It’s been one of the most hotly anticipated hotel openings for months and this September, W Hotels – part of Starwood Hotels & Resorts – makes its much buzzed-about arrival in the Dutch capital with W Amsterdam.
The debut of the contemporary design-led lifestyle brand, signature Whatever/Whenever® service philosophy and a full calendar of exclusive W Happenings, showcasing what’s new and next in design, fashion and music has been exciting the hotel design community for weeks.
Housed between two iconic properties — the ‘Exchange’, the former Telephone Exchange building, and the ‘Bank’, originally the KAS Bank, the 238-room W Amsterdam was designed by Office WINHOV, who were responsible for the structural design of the buildings and BK Architects, who imagined and created the interiors. The hotel will mix the individual personalities of both buildings, bringing the historical structures back to their original state while incorporating contemporary and luxurious features.
The Exchange building is a visionary structure made up of interesting lines, integrated spaces and captivating views that echo its previous role of connecting the people of Amsterdam with the rest of the world. The Bank building, opening fully in late 2015, will house 66 guest rooms.
For visitors looking to stay and play, the 238 stylish guest rooms — including 21 suites, two WOW suites and two lavish Extreme WOW suites — the brand’s take on the Presidential suite, are the ultimate in stylish relaxation. Guests will be able to enter their rooms using SPG Keyless, the hospitality industry’s first keyless entry system allowing guests to use their smartphone or Apple watch as a room key.
Taking reference from the iconic Dam Square, the rooms in the Exchange building will provide an elevated sense of space with high ceilings and wide windows. BK Architects has worked with local designers to bring the flavour of Amsterdam to life in every room.
From hand-woven bedspreads designed by Bertjan Pot that depict small stories of Dutch culture, to curtains imprinted with classic Amsterdam canal houses and shower cabins inspired by traditional Dutch phone booths, each room will immerse guests in the city. The rooms and suites in the Bank building will have an exclusive look and feel with black and gold bedspreads inspired by the original bank vaults, and pillows that represent the distinctive Amsterdam windowsills.
Embracing the history of the building, W Lounge will feature over 5km of copper pipes, paying tribute to the telephone wires and electricity lines that exchanged information on a daily basis when the building was home to Telephone Exchange.
Bold gold lines printed on the windows, specially produced by global glass manufacturer Saint Gobain, and a distinctive set of stairs that mimic the steps of Dam Square on the streets below, complete the unique design.
W Amsterdam will be opening its doors on September 21st.
