like. Executed criminals were often used for his dissections. The fame of Professor Tulp is primarily a result of a 1682 Rembrandt painting ‘Anatomy Lesson by Nicolaes Tulp’.

This painting can now be seen in the Mauritshuis in The Hague. Tulp went on to become Mayor of Amsterdam.

THE GRAND HALL - A JOURNEY THROUGH TIME

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ROYAL VISITS

August 1928 – Royal Family of Sweden

June 1932 – Raja of Kani Kan, Iran

September1948 – Inauguration Queen Juliana

August 1962 – Arrival of the Royal Family

May 1962 – Queen Juliana and Prince Bernhard celebrating their Silver Wedding Anniversary

March 1966 – Arrival of King Alexander of Greece

April 2013 – Sheikha Mozah from Qatar

April 2013 – Prince Charles and Princess Camilla

April 2013 – Crown Prince of Thailand and his sister

OTHER TIMES Waiter missing without a trace

At the inauguration of Princess Beatrix in 1980, all the employees were ready to welcome the Royal guests. Everything had been discussed weeks beforehand; everyone knew exactly where they should stand… However, one empty place was discovered when setting up the welcoming committee: the maître d’ had gone missing. Chaos ensued. The entire hotel was searched, but to no avail. He finally turned up after the Royal guests had already arrived and were walking up the stairs. He gravely walked across the red carpet into the hotel with Princess Juliana on his arm. He apologised later: Prince Bernhard had personally requested if he could escort Princess Juliana. How could he refuse?

The Clock - Queen Wilhelmina was a woman who liked to be on

time. On one occasion, she was expecting a French ambassador who was to arrive at three o’clock. However, he arrived late. At ten past three, the hotel received a telephone call from Central Station: he had just arrived and would be at the hotel shortly. At the orders of the Queen, the personnel set all of the clocks in the hotel to three o’clock. It was not an easy task, ladders had to be used, but at least her guest would be under the impression that he had arrived on time. A form of courtesy that cannot be found anywhere these days.

King Willem the third was succeeded by a

succession of females of the House of Orange: firstly, Regent Emma, followed by Queen Wilhelmina, Queen Juliana, Queen Beatrix and nowadays, it’s King Willem Alexander. King Willem Alexander was born on April 27th 1967 exactly one hundred years after King Willem the third visited the Amstel Hotel for the first time. Coincidence?

RENOVATIONS Throughout the years, the hotel has had many refurbishments and renovations. When the hotel was constructed in 1867, there were no private bathrooms, nor electricity. But as the years passed by, the hotel changed with it. Hot and cold water started to run through the entire building, electricity became available and the rooms went through many refurbishments. 1953 – VARIOUS REFURBISHMENTS WERE CARRIED OUT AFTER THE WAR: a lounge was added in 1953.

The interior of the Hotel was ‘modernised’ in 1960, in Art-Deco style: solid-oak doors were replaced with veneer doors and chandeliers were replaced by metal lamps. The paintings and plasterwork on the ceilings was levelled and painted white. The refurbishment was financed by the sale of hundreds of 19th century paintings by renowned masters, which were sold on by the hotel for low prices. The hall was the only area to remain relatively unchanged during this refurbishment. There was another turn-around in 1980, and the interior was transformed back into a more classic-romantic style again.

1990 –THE LAST BIG REFURBISHMENT DATES FROM 1990-1992. The outside of the building remained intact, but

everything was changed on the inside. The layout of the rooms and the hallways improved, and the number of rooms was reduced from 111 to 79. The rooms now had a TV, a CD player, a fax machine, and a marble bathroom with an exclusively designed shower head that had the relaxing effect of a natural waterfall. The largest and most luxurious room was, and still is, the Royal Suite. The hotel has become a true ‘Palace on the Amstel’ again.

1960 - art-deco 1980 - classic-romantic

Hans Engel Banquet Operations Manager

Maurits Room - 1981 & 2016

Hans Engel has been working in the hotel for almost 43 years and knows many details of the history of the Grand Dame. With pleasure he informs us on the renovation in 1990 - 1992.

“During this big renovation the hotel was a complete building site for 2 years in a row. Most of the employees were transferred to different hotels such as the American Hotel or Hotel Des Indes to continue their jobs there, or started a new career elsewhere. When I returned to the Amstel Hotel after these years I saw that it was transformed into a beautiful, elegant and alluring property, brought

completely back to life. Everything had changed; from new wallpaper and tableware to entire walls that had been torn down or had been built up. The biggest construction changes were done for restaurant La Rive, the Amstel Club and the corridors and rooms on the upper floors. Initially, the room service and housekeeping departments were on the second floor,

right in the middle of the corridors, causing the hallways to be very narrow. Back then they used the pneumatic post system, transporting guest requests on little notes through tubes from one department to another, using air pressure. Additionally, in lack of a phone, every room had a special button they could press when they needed assistance; a light bulb in the corridor next to their door would illuminate as well as within the offices of housekeeping and room service indicating the relevant floor. De Amstel Club went through many changes as well, as they used to be located where the Health Club is now, (see the attached photo) having their own reception, restaurant, toilets, meeting room and billiard area. After that they were transferred to one of our

banquet rooms that eventually became our A Bar, and currently the Amstel Club office is located next to the Amstel Lounge, in front of the business centre. Furthermore, restaurant La Rive became almost twice its size. A wine room was added together with a terrace and the restaurant was increased by adding an additional large construction”.

Rutger Terpstra Director of Finance & Business support

GOOD TO KNOW The Amstel Hotel was built in 1 year and 1 day.

“During the opening of A Bar in 2013, we invited Frank de Boer, one of the most successful trainers of the Amsterdam football club Ajax. With his determination and no-nonsense mentality the club became Dutch champion four times in a row and he is, above all, part of the Ajax generation that won the Champions League for the last time in 1995. The Amstel Hotel is connected with Ajax in a way as both being inseparable for the city of Amsterdam and that they’ll always aim at being a champion: they only want and strive for the best. Together with Frank, his twin brother Ronald de Boer was also present and I thought that it would make the day complete to invite Toine van Peperstraten to present A Bar to the public, as he was ‘mister studio sport’ at the time.”

Because of a lack of funds only 25 rooms out of the 100 were furnished the day the hotel opened her doors. Citizens were not very content with the idea of a large luxurious hotel in their city, as, according to them, the money should be used to build homes for the poor. The costs to build the Amstel Hotel were 1million guilder. Originally, Amsterdam Central-Station was planned to be built very close to the Amstel Hotel. The first Royal visit dates from April 27th 1867 during the opening The Dutch King and the Dutch Prince.

1939 - The Bar

The rooms were divided into three ranks, depending on which floor they were on. When the hotel first opened the prices per bed per night were 2, 1.50 or 1 guilder, depending on the rank.

1983 - La Rive The hotel's location is exceptional; traditionally hotels had usually been situated in the centre of town, but around that time people started to develop a longing for peace and quiet, and for a view. Dr. Sarphati’s name was on a lot of streets, but during the second world war his name got removed everywhere as he was Jewish.

2013 - opening A Bar

Word Search -Amstel words

2015 - La Rive

2016 A Bar

LateTea AT THE AMSTEL HOTEL

Late Tea op vrijdag: vooraf reserveren De Late Tea vindt elke vrijdag plaats in de Lounge vanaf 18.00 uur. Ze bestaat uit vier gangen die begeleid worden door verschillende theesoorten, vaak versterkt met een bijzondere alcoholische drank. Er is ook een niet-alcoholische versie van de Late Tea beschikbaar.

Late Tea on Fridays: reserve in advance

AMSTEL AMSTERDAM APRIL CELEBRATION CHANDELIERS

CONSTRUCTION ELEGANCE GUILDER HISTORY INAUGURATION

INTERCONTINENTAL MEZGER OUTSHOORN REMBRANDT RENOVATION

ROYALTY SARPHATI TULPPLEIN VOLKSVLIJT

The Late Tea is held every Friday at 6:00 PM at the Lounge. It consists of four courses accompanied by different teas, many of which include a special alcoholic infusion. An alcohol-free version of the Late Tea is also possible on request. Late Tea per person € 52.50 Alcohol-free Late Tea per person € 42.50

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Reservations: [email protected] 020-6226060 / 020-5203496 www.amsterdam.intercontinental.com

11-03-16 20:33

The Grand Dutch Residence embracing the charm and heritage of the city Willemijn van Norel Human Resources Manager “A couple of years ago we decided that it was time for a whole new, refreshing and modern look for all our employees, with the important idea in mind to have a matching collection for the entire team. In cooperation with Ronald Kolk, a highly appreciated couturier, a complete clothing line was developed. It took us more than a year to fulfil the project, as we finished it off with a special fashion show conducted by our own employees, showing off the new design. A special colour was used: Amstel Blue – a creation exclusively made for the Amstel Hotel, based on the blue colours of A Bar. The original black buttons of the old uniforms were brought back to life by transforming them into gold and also the blouses have an interesting background: they are made out of PET bottles.”

A wonderful cooperation: The Champagne Suite by Dom Pérignon. In co creation with the famous champagne brand Dom Pérignon the InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam launched the first ever Champagne Suite by Dom Pérignon. To create a unique experience there has been a close cooperation with the Rijksmuseum, Fendi Furniture and famous Dutch creators like Piet Hein Eek and Erwin Olaf. The suite is a spacious suite with an elegant entrée, a large study, a bedroom with a big closet, two bathrooms with

Opening of the Presidential Suite

cascade shower, separate bath and a large living room. The living room has a dining table for up to six people, a comfortable couch, private bar, air-conditioning and entertainment system. The suite is elegantly finished in champagne and black.

EXthe ECU TIVE Rooms throughout years 1960 - 2016

ROOMS

150YearsAA_

The Presidential Suite actually consists of three connecting suites that each have their own atmosphere and yet complement each other perfectly. They can also be booked separately. The main colours are a royal blue, gold and cream with red accents here and there.

The 55 spacious Executive Rooms, with views over the c two large double windows and a spacious marble bathroo air-conditioning, a private bar and entertainment system.

De 55 Executive Kamers die uitkijken op het plein of de Am een ruime marmeren badkamer met cascadedouche en e een entertainmentsysteem.

Anita Bos, General Manager of the Amstel hotel “Whenever I'm in this suite I always look at the pictures on the wall, which tell the history of the hotel and show which royal guests have stayed here."

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Aad van den Berg, Head Concierge

"My colleagues and I are always delighted to help you with our extensive experience of the best local services. We can, for example, arrange a transfer to and from the airport or the station, order you a taxi or limousine, or help you with bicycle rental. A boat tour with one of our classic saloon boats is also one of the options. We know everything about local transport possibilities and know the best guides to accompany you."

THE EXECUTIVE NET WORK

De Amstel Club was founded in 1976 and has been located in the Amstel Hotel ever since. Over the years De Amstel Club has become the most prestigious active private business club in The Netherlands, with some 250 members. Amongst them Captains of Industry and CEO’s of leading Dutch Companies. The Club organizes exclusive activities with a business, social, and cultural character, informal club drinks every 2nd Thursday, monthly club dinners with key-note speakers and activities such as cultural and sports ( theatre, golf etc.). Amstel Club members frequently visit the Amstel Hotel for both business and private meetings, luncheons and dinners and consider the hotel as their clubhouse. Would you like more information, please do not hesitate to visit our Amstel Club service-center in the hotel lobby or contact our Club Manager Dennis Katz by email: [email protected] or call: +31 20 520 31 49.

Jazz Thursday at A Bar

Jemi Flower Shop A family-run neighbourhood shop with inspiring floral products and sociable people. The flower shop is loaded with fresh flowers, sorted by colour. Look closer and you will discover the organic objects such as floral bags padded with cortex and bathing suits made out of leaves.  Tourists, shopaholics and local residents visit the shop for a bouquet of flowers, inspiration or a chat.

Yoga Class

Sign up for our weekly yoga lessons. Every Thursday the ‘Birth of Cool’ event will be presented and hosted by DJ Maestro in our A Bar. This funky and jazzy evening filled with deep house tunes will give a shout out to the legendary album of Miles Davis, with cocktails served for the special price of €12,50 each! Experien Experience the perfect night out with friends at InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam and enjoy the possibility of reserving your own VIP table*. If you wish to make a reservation, please contact our reservations department at [email protected] A Bar InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam Professor Tulpplein 1 1018 GX Amsterdam T. 020 - 520 32 45 W. a-bar.nl facebook.com/abaramsterdam

This Wednesday at 10.00 am our Health Club Team organizes an exclusive Yoga Class. This 1 hour lesson will be given by yoga professional Sarina Richartz whom is specialized in Ashtanga Yoga. As our hotel guest you are more mo than welcome to join. The price is €10,- per person. For extra information or reservations please, contact one of our Health Club associates via [email protected] or via 020 520 32 63. InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam Professor Tulpplein 1 | 1018 GX Amsterdam T. 020 - 622 60 60 | Toll Free 0800 023 2420 | E. [email protected] amsterdam.intercontinental.com | intercontinental.com

*Minimum spend of €100,-

The Grand Dutch Residence embracing the charm and heritage of the city