Kimpton De Witt
Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 5, Amsterdam, North Holland 1012 RC, The Netherlands
Why We Like It
At Kimpton De Witt, it’s the little things that impress most: from thoughtful “forgot-it-we’ve got-it” amenities and fauna-inspired brass door knockers to a free wine happy hour. And it doesn’t hurt that the hotel is conveniently located and incredibly attractive too.
Fodor's Expert Review
Nieuwendijk, with its motley crew of stag-do-friendly coffee shops and greasy spoons, isn’t known for its style. But the arrival of upscale Kimpton De Witt Amsterdam is set to change all that, with boutique amenities and superior service that’ll make even the most travel-battered road warrior feel rested. Conveniently situated in the Palace Quarter, a short work from Centraal Station, it’s an ideal base for those who want to be in the thick of it without sacrificing comfort.
You Should Know If anything, you’re too central. The hotel is situated in one of the most heavily trafficked areas in Amsterdam with all the related hustle and bustle.
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Room
Serene white and grey walls and a subdued palette of locally inspired blues and greens form the backdrop for well-selected accessories like Black Bird Lamps from Atelier Areti Aloutte, LEFF Amsterdam’s brass Bluetooth speakers and “orphaned art” snagged from local galleries. There are plush velvet and satin brass accents and the odd reference to Dutch design−a few artfully arranged Delftware plates here and a touch of Dutch quirk there (Pols Potten’s gold-dipped porcelain parrot statues!) and artwork inspired by the Dutch Masters−but the overall aesthetic is fresh and clean, with glossy Dutch art and photography books scattered on dark wood work desks and marble side tables. Beds come with custom Kimpton ultra-comfort matrasses, and every room has free WiFi and a fully stocked honor bar with cocktails, snacks, local beer, and wine, plus Nespresso coffee machines and a selection of locally blended teas from CiTea.
If you have the resources, splash out on the stunning 753 ft² Penthouse, which offers lavish couches, a fireplace, and an 8-seater dining table. It also boasts a spacious bathroom with free-standing bath and panoramic city views from a private 322 sq ft terrace on the 7th floor. The charming Little House, the 16th century home of Amsterdam’s famous playwright P.C Hooft, which has been incorporated into the hotel is a good option for families. The 753 sq ft suite is spread over three floors and features 2 bedrooms, luxurious bathrooms and a comfortable living room with a fully stocked wet bar and 6-seater table.
Bathroom
With their blue-and-white geometric tiles, Kimpton De Witt’s beautiful bathrooms were not designed to be low-key. Some feature large free-standing baths while others have walk-in rain showers with extra handheld showerheads and matte black hardware, but all have wall-mounted toilets, fluffy Frette robes, and amenities from local luxe brand, Marie-Stella Maris in scents like “Poivre Noir” (black pepper).
Lobby
Natty neon pink lettering on a lush living wall by the entrance advises visitors to “breathe”, a reminder that relaxation starts here, even if it’s a little misplaced on one of the most polluted streets in the city. The lobby, with its comfy design couches, floral bouquets, and fireplace invites grateful bouts of relaxation, as do the common spaces adjacent, including a complimentary all-day tea station, garden conservatory and a library stocked with local art and design books.
Tip Kimpton Hotels’ handy “forgot it, we’ve got it” service goes above and beyond with travel amenities like cell phone chargers, lint rollers, straightening irons, shaving cream, and more – all available at the front desk.
Gym
A spacious gym offers all the amenities, and there’s a Gaiam yoga mat in every room.
Dining
Brooklyn-born chef “SammyD” is the personality behind Wyers Bar & Restaurant, which serves American comfort food in a swanky setting. Named after the textile company that once occupied the building, fabrics were also a starting point in the design by It-architecture agency Studio Modijefsky. With a little imagination, you’ll notice that the back of the banquettes resembles rolls of fabric, while the metal tubes behind the bar look like the threads used in weaving machines. There’s also a tactile use of textures, which subtly shift from hard steel, glass, and marble to softer wood, leather and velvet, and from cool clay and grey to warm olive and ochre. In an area vilified for its tourist traps, this restaurant couldn’t stand out more, and it’s hoped that its pioneering spirits will draw locals back. Will it succeed with dishes like veal tartare tonnato & lardo on toast (highly recommended), two-patty Gouda burgers and lollipop chicken wings with buffalo sauce & blue cheese dip? Only time will tell. But in the meantime, it’s a good place for hotel guests to hang out.
Tip Check out Miss Louisa Coffee & Beignets around the corner for Louisiana-style beignets (the only ones in town). While the sassy shopfront is actually part of Kimpton De Witt hotel, it’s only accessible from the street.
Drinking
Situated in a former residential home dating from 1645 (hence the name), with plenty of original features−heirloom leather wallpaper, glossy teal panels, double-hung wood windows and the odd touch of lead glass−coupled with contemporary velvet armchairs, matt gold accents, a beautiful backlit bar and a beamed ceiling with a custom-designed hummingbird-print wallpaper, House Bar sure is sexy. The cocktail menu covers the classics, but also offers a few more adventurous options.
Tip Complimentary wine and snacks are served in the lobby every evening from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Gardens
A small garden conservatory with rattan swing chairs and tropical plants creates an impossibly quiet oasis in the heart of the hotel.
Florist
For some of the most creatively presented cocktails in town, head to craft cocktail bar Tales and spirits (4-minute walk). Low-slung champagne bar Bubbles & Wines (10-minute walk) is an oenophile’s delight with over 50 wines by the glass.
Tip Also check out the adjacent pop-up store, where you'll find locally sourced lifestyle labels. Currently: natural cosmetics brand Marie-Stella Maris.
What's Nearby
Getting Around
All the sights are an easy walk away, including Centraal Station where you can catch a train, tram, bus, metro or taxi, depending on where you’d like to go. Considering the walkable location and free Van Moof bikes−the modish matte black Amsterdam-made bikes are customized with the hotel’s logo−we can’t see why you’d bring your car, but if you insist, valet parking is available (€50 per day).
Restaurants
Fix your morning woes with some of the city’s richest croissants, butteriest brioche and most perfect pain au chocolat at artisan French bakery Gebr. Niemeijer (2-minute walk). Or if it’s comfort of the Cantonese kind you crave, head to three-story pagoda-style Sea Palace, which may look like a tourist trap, but is actually a great place to grab dim sum and Peking duck. For dinner, gastro-bistro Kaagman & Kortekaas (5-minute walk), which creatively combines traditional techniques with surprising ingredients, is a must for meat-lovers.
Bars
For some of the most creatively presented cocktails in town, head to craft cocktail bar Tales and spirits (4-minute walk). Low-slung champagne bar Bubbles & Wines (10-minute walk) is an oenophile’s delight with over 50 wines by the glass.
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