Amstel Hotel Amsterdam to redefine elegance, culinary experience

The iconic Amstel Hotel Amsterdam, a Katara Hospitality-owned property, is set to undergo a refurbishment programme starting in July next year, according to general manager Rudolf van Dijk.Speaking to Gulf Times on the sidelines of Qatar Travel Mart 2023 Tuesday, he unveiled plans for the 156-year-old hotel’s modernization as it embraces the challenge to evolve into a more contemporary space.Nestled in the heart of Amsterdam, Van Dijk said the hotel’s refurbishment will cater to the needs of the modern traveller, recognising the prevalence of laptops and tablets in today's travel landscape.The refurbishment will introduce a more modern look, focusing on convenience and comfort but the history and heritage of the building will remain intact.A new food and beverage concept, crafted in collaboration with Spanish chef Dani Garcia, will bring a Mediterranean Spanish flair to the hotel's culinary offerings, maintaining a commitment to quality and luxury.The ambitious refurbishment plan, Van Dijk said, involves a strategic split of the building into two phases.The first phase will include the refurbishment of guest rooms and the restaurant. Following this, the second phase will target the spa and wellness centre, ensuring a holistic transformation of the entire establishment.Jointly designed and planned with Katara Hospitality, Van Dijk said this project aims to enhance the hotel's allure and beauty."The building will be even more beautiful than it already is,” he said.Citing the influx of visitors from the GCC area, he said the appeal of Amsterdam’s sense of luxury and its strategic location within the Netherlands make it an attractive destination.Van Dijk noted that many visitors use Amsterdam as a base to explore the country, taking advantage of its proximity to cities like The Hague and Rotterdam.He also underlined the importance of Amsterdam as a hub for South American visitors, who often use the city as a starting point before branching out to explore Europe, with Paris being a popular destination.In response to the diverse clientele, Van Dijk highlighted the hotel’s commitment to offering personalised services, including catering to the needs of guests requiring halal food.He noted that this commitment is not only for guests of Qatar or Katara Hospitality, but extends to all visitors, as providing a personalised experience is a cornerstone of Amstel Hotel's hospitality.