Business took me to this wonderful hotel in the heart of Amsterdam, and it was a great stay at a great hotel. Though it is in spitting distance of the famed Red Light District, this venue is very much a high-class operation, from the historic buildings and grounds to the fragrant and trendy lobby to the wonderful hospitality of the staff. The tourist spots are mostly within walking distance, and if you venture out in one direction, you get to Dam Square to see the Palace and shopping areas, another direction to the Red Light District, and another direction to the Amstel River and some local neighborhood establishments, Rembrandt Square, and flower (and tulip bulb) markets, all within five minutes from the hotel front gates. Don't get me wrong, this is an expensive hotel, so definitely a splurge if on vacation, but well worth it for the service, ambience, location, and history. The buildings date to the 1400's, and the main building was once (relatively recently in the big picture) used as City Hall. Having never been to Amsterdam before, getting around the canals takes a little getting used to, but in the daylight it is easier to find your way around and all the water adds so much to the charm of the city. I would go back again if offered the chance, and would recommend The Grand Sofitel to anyone looking for an opulent stay in the heart of a great European city.

We stayed there for a week-end in Amsterdam. The hotel is very well located in the center of Amsterdam but yet a quiet place. The rooms are extremely comfortable and very cosy. The food is good and the staff very helpful. I would definitely stay again in this hotel.

This hotel used to be the city hall and a lodge for the elitists of Amsterdam in the 15th century and you can tell that right away by the interior and the exterior. It is a old building but somebody has taken alot of care in to making everything very prestige and 'grand' as the name of the hotel suggests. And this also goes for the rooms.

I've been to several rooms and each was like it has its own theme and its decorated beautifully. Some were a little too bit dark for my taste but it ups the atmosphere. Most of the rooms were somewhat small but thats normal for a crowded builded city like Amsterdam. Some would even call it cozy. The rooms were clean but the windows were kind of small. But that does get better in the suites.

The beds were heavenlike to sleep in as its almost like you get sucked in the mattress and the thick bedspread.

The bathroom was beautiful. It was clean, towels were clean, bathtub sometimes had stains but thats almost normal in hotels. I dont remember seeing any slippers. And there is a make up mirror for the ladies.

The best feature of this hotel is its location. Its like a oasis in the busy and loud centre of Amsterdam. And when i say centre i really do mean the centre. Its next to one of the many canals and its 500 meters from the Damsquare and the Royal palace and maybe 700 meters to the redlight district and chinatown (Zeedijk). The shoppingstreet Kalverstraat is next to the palace. And the street Rokin which leads to the central station crosses the Damsquare. Taxi to central station is about 3 kilometers tops.

Breakfast was good and fresh, multiple kinds of bread. Bacon, eggs, fruits. The usual. Great scrambled eggs by the way.

I didnt had time for the gym and pool but from what i heard its clean and topnotch.

Parking could be a problem. They have valet parking but the parkingspaces in the yard are limited to i think maybe 20 cars. And parkingspaces in the neighbourhood are really really hard to find. The nearest parkinggarage is a 15 minutes walk at the Bijenkorf mall. But the height is i think 1.80 so if you drive a big car or suv you wont fit and you have to go to a even further parkinggarage called the Kolk at Nieuwezijds voorburgwal.

The service is really one of the best i've seen, very polite and patience. Although they're not always experienced they are helpful and doing their best.

And last but not least the inner courtyard garden is really nice and their haute cuisine restaurant is one of the best seafood places in town.

I had read all the reviews and didn't really believe the hotel could be that good but it is fantastic! The hotel and decor is beautiful and the finishing touches perfect. The staff are very special and do go out of their way to help you. I can't recommend the hotel enough and would recommend staying here.