Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam review: rooms and amenities in historic canal houses
The Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam occupies six 17th and 18th century canal houses, offering 93 rooms with canal or garden views and extensive Hilton Honors Diamond benefits.
The Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam opened in 2014, connecting six historic residences on the Herengracht canal. The hotel is located on the Eastern side of the canal, near the Amstel river. Amsterdam Centraal train station is around 12 minutes away by public transport, while Schiphol airport is about 30 minutes by car or 40 minutes using transit. The main entrance is not accessible. A separate street-level entrance in the neighboring house leads to the lobby via a corridor and lift. Travelers needing step-free access should plan their arrival route in advance. The canal-belt location also means luggage may encounter cobbles on routes from public transport.
Room design and comfort
There are 93 rooms and suites in total. Rooms face either the canal or the private gardens, with canal views being more prized. The smallest room category is the King Superior room. The reviewed King Grand Premier room was notably spacious.
| Room Category | Size Range (sq m) |
|---|---|
| King Superior | 23 - 34 |
| King Grand Premier | 44 - 55 |
The reviewer noted the room's unusual proportions. "My room was taller than it was wide, at least four or five metres!" It featured a modern marble fireplace with decorative birchwood logs. The king bed faces the fireplace to avoid eye contact with tourist boats on the canal. A free-standing wardrobe houses the mini-bar, glassware, a Nespresso coffee machine, and TWG teabags. The fridge is fully stocked but chargeable. Curtains are exceptionally long and heavy. A small round table and chairs sit in the corner for in-room dining or use as a desk.
Amenities and service touches
Check-in is conducted sitting down, creating a residential feel. A welcome drink of champagne is offered. The hotel has a partnership with French candlemaker Cire Trudon. Guests choose from four scents at check-in, including 'Josephine' and 'Ernesto'. Hilton Honors Diamond members receive a card listing benefits. These include 1,000 bonus points per day, complimentary breakfast for two, a potential room upgrade, and 30 minutes free on spa treatments.
The bathroom features a huge bathtub with grey marble trim and Aesop toiletries. The gym on the lower ground floor has Technogym equipment, including weights up to 30kg. The Guerlain-operated spa has treatment rooms, a steam room, and a properly hot sauna. The garden is claimed to be the largest private garden in central Amsterdam. Drinks are allowed in the garden, but the hotel cannot serve them outdoors.
Dining and overall value
Breakfast is served in the Goldfinch Brasserie, the hotel's only restaurant since its Michelin-starred venue closed. The 'Taste of Waldorf' experience creates a mini table-side buffet of fruit, bread, Dutch cheeses, and smoked salmon, accompanied by a choice of a la carte dishes. Dinner at the Goldfinch Brasserie ranges from €20 for two oysters to €110 for a wagyu steak. The lobster linguine came with huge chunks of lobster, though the pasta was a tad cold.
Nightly rates start around €850, with points redemptions beginning at 150,000 per night. Families face occupancy limits due to historic preservation rules. The property occupies six residences numbered 542 to 556, including a townhouse built in 1665. On check-out, guests receive a small scented wax medallion matching their chosen fragrance from check-in.
