AMSTERDAM

A raft of new and renovated hotels offer slick interiors and inventive meeting spaces, says Paul J DeVries

From punching bags to ping pong tables, new hotels in the Dutch capital have seriously trendy meeting facilities

Long a popular destination for business and leisure travellers, Amsterdam saw the number of overnight hotel stays in the city rise by 8.4 per cent to 14 million in 2016. With more than 850,000 stays from people in town for meetings and conferences, the Dutch capital climbed five spots – more than any other city – to come seventh in the 2016 International Congress and Convention Association “Country and City” rankings.

Connectivity continues to be one of its strengths. The city’s Schiphol airport hub often ranks among the best in the world; and a direct Eurostar link with London will soon become a reality, expanding the high-speed train network that links Amsterdam to cities such as Brussels, Paris, Frankfurt and beyond.

Building on its popularity, a wave of hotel development has added thousands of rooms to the city in a matter of a few years. The number of hotel rooms increased by nearly 5 per cent in 2016 alone, giving travellers much-improved choice both within and around its historic core. At the same time, it has brought a range of new venues for meetings and conferences – flexible, sometimes even quirky spaces, the design of which receives just as much attention as the hotels they are in. Here are six properties to consider.

THE HOXTON

It has been two years since the Hoxton ventured beyond London and opened its Herengracht hotel (Paris opened this summer; and Williamsburg in New York and a third London property are in the works). Like its UK siblings, the Dutch Hoxton has “the Apartment” event space, located on the ground floor just beyond restaurant Lotti’s. Built around a kitchen and courtyard, there are four fully-equipped rooms, with the largest suitable for up to 80 delegates for a reception. All are designed in typical Hoxton style with colourful artwork and vintage pieces; the boardroom table in the Games Room is used for pingpong during breaks. Number of guestrooms: 111 Meeting space: 140 sqm, including four rooms and a courtyard Contact: Herengracht 255; thehoxton.com

W HOTEL

Another major arrival of the past few years, W Hotels made quite the entrance, setting up in two buildings (one a former telephone exchange, the other a bank) just behind the Dam Square. The list of facilities includes two restaurants, a gym, spa and rooftop pool. Meeting space consists of three adjacent Great rooms with an undulating geometric white ceiling with built-in lighting. The all-glass top floor of the Exchange building offers an outdoor terrace with views over the city’s rooftops. Number of guestrooms: 238 Meeting space: 414 sqm, with three combinable rooms Contact: Spuistraat 175; whotels.com

ZOKU

Have you ever been frustrated by the lack of break-out rooms for small meetings and private conversations during an event? The Zoku Amsterdam has made this an issue of the past. There is a dedicated meeting hub on the top floor, with both smaller rooms and a flexible space that can hold up to 175 people, as well as a kitchen and two terraces. But the brand’s signature accommodation type, “home-office hybrid” lofts, come with a kitchen and work table that can easily hold a side meeting

(the loft-style sleeping space can be screened off for privacy). Downstairs there are public areas that include a music room/games corner and a communal working zone with hanging punching bags for when you need to let off steam. Number of guestrooms: 133 Meeting space: 360 sqm, with six meeting rooms and two terraces Contact: Weesperstraat 105; livezoku.com

PULITZER

A year and a half of renovations, completed last summer, transformed every inch of the 25 canal houses that make up Pulitzer Amsterdam, including the restoration of the original façade on Prinsengracht canal. Ten event spaces include the Garden Room (for up to 150 guests in the middle of the hotel’s large, private courtyard garden), the historic salon of the Saxenburg House (with painted ceiling and ornate fireplace) and a number of smaller meeting rooms. Small groups can enjoy an aperitif or morning coffee on the hotel’s private boat while touring the city’s canals. Number of guestrooms: 225 Meeting space: 450 sqm, with ten spaces, plus a boat Contact: Prinsengracht 315-331; pulitzeramsterdam.com

SIR ADAM AMSTERDAM

Coming up to its one-year anniversary, Sir Adam is part of the 22-storey A’DAM tower, a redevelopment of former Royal Dutch Shell offices a short ferry ride across the water from Centraal station. Between the tower’s legs you’ll find the Deck, an entire floor dedicated to meetings and events, with three Studios ranging from 50 sqm to 74 sqm, which can be combined. The rooms strike an industrial note with exposed concrete; those on higher floors offer panoramic views. Number of guestrooms: 110 Meeting space: 220 sqm, with three Studios, a bar and terrace Contact: Overhoeksplein 7; sirhotels.com

KIMPTON DE WITT

Opened in May, this is the first Kimpton outside the Americas. Within walking distance of Centraal station, it has injected much-needed vibrancy into the building (formerly a Crowne Plaza), from the lobby and public spaces to the 274 guestrooms (including nine suites). There are eight contemporary meeting rooms, but more unusual options for smaller gatherings or receptions include Penthouse De Witt, which has a 30 sqm furnished roof terrace, and the four-storey Little House, dating back to the 17th century and once the childhood home of Dutch playwright PC Hooft. Overnight guests have access to Van Moof bikes. Number of guestrooms: 274 Meeting space: 602 sqm, with eight multipurpose rooms Contact: Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 5; kimptondewitthotel.com

A year and a half of renovations transformed every inch of the Pulitzer Amsterdam, including the restoration of the original façade on Prinsengracht canal