Those of you who know me well will know that I love a cheeky stay Soho House. As a member, I feel it’s my duty to stay in as many of these lovely little bad boys as possible. So on a recent trip to the Dutch capital, I chose to lay my hat at Soho House Amsterdam, which opened a couple of years ago. Here’s what I thought of my stay…
Right on the Singel Canal and slap bang in the centre of Amsterdam, Soho House picked a blinder of a location for this hotel. Sitting at the edge of the Nine Streets and canal district, it’s close to pretty much everything.
If you’re happy to walk, it will take you around 12 minutes to get from Amsterdam Centraal to Soho House Amsterdam. Rokin metro station is a short five minute stroll away. And another of my fave places to stay, the Pulitzer, is a couple of corners along.
Soho House actually had a bit of a hard time getting this venue off the ground. Amsterdam is keen to preserve its history, particularly in this neighbourhood, and building regulations are tricky. So kudos to Soho House for persevering and creating a redevelopment that shows proper respect for the local area.
I’ll be honest. My first impressions weren’t that great.
From the teeny tiny reception area (which acted as the main thoroughfare for the local members in and out of the building despite there being barely room enough to swing a cat) to the decidedly frosty welcome I received from the staff on the desk (let’s put it down to a bad day at the office), it wasn’t the kind of Soho House hello I’ve grown used to.
There also wasn’t anyone on hand to help to get the luggages up the stairs and actually into the building. But anyways, let’s move onto to…
Once I was in the main communal area of Soho House Amsterdam, I felt like I’d really arrived. The hotel sits in an old 1930s building and it’s been carefully and beautifully updated.
There are huge ceilings, art deco stylings and an amazingly grand stairway that leads up from the ground floor all the way to the roof.
The hotel might be relatively newly renovated but, as ever with Soho House, antique furniture and clever design make it feel lived in and homey. The décor is so deliciously good that the hotel recently won an interior design award. High fives all round.
Up in the rooms, Soho House signature style continues. There are original art deco features, parquet floors, beautiful textiles and a palette of grey, blue and copper.
It’s tasteful and comfortable, making you feel like you’re in a (very stylish) friend’s guest room rather than an anonymous hotel space.
The bathroom comes with all the usual Cow Shed amenities. And there are quirky little surprises, like the well-equipped cocktail cabinet. Cheers to that.
Rooms range from Tiny to XL (bigger rooms have freestanding copper bathtubs) and all room classes tend to the pricey. But when you’ve got all of those Soho House amenities to make use of, it kinda all seems worth the dosh.
So. Here’s what you get with your room rate. Soho House members, you know what’s coming.
There’s a house gym offering classes and personal trainers. A private cinema for movie nights. And a spa offering top-of-the-class treatments and relaxation.
Head up to the top of the building and you’ll find a spectacular rooftop. Views over the city are yours for the ogling from the swimming pool, daybeds and loungers.
There’s also a food and drink service there throughout the day so grabbing a few sundowners and soaking in that cityscape couldn’t be easier. Soho House just knows how to make you feel special.
Time for food? Soho House Amsterdam has a House Kitchen, which serves up European cuisine with local influences throughout the day. From breakfast to late night nibbles.
On the ground floor, you can rub shoulders with the locals at Cecconi’s. Here you’ll find handmade pasta and seafood hailing from Northern Italy.
Quick note. Every Soho House establishment has a rule banning phone calls and photo taking in communal areas. I found (trying to take a snap of the city view outside whilst munching on my breakfast) that the guys in Amsterdam are super strict. ‘Gram at your own peril.
A great Amsterdam option for Soho House fans. Ticking all the boxes for location, design and facilities.
To book a room or get more info go to their website directly here. Also, check out their Instagram.
Like this review of Soho House Amsterdam? Check out my other hotel reviews (including a number of Soho House venues) here.
