Located in a 23-story tower on a busy street along the Amstel River, at the edge of the city center with good access to public transportation, this operation combines Japanese elegance and attention to detail with Dutch flair for international service. As the name would suggest, Japanese groups and business travelers are the mainstay here. This hotel's commercial edge and isolated location make it a poor choice for anyone not bound for the RAI.
The vast, conservative lobby features sitting areas with dark plush traditional furniture and marble accents. Varied dining is sophisticated and surprisingly distinguished for such a large commercial hotel, with chefs routinely winning culinary awards. The rooftop Ciel Bleu features classic French cuisine, some of the best views in Amsterdam and nightly piano music in its intimate bar. Two ground-floor Japanese restaurants, one overlooking a manicured Zen garden, the other with a teppanyaki table and sushi bar, offer the finest Japanese food in the Netherlands. Among the several private dining rooms is a traditional tatami room. The attractive brasserie, bright with murals, brass and greenery, serves from a regional menu. A bar extends out to a canalside terrace (and makes the best iced green tea). For last-minute shopping, the extensive basement arcade proves handy.
The beautiful, well-equipped health club comes complete with a spacious indoor pool, solarium, whirlpool, sauna, fitness equipment and a fee. A private Japanese sauna and massage clinic are on hand as well. State-of-the-art meeting rooms can handle up to 1,200 with aplomb; two offer sweeping views from the 23rd floor. Business services are excellent, and parking and mooring facilities are available.
Accommodations are clothed in rich wine and gold hues or softer blues and apricot, and accented with brushwood furniture. Maintenance is excellent, and style races past what is offered at the Hilton. Appurtenances include air-conditioning, framed prints, phones, data ports, wireless high-speed Internet access (for a fee), fax machines, flat-screen TVs, minibars, safes, trouser presses and firm beds. The beige tiled combination baths furnish hair dryers, robes, slippers and ample counter space. Guests on the executive level enjoy access to a special lounge with breathtaking views, breakfast and evening snacks. Three smoke-free floors await, housekeepers visit twice daily, and room service and airport shuttles run continually.
The hotel shows particular strength handling conventions and special business requests. Flight crews arrive here nightly and clog the check-in process at times. Soundproofing could use a boost. Request a high floor to enjoy the best city views. Most business travelers will thrive in what most agree is one of Amsterdam's best corporate refuges with a tasteful Japanese twist.
