Amsterdam's Prized Property

The Pulitzer Amsterdam encapsulates the city’s special brand of magic. Set right along one of Amsterdam’s scenic canals, the hotel is made up of 25 Golden Age canal houses that are all interconnected via a glorious network of gardens, glass-enclosed walkways, stairs and hidden passages. In fact, many visitors simply enjoy walking around the five-star property and discovering its many secrets, from stylishly appointed event spaces (there are 10) to lush secret gardens and cozy hideaways.

A Classic Redefined

The 25 canal houses date back to the 17th and 18th centuries and were once the homes of wealthy Dutch merchants and aristocrats. Fast forward to 1960, when American businessman Peter Pulitzer showed an interest in 12 of these run-down canal houses, purchasing them and transforming them into a hotel. Over the ensuing years, Pulitzer scoops up more homes, expanding his initial hotel and eventually selling the whole lot in 1990. In 2015, the current owners decided to completely overhaul the hotel, calling upon architect Jacu Strauss (formerly of Tom Dixon Studio and now creative director of Lore Group, which he also founded) for the great undertaking. Looking to the hotel’s colorful history for inspiration, Strauss decided to blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary comfort to reinvent the entire place and create a unique destination.

156 Of the 225 rooms and suites created by Strauss, no two are alike. First of all, they are all shaped differently, since they’re set on various floors of different canal houses, and decorated distinctively as well. There are, however, certain commonalities that tie the whole place together: an emphasis on soft pink, deep blue and yellow hues, generous use of dark wood, mini bars placed on Art Deco trolleys and sometimes even bikes hanging from the ceiling in certain rooms – a nod to Amsterdam’s famous bike culture. Strauss also envisioned themed suites, including the extravagant Art Collector’s suite (complete with spectacular works of art) and the Book Collector’s suite, with its whimsical archway built of books and dozens of gorgeous coffee table books.

Cocktails and a Bite

Beyond its rooms and suites, the Pulitzer Amsterdam is a veritable playground, beginning with its sprawling lobby, where lingering for hours on end among modern Dutch furnishings and classic Dutch art is a pleasure. At the far end of the lobby, right along the inner garden, Pause offers both indoor and outdoor seating where guests can enjoy delectable pastries, coffee, light fare and wine. With its green velvet seats, marble counter and gold accents, Pause has quickly become a favored destination for Instagrammers looking to snap that special shot. After 3pm, you can also head to Pulitzer’s Bar, where modern and classic cocktails are served in plush Art Deco-inspired interiors.

A great place to dine is the in-house restaurant Jansz, named after 17th-century Dutch merchant Volkert Jansz, who once owned many of Amsterdam’s canal houses. The building that houses Jansz used to be an apothecary, so Strauss designed the restaurant’s street entrance to look like an old world pharmacy, with medicine bottles lining the shelves and green velvet benches set along the walls. Beyond the entrance, there are three separate dining areas, each slightly different but all calling to mind a stylish, postmodern brasserie. The menu is international, with a Dutch foundation that emphasizes contemporary cuisine. For example, dinner options include diver scallops, tuna tartare, pea soup, veal entrecote and lobster risotto, while dessert offerings range from chocolate fondant and crème brulée to homemade ice cream. Jansz is also where breakfast is served, giving guests the option to enjoy a generous buffet spread or order à la carte.

Amsterdam to Discover

One of the Pulitzer Amsterdam’s other great assets is its location. Hotel guests are in the midst of the city’s many attractions, within easy reach of Amsterdam’s treasures. The Anne Frank House is steps from the hotel, as are the historic Theo Thijssen Museum, the Houseboat Museum and both the Huis Marseille and Foam photography museums. The Museum Quarter, home to the Van Gogh Museum and the Stedelijk Museum, among others, is a quick 10-minute ride by tram. The hotel is also walking distance from Amsterdam’s famed Red Light District, where ladies of the night beckon from behind store windows.

One of the most magical ways to discover Amsterdam is via a canal cruise, and you can do so aboard one of the Pulitzer Amsterdam’s two historic vessels: the 1909 Tourist, which is operational year-round, and the 45-year-old, open-air Belle, available from the end of March through October. Cruise around the city and then head back to the Pulitzer for dinner and drinks – it’s one the best ways to experience Amsterdam’s charms.

Visit pulitzeramsterdam.com

Words Marwan Naaman