Discover The Conservatorium Hotel, Amsterdam

Where is The Conservatorium Hotel located?

This luxury hotel is nestled at the heart of Amsterdam, just a short 20-minute car ride from the Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. The Conservatorium Hotel is a Grand Dame occupying a prime spot in the Dutch capital. A stay here is where all the action and excitement happens.

Its location is minutes away from historic landmarks such as the Rijkmuseum, the concert hall Concertgebouw, and the 47-hectare Vondelpark. The Conservatorium Hotel is also a historic 19th-century building that once served as a bank (The Rijkspostspaarbank) designed by Dutch architect Daniel Knuttel.

Years later, when the bank had to move its offices, the building was acquired by the Sweelinck Conservatorium. It was at this moment the hotel earned its current name. It would be in 2008 that The Set Collection would purchase the building, and allow it to grace the 21st century with its Old World charms and timeless looks.

The Hotel’s Design and Atmosphere

Over a century after its birth, the Conservatorium Hotel continues to be one of the most visually iconic addresses in all of Amsterdam. When Italian architect and designer Piero Lissoni became in charge of its renovation, one of his goals was to embrace the initial ideas and philosophy of Knuttel. Also, another one of his objectives was to invite Amsterdam into the hotel itself.

Indeed, while the Conservatorium Hotel continues to turn heads with its beautiful neo-Gothic exteriors, the interior features a perfect marriage of Lissoni’s austere lines and classic aesthetics. It’s come from Knuttel’s economical use of space and Art Nouveau sensibilities.

The result is a city-esque, almost industrial interior, with a darker palette to compliment the red-brick aesthetics. Guests feel at home in the communal areas as much as they do in their guest rooms and suites, while also never losing touch with Amsterdam itself.

The whole idea is to blur the lines between what’s inside and what’s outside, allowing the rather limited footprint of the hotel to feel much more open and free. Whether it is the lobby, furnished with all customized Cassina sofas and furniture, the Conservatorium Lounge with its living room atmosphere emphasized through the oversized and extremely cozy Softwall and Chemise sofas from Living Divani, vintage Asian rugs, or the overwhelming floor-to-ceiling windows along the west façade, that let is stunning views of the city and plenty of natural light into the Conservatorium Brasserie.

The Conservatorium’s Rooms and Suites

When it comes to the 129 rooms and suites of the Conservatorium Hotel, Piero Lissoni used the same approach as he did with the common areas and retained a certain flow throughout the hotel.

Whether it is the entry-level guest room or the suites (which include 3 signature suites), or even the Penthouse, the aim is minimalist aesthetics with maximum comfort. For instance, instead of providing a queen-size bed like most hotels, the Conservatorium Hotel’s guest rooms offer king-size beds to their clients, a dual vanity in the bathroom, along with a rain shower and a bathtub upon request.

The palette always plays around with color contrasts. See the white, beige, or gray textured walls opposing the dark wood parquet floors, and acting as a canvas for the tanned curtains or headboard, or the furniture, which immediately brings to mind Scandinavian aesthetics. Even the bathrooms are a collaboration between Lissoni and Neutra company, which specializes in luxury stonework. The dual vanities and Easy bathtubs were particularly pleasant.

However, our favorite in terms of the accommodations has to be the “I Love Amsterdam Suite”. The triplex suite of 1238-square-feet is connected through a historic spiral staircase, that leads to a rooftop terrace, with stunning wrought-iron railings and a panoramic view of the city. The suite also boasts one of the most beautiful bathrooms in all of Amsterdam. Picture exposed wood beams, an oversized sunken travertine stone bathtub, and an array of features and amenities for the guests to never run out of things to explore.

Dining Experiences at The Conservatorium

The Conservatorium Hotel boasts the talents of an exceptional team of chefs responsible for overseeing the hotel’s culinary offering. The Conservatorium Brasserie and Conservatorium Lounge have carved themselves a reputation for being some of the coziest and freshest outlets in the city. Experience the breathtaking glass courtyard at the heart of the Brasserie, with a literal inner garden encased in an atrium.

The gastronomic highlight of the hotel is the Taiko Cuisine where Executive Chef Schilo van Corvorden works his magic. Along with a carefully curated team of professionals from China and Japan, Chef Schilo brings the flavors of Asia to Amsterdam. Every aspect of Taiko is carefully considered, from the best ingredient, such as the finest Hida beef, to the wasabi used for condiment, to the dishes upon which the meals are presented.

While the restaurant offers a special menu every season, with some exquisite dishes, of the à la carte option, the lobster gyoza and the Ribeye are particularly sumptuous. As for dessert, the Walk in the Forest is truly worth the trip.

On the other side, the Taiko Bar is an effervescent and exciting speakeasy-style bar where an entire back-lit wall parades the collection of spirits and liqueurs used by the expert bartenders busy at work. The place is dark, moody, and ideal to relish amazing bites. Try the Wagyu shawarma or the gyozas from Taiko Cuisine with some amazing cocktails, such as the signature Taiko Negroni with a house-made coconut gin.

Wellness, Facilities and Activities

The Conservatorium Hotel collaborated with the famous Akasha brand to bring a unique wellness experience to Amsterdam. Within 1000-square-metre, the spa is a tranquil space where guests can enjoy a relaxing moment in the jacuzzi, the Watsu pool or a private Hammam. Guests can also enjoy a large menu of treatments, dispensed in 7 stunning treatment rooms by experts

The Element Aroma and the Oenotherapy were two stand-out treatments. However, the spa also boasts a collaboration with Anne Sémonin for a line of beauty treatments. Of course, the hotel also has a state-of-the-art fitness room as well as an 18-metre swimming pool.

Given the hotel’s prime location in the Museum Area, various tours and activities can be organized with the help of the hotel concierge, such as a private tour and painting lessons. However, the hotel can also organize some tours that are off-the-beaten-track. Try the People of the Labyrinths experience where guests can discover the latest collection of the POTL brand in one of the shops at the heart of the city, but also visit some unique shops such as the La Casa del Habano. Discover a gorgeous boutique of handmade Cuban cigars where guests can even taste the largest selection of Cuban cigars in the Netherlands.

What we love about it:

• The “I Love Amsterdam” suite is absolutely stunning and offers a different suite experience altogether given its unique triplex setup.
• The Taiko Cuisine’s menu is truly one of the best we’ve tasted, with some amazing seasonal dishes that make the experience even more unique.
• The complete contrast between the architecture and the interior design makes for a fantastic feeling upon first entering the hotel.