A luxe weekend at Amsterdam’s Hotel Okura

March 30, 2016

We wanted to end our two week sojourn in Europe on a high note, and what better way to do that than by booking a luxurious weekend stay at the Hotel Okura Amsterdam.

Hotel Okura Amsterdam — *The lobby decked out during the holidays*

Located in Amsterdam’s vibrant De Pijp neighborhood, the Hotel Okura is perfectly situated: it’s located away from the city center along a quiet canal but still within walking distance to some of Amsterdam’s famous sights. The Rijksmuseum, which isn’t to be missed, is a lovely 20 minute stroll away. Or, if you prefer to Uber around like we did our entire trip, then the city center is a 10 minute ride away.

If you’re not staying at the Hotel Okura, then you’re definitely dining in it. The hotel boasts three different Michelin star restaurants – Ciel Bleu, serving up French haute cuisine by Executive Chef Onno Kokmeijer, Yamazato which serves traditional Japanese cuisine, and Sazanaka, the first and only teppanyaki restaurant in Europe to be awarded a Michelin star.

In addition, the informal Serre restaurant (inspired by Ciel Bleu) has been awarded a Bib Gourmand by Michelin. There’s a bar in the lobby, as well as a champagne & cocktail bar on the 23rd floor, offering spectacular city views. And, for the serious foodies, the hotel also offers a Taste of Okura cooking workshop!

Orrrr, enjoy a unique dining experience with Michelin-star Chef Andreas in a beautiful canal-side Amsterdam apartment.

Table of Contents

THE ROOM

We booked the Superior Room online, but upon check-in were upgraded to a Superior Junior Suite, which was N I C E.

All rooms contain Eastborn beds, a popular Dutch brand, and ours had two double beds that were so plush. I love that they have a Pillow Menu. It’s just what it sounds like – the option to pick what type of pillow you want to sleep on. If the pillows provided are too soft/hard for you, you just call and request a pillow from the menu they provide you with.

Hotel Okura Amsterdam

I think my favorite part about the room was the glass wall separating the bathroom from the bedroom. After a long day of walking around the city, I was able to pour myself a hot bath, sip on my Nespresso coffee, and watch some TV…in Dutch, of course.

In addition to a bath, the bathroom also included a separate rainforest shower, with great water pressure. After spending all day walking around rainy, cold Amsterdam, it felt incredible to start a bath, or take a long, hot shower.

The suite was large enough for a seating area for two, with wonderful views of the Amsterdam cityscape. As the Hotel Okura Amsterdam caters primarily to business guests, you’ll see suggestions of it in their room decor. They had a large desk with a comfy leather chair, and the tv was mounted on the wall in front. So, unfortunately, no falling asleep watching TV.

Hotel Okura Amsterdam

The lack of high rise buildings in Amsterdam means you get unhindered views of city, which is quite breathtaking on a clear day. The large windows made the room bright and airy, and on my last day in the city, I enjoyed waking up to the sun rising over the city.

Hotel Okura Amsterdam

THE SERVICE

The staff really go above and beyond at Hotel Okura Amsterdam. I had contacted them a week prior to arriving asking if they would sign for a package of ours; we had accidentally left behind a bag of laundry at our accommodations in Cesky Krumlov, and the manager offered to forward it over. When the package didn’t make it in time, the concierge, Lex, graciously offered to forward it on to Vic in NYC.

They were also extremely helpful in making recommendations on where to eat, what to see, and if the sights were worth our time. Thanks to their recommendation, we ended up brunching right down the street at Omelegg, Amsterdam’s first omelettery, which has to be one of Amsterdam’s best brunch spots!

AROUND HOTEL OKURA AMSTERDAM

The RAI exhibition center is a 5 minute walk from the hotel – that means if you plan your visit right, or you’re just lucky like we were, you’ll end up in walking distance to the Amsterdam Food Festival. If food trucks and a food festival aren’t your thing, don’t worry because the Hotel Okura is located in De Pijp, one of Amsterdam’s most diverse and vibrant neighborhoods.

A quick walk down Ferdinand Bolstraat street will take you straight to Omelegg. Stop by for breakfast, brunch or lunch every Monday-Friday from 7:00am-4:00pm or Saturday-Sunday from 8:00am-4:00pm. They unfortunately don’t take reservations, but we only had a 15 minute wait at around noon a Saturday. There’s also an amazing thrift store/boutique next door, which is where we “waited” aka went shopping!
Hotel Okura Amsterdam

It’s about a 15 minute walk from the hotel to the Heineken Experience, and about a 20 minute walk to the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum. Amsterdam is such a walkable city, though I have to admit Google Maps in km did not match up with the estimated time. It always took us longer to walk places than suggested, and we both walk at a brisk pace! What gives?!

Our stay at the Hotel Okura Amsterdam has made me reconsider outrightly seeking airbnb’s or guesthouses when I plan my trips. While they offer a lot of freedom and a sense of immersion into local culture, they lack the amenities – spas, pillow menus, Nespresso machines, Michelin star restaurants – that luxury hotels such as the Okura provide.

It was a luxurious end to an eventful two-week birthday celebration across Europe, and I wouldn’t have had it any other way.

RECOMMENDED AMSTERDAM ACTIVITIES

Share this post:

About Author

Christabel

Christabel is the blogger and editor behind Where's Bel. She lives to travel, and is often restless if she's not out exploring, scoping out new restaurants or happy hours. Say Hello!

3 Comments

liondar Jaynie Wall
April 1, 2016 at 4:48 pm

I will have to check this hotel out when I make it to Amsterdam!
liondar Hung Thai
April 1, 2016 at 5:17 pm

Oh man… getting an upgrade at an upscale place like this is awesome! Good for you! Beautiful views of the city from your room too 🙂
liondar Bryan
February 3, 2018 at 3:45 pm

Fantastic review, sounds like an exceptional hotel!

Comments are closed.

Popular Posts