Weekend in Amsterdam: My Review of The Toren: A Luxury Boutique Hotel

The first night I arrived in Amsterdam, I was hosted by The Toren hotel for the purposes of checking out one of their newly remodeled suites, the Executive Suite to be exact. I had my reservations as I always do when staying at boutique hotels as they can on occasion be a bit unpredictable. This hotel though is special and the rooms are as luxurious as they come.

The hotel is a true gem in every sense of the word. It provides exactly what visitors who are looking for a boutique hotel experience hope to have. It’s family run and the love that the family has for the property radiates throughout the entire hotel. Don’t be dismayed by the ungrand lobby, the rest of the hotel’s decor is fancy, fun and imaginative. Starting with the bar and enclosed smoking room (not that kind of smoking!), which are right off the lobby. They are luxurious and opulent. Something about the decor reminded me of a tasteful Christmas theme but instead of reds and greens there are burgundys and golds.

Location

Although Amsterdam isn’t huge, there are areas you want to stay in and areas you don’t (Red Light District). The Toren is situated right along the canal and is a two-minute walk from the Anne Frank House and only a short walk or even shorter taxi from other popular attractions like the Van Gogh Museum and The Heineken Experience.

The Rooms

We were lucky enough to be hosted in the newly renovated Executive Suite. I was shocked at what awaited me. Just a 10-second walk through the hotel’s courtyard brought me to one of my favorite hotel rooms I’ve ever had the pleasure to stay in. To be honest I was a bit surprised at how over-the-top luxurious the suite was given its understated lobby. The room was rich with reds, blacks plenty of velvet and even a bit of edginess. The room was warm and provided the perfect retreat in which to relax. The shotgun style room, in which each room runs into the next was cozy yet spacious. The first room was the living room area, which provided a comfy loveseat upon which to rest. The second room was the bedroom area, which contained the most comfortable bed I have ever slept in. I’m not kidding I am going to find out who makes it and order one. You literally melt into it. And it wasn’t just the jet lag! Finally, at the end of the room is the bathroom, which was the real standout for me.

It contained his and her sinks, a high-quality makeup mirror (a must at fancy hotels in my opinion), Ritual brand luxury bath products, a fancy schmancy toilet and then the true superstars–an enormous double Jacuzzi and a steam shower cabin with dual rain showerheads! (There were even seats inside!) Oh and the plushest bathrobes and slippers to crawl into after your soak. The suite truly provided a sanctuary away from the bustle of the lively city. It felt like my own personal and very private spa.

I was also really impressed by the technology in the room, which boasts flat-screen televisions, ipod docks and digital touch-screens to adjust the lights, which can be not only dimmed but change colors to reflect your mood.

Service

The staff here couldn’t be friendlier. You get the feeling that they are all friends with the owners who you can tell truly put alot of love into the property. Unlike many fancy hotels where staffers have a sense of arrogance, here they are relaxed, knowledgeable, friendly and seem genuinely happy, which truly makes interacting with them a pleasure.

Food

The breakfast buffet in the morning is great. The food is high quality, but the spread is not over the top. They will also do made-to-order pancakes and eggs, which are some of the best I’ve had. I don’t even like eggs and found myself ordering a second omelette after tasting my husband’s. Other than breakfast though there isn’t a restaurant on the property. However, they have a deal with a Michelin-starred restaurant nearby that will deliver food directly to your room or set up a table for you in the lounge. How many hotels serve Michelin-approved cuisine to your bedroom if you wish?

Guests

This hotel is cozy and even a bit naughty. Most guests here appeared to be couples and perhaps a couple people in town on business. I wouldn’t say this hotel is ideal for families although I’m sure they would be perfectly happy.

The Final Word

I was a little worried to stay here after a friend insisted I stay at the Sofitel, which is surely a great hotel. I just wasn’t sure what to expect, which always makes me a little uneasy. However, I must say I am so glad that I had this authentic experience with the city. I truly wish I had more time to spend in my glorious suite and would not only recommend it highly but will absolutely return here when I come back to Amsterdam.

Hotel Details

The Toren, Keizersgracht 164, 1015 CZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Phone: 0031 20 622 6033
Website: www.thetoren.nl

*I was hosted at this hotel for one night for purposes of another article I was writing. As always though opinions herein are my own. I am always happy to answer any further questions you might have.*