Until the Hilton came along, this hotel was Holland's biggest. As you'll see when you take a table in the Kras's soaringly beautiful Wintertuin (Winter Garden), Amsterdam's loveliest place for luncheon, it was also one of the best. Sitting in this masterpiece of 19th-century allure, replete with potted palms, greenhouse roof, Victorian chandeliers, and buffet tables stocked with cakes and roses, will make you feel like a countess or duke. Sadly, the rest of this 1866 landmark isn't as impressive. Unfortunately, a mishmash of revamping over the years was done with a progressively penurious attitude toward living space. Last renovated in 2003, the guest rooms -- now numbering more than 468 -- vary greatly in size and tend toward disappointingly serviceable functionality. There are some memorable dining spots here, however; you can linger over a jenever gin cocktail at the Proeflokaal Wynand Fockink (Tasting House Wynand Fockink), dine in France, or feast on Japanese delights at the Edo teppanyaki restaurant. Pros: well situated on the Dam Square, great view of Royal Palace, near transportation. Cons: garagantuan size, impersonal feel.
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