Hadag spent three days and two nights in the Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky one of the most celebrated luxury hotels in all the Netherlands.
It’s not every day one gets to stay in a deluxe hotel with a 155-year history in the heart of one of the most sought-after tourist destinations on the planet. As recently as 2022, this iconic landmark was completely modernised thanks to a five-star makeover that has since attracted such high-end clientele as French President Emmanuel Macron. For us, the experience was nothing less than sublime.
Hotel Heritage
As far back as 1856, a tailor named Adolph Wilhelm Krasnapolsky opened a simple coffee shop on the site that now features the Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky. As the popularity and reputation of the café grew, he expanded the location to include several rooms that could be rented by travellers. The development of this site continued over the decades, with more neighbouring buildings being purchased and added to the hotel. Today, this recently renovated property comprises 55 connected canal houses spanning from Dam Square to the Oudezijds Voorburgwal canal. A truly unique setup by any standards.
Meet & Greet
As you would expect from a five-star venue, we were welcomed by the friendly and attentive staff members who ensured the effortless booking-in process was completed in a matter of minutes. The manner in which the entire staff conducted themselves ensured we felt relaxed and at home before even reaching our suites.
Deluxe Accommodation
The first-class accommodations in the Anantara consist of 402 rooms and suites, all of which are elegantly and ergonomically designed. With a range of layouts on offer, the venue ensures suitable and comfortable lodgings for singles, couples, families and friends alike.
We were privileged to be given the grand tour of the hotel, a large part of which involved the various room and suite types. The further up we ventured, the more spectacular the canal and city views became.
We found these recently refurbished rooms and suites to provide a contemporary feel combined with elements of Dutch heritage and Anantara’s classy signature touches. We appreciated the warm tones and soft, tactile fabrics, with the mid-century-inspired furniture and striking geometric lighting helping to create both ambience and an overall soothing environment.
Large-scale photographs of the city, hanging from the walls, helped to immerse us in the Amsterdam experience, introducing guests to an assortment of famous landmarks and views. From the 70sq/m Presidential Suite to our standard suites, every room offered plenty of space and everything one would need throughout their stay.
Fine-Dining
For all those food lovers visiting the Anantara who want to sample five-star cuisine while in the city, there is no need to leave the building. The Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky, Amsterdam houses four unique dining options, each of which offers a truly memorable experience.
“We found these recently refurbished rooms and suites to provide a contemporary feel combined with elements of Dutch heritage and Anantara’s classy signature touches.”
The White Room is the oldest and most elegant restaurant in all of Amsterdam, conducted by former three Michelin-starred chef Jacob Jan Boerma. This renowned venue takes advantage of the freshest local ingredients, with the delicious dishes being paired with fine grapes. The setting itself is a banquet hall of white and gold that dates to back 1885.
For all-day dining, The Grand Café Krasnapolsky overlooking Dam Square cooks up modern European and locally inspired dishes for both lunch and dinner. Additionally, afternoon tea is served with freshly baked macaroons from The Cake Room, along with a selection of 10 different sparkling beverages by the glass. We still dream about those little cookies.
The award-wining bar, The Tailor is named in tribute to the hotel’s founder, serving liquid works of art and a warm inviting environment that includes the most comfortable of large armchairs. For all those after a scrumptious breakfast, the plant-filled, Belle Epoque-styled Wintergarden provides the most delightful breakfast buffet in the city. We agreed the venue’s grand style and magnificent 19th-century glass roof ensure a naturally lit and particularly novel dining experience.
Hotel Amenities
Part of our guided tour was of the hotel amenities including the in-house gym and spa. The Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky, Amsterdam ensures fitness-focused guests have the perfect environment in which to keep their bodies in peak condition. The hotel’s fully equipped gym features Technogym machines, plenty of free weights, and even a rotating climbing wall for the more adventurous.
For those (including ourselves) looking for pampering, Anantara’s award-winning spa combines the best of Eastern and Western healing traditions with contemporary, result-driven treatments. Thai massages are among the favourites requested by guests, along with skin-type-tailored facials. The inclusion of an authentic hammam, along with a sauna and a steam room, are perfect outlets to dissolve tensions and stress.
Yet another visitor favourite is private yoga classes held in the venue’s charming outdoor space, the peaceful Summer Garden, tucked away within the hotel.
Ideal Location
Along with the idyllic nature of the hotel’s inner sanctuary, we found the venue itself to be superbly located in the centre of Amsterdam. The hotel has created a programme of local experiences that enables guests to fully immerse themselves in all that this culturerich city has to offer.
Amongst the vast array of experiences for visitors are cruises along the city’s canals and cycling along the waterways – lined with traditional gabled canal houses. We explored several world-class museums, enjoyed culinary venues of all persuasions, visited some of the country’s oldest distilleries, completed memorable walks amongst endless tulip plantations, and shopped until we dropped at numerous high-end boutiques. These are but a few of the almost unending options available to all.
Our Sincere Thanks
We would like to thank The Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky, Amsterdam management, and staff for inviting us into their magnificent venue, for the unrivalled hospitality and for the opportunity to explore their beautiful city.