The Apollo Hotel Amsterdam
Apollolaan 2, Amsterdam, North Holland, 1077BA, Netherlands, Amsterdam, North Holland 1077 BA, The Netherlands
Why We Like It
“Less is poor” goes the motto of the glamorously revamped Apollo Hotel, and we couldn’t agree more.
Fodor's Expert Review
The cliché that “beauty comes from the inside” has rarely seemed more suitable than at this recently renovated hotel that seems to float on the waters of the five canals that converge nearby, a spectacle enjoyed from many rooms as well as the waterside terraces and restaurant. Formerly known as the Wyndham Apollo, the hotel became the first Starwood Tribute hotel in the Netherlands in 2017, and while the businesslike exterior remains, the hotel now boasts an exuberant décor by architect Will Erens. Inspired by the 1920’s, when the hotel was first constructed as a pavilion for the adjacent Olympic Stadium, where Amsterdam hosted the 1928 Olympic Games, Erens’ transformation is tastefully eclectic, with luxurious nods to Art Deco, Art Nouveau, Palm Springs and sporty elements referencing the Olympics, with a rich use of patterns and materials like velvet, leather, and marble.
You Should Know The phased refurbishment is still ongoing, which means that many rooms still feature bland, businesslike décor.
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Room
Contemporary design elements–gold flamingo wallpaper next to bright blue metro tiles, or a gold palm tree lamp next to a velvet armchair–are a welcome departure from the safe corporate design of the older rooms. Sure, these sexy rooms won’t be to everyone’s taste, but you certainly can’t call them boring. Standard rooms have queen size beds, while suites come with comfy kings; both with soft, fluffy pillows and plenty of lighting options.
Tip Be sure to ask for a “design room” or “design suite” when booking.
Bathroom
Bathrooms are large and nicely designed, with generous amenities, robes, and slippers. The “design” rooms and suites feature walk-in rain showers (some are also equipped with beautiful big baths) bright metro tiles, colored glass panels and transparent glass doors.
You Should Know The transparency of some bathrooms may offend the shy.
Lobby
Inspired by the Olympic Games, the impressive lobby features sportive lines, with plenty of marble and leather, and around the corner gold bird cage-like chairs against a trendy plant wall. Up the staircase, contemporary chainmail chandeliers contrast velvety toile walls.
Gym
The hotel’s fitness center offers everything for a good workout.
Dining
Guests who wish to stay put can enjoy a waterside meal at The Harbour Club Zuid or at the brand spanking new Bodon, La Grande Brasserie, which serves classic (and, yes, very rich) French fare in an over-the-top setting with intimate tables and plenty of gold and velvet. From seafood bisque and pressed duck to Tournedos Rossini with freshly grated truffle and Crêpes Suzette prepared the traditional way, at your table, Bodon is a class act.
Drinking
Relax in The Living Room, by Bodon the new 24-hour lounge with its original Parisian Patisserie bar, 1940s display cabinets and original French brasseries lamps. Be sure to admire the handmade Tiffany glass Lafayette-style ceiling and the collection of vintage music boxes on display.
What's Nearby
Getting Around
The super chic surrounding Apollobuurt neighborhood is conveniently near Amsterdam’s business district and major convention center, and within walking distance of the major museums, Albert Cuyp market and other attractions, but the hotel also offers alluring options for those who wish to stay put. There are also several trams within walking distance, but your best bet for getting around is to rent a bicycle from the hotel.
Restaurants
There are many Italian eateries in Amsterdam, but few are as chic and accomplished as recently opened Ferilli’s Ristorante (10-minute walk). Or why not try a twenty-tens take on local cuisine at Restaurant Floreyn (13-minute walk)? Looking for something simple yet restorative? If you’re in the mood for a casual, beachy vibe, try CT Coffee & Coconuts (13-minute walk), where craft coffee and wholesome coconut-inspired food & drink is served from early to late.
Bars
Set in a former convent, artisan beer brewer Brouwerij Troost (10-minute walk) serves Double I.P.A, Smoked Porter, and Weizen along with divine burgers and beer-infused bar snacks. Or head to StrandZuid (12-minute walk), Amsterdam’s most stylish urban beach bar, fresh-faced from a recent innovation, where the flammkuchen (bacon-onion flatbreads) are crisp-edged and the wine ice cold.
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