"Lavish," "classical," and "cozy" are some of the adjectives typically used to describe this hotel, which has a regal address on the Prinsengracht canal. The hotel, first opened as a shop in 1895, has been renowned for fine dining since its founder, A. W. Dikker, entered into a partnership in 1915 with H. Thijs, who had apprenticed with the famous French chef Escoffier. The busy location -- happily, all the majestic sash windows are double-glazed -- is convenient to the major shopping areas and one block from the Leidseplein, nightlife center of the city. The Art Deco-style rooms are fully modernized, although they retain a regal ambience with dark-wood furniture, scarlet upholstery, and gilt-edged mirrors. Room 408 has a wonderful beamed ceiling. Of the upper-price hotels, this is one of the few that includes breakfast in the basic room rate. Pros: water views, good location, lots of dining options nearby. Cons: small lobby gets crowded, rooms book up fast.
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