We had heard that a great hotel in Amsterdam was amongst the missing and the first hotel we checked into certainly seemed to underscore this belief.

Checking Virtuoso’s other Amsterdam properties we called the De L’Europe to seee if they had room in their inn as it could not have been worse than the depressing dump in which we were staying.

The De L’Europe is conveniently located on a canal a few minutes from Dam Square. Immediately on arriving and being greeted by the top hatted door man, the polished brass stair rails and the long expansive lobby looking out across the river, a long way away, we felt peacefully at home. We could have been in the Bristol, the Dorchester or the De Russie.

Service was perfect; attentive but low key.

And then there was the suite. Big, with a terrace overlooking the city and the canal view marred only the sight of the ugly concert hall (NEW).
The rooms big and comfortable. We will not share with you the suite number as we do not want others competing for it, but we found it special.

And then there were the 21st Century electronics. The I-pad on the desk that included all the hotel information. Gone were the leather bound books. We were told that soon one would be able to use it to order room service. Gone would be the curt voices and misunderstood words.

The new marbled bath with fragrant and unusual amenities had a heated floor and the slippers which I usually find more of a hassle than they are useful, were uniquely clog like and the only ones I have ever taken with me.

In the middle of the night I arose from the overly large, very comfortable bed and was shocked by a soft light. There was a night-light under the bed table on a motion sensor that I had set off. This was the attention to detail.

We had dinner twice in their Brasserie Hoofdstad and the food was superb along with the view of the canal. It was romantic dining along the canal with a view of the city beyond.

My only nit is they should reconfigure the layout of the breakfast buffet. The buffet itself was above average but the serving dishes are on the pass-thru into the kitchen which requires one to be an NBA player to view the offerings and eggs and meats are crammed into the same corner with the bread and pastries creating a traffic jam. I realize there are space and access considerations but not enough thought has been applied to the ease of offering their breakfast buffet.

We did not try “Bord’Eau”, their Michelin starred restaurant but it looked spacious and glitteringly elegant. We were told they offered a $36E fixed menu lunch.

We did however make extensive use of Freddy’s the hotel bar, especially the English Library cigar-bar that is adjacent. Indoor smoking in an English library setting with bar service is heaven for a smoker in today’s smoking abhorrent world.

Freddy, who’s portrait graces the hotel lobby, was Freddy Heineken, the late owner of Heinekens who’s daughter Charlene seceded him.

Maybe in it Charlene that attracted Bill Clinton who reputedly was in residence in the Presidential Suite just before we arrived.

The De L’Europe exudes the aura and excellence that comes from an owner with the interest, money and commitment.

What an experience!!! :) We were taken care by Ralph who told us about the different tea choices (were they come from,history etc.) and the snacks that come with the high tea. There was also a pianist who played lovely during the whole afternoon.I highly recommend this experience!

Was warmly greeted by the night staff, as I arrived late. Mohamed, the concierge was fantastic and explained everything, was professional and properly represented the hotel. Rooms were luxurious and bed was very comfortable. Breakfast was good with a great view. Dinner was good, although they should be careful with their cornish-hin special (two of the chicken dishes served to our party were undercooked, and you don't want to see that in a chicken dish).

Hotel staff was extremely helpful, got us taxis whenever we needed them and helped us find other good restaurants and cafes nearby.

Would highly recommend this hotel for business travelers as well as for a romantic getaway.

Spent 2 nights here and found out right from the start that the staff were very helpful and friendly,the porter gave us some excellent info on local bars depending on what we were looking for. Really good location with a couple of restaurants and a cocktail bar.room had a wonderfully big bed, and everything was super clean.the only strange thing was the room lighting but once you remember not to read too long on the toilet you'll be fine.breakfast was really good too but then you are paying for it.will definitely return.