Location, location, location is what it’s all about when it comes to the Kimpton de Witt Amsterdam.
What’s more, this slickly designed hotel boasts a top notch cocktail bar from the same team behind White Lyan, Cub, Dandelyan and Lyaness on the premises.
I checked into the 274 room historic Dutch building on a Thursday afternoon.
It’s literally a hop and a skip from Amsterdam’s central train station, which is the Eurostar hub from London and less than 20 minutes from Schiphol airport.
From the outside the brick building doesn’t look like anything special, but a garden wall and neon light feature signal that something fun is lurking inside.
A dashing doorman directed me into the place and the check in process was swift, with a €20 payment taken as a deposit.
I was directed to 522 on the fifth floor, a king deluxe room with city views and an en suite shower.
What will catch your eye about the Kimpton De Witt Amsterdam is the attention to detail.
Everything from the elevator music to the wall hangings and indoor plant arrangements have been meticulously thought out.
This theme continued on to the bedroom, with a bronze dragonfly door knocker and fabric coating on an armchair to match.
Other features included an open wardrobe with two Frette towel robes hanging, a tea and coffee station and a cupboard with an ironing kit and yoga mat for the more active traveller.
Instead of a paper directory, everything I needed to know was displayed on an easy-to-use TV directory system.
I discovered where the gym was (located on -1), what the weather would be doing and how to order room service.
After travelling in by train, I decided to have a quick stint in the gym to get my legs going.
The basement workout area is pretty spacious and has a good mix of equipment.
Following a swift jog I zoomed back upstairs to take a shower.
I loved the optical illusion tiles in the bathroom and the fresh-smelling Marie-Stella-Maris products.
I called reception for some hair straighteners but they had run out as they were on loan to other guests. I went for some curling tongues instead.
After showering I reclined on the large soft bed and put on some music using the tiny but very mighty bluetooth speaker.
I felt so relaxed, that unfortunately I missed the happy hour at Super Lyan.
In every room at the Kimpton De Witt Amsterdam there is voucher which entitles guests to a free cocktail between 5:30pm and 7pm.
SUPER LYAN
Instead, I had a power nap, indulged in a magnificent feast at the hotel restaurant and hit Super Lyan a little later into the night.
The cocktail bar has a great buzz about it, with red leather American diner-style seating, funky beats and neon lights framing the circular drinks counter.
Low lighting gives the place a sultry yet snug atmosphere.
We settled into a seat by the window so we could watch passersby amble along, on their way to the train station or the famed Red Light District just around the corner.
If you haven’t eaten, Super Lyan does a delicious range of snacks, with everything from grilled cheese to braised pork and bao buns on the menu.
Feeling well fed from our previous exploits we plunged right into the drinks list.
Super Lyan does classics just how they should be done.
I went for a martini dry with olives, magicked up with Super Lyan’s own batch of vodka.
Meanwhile, my partner went for a whisky sour which was clean and creamy on the palate.
We went for the same round again changing the vodka and whisky out for a new specimen as recommended by our super friendly waiter.
If you’re feeling a bit more experimental, there are a range of longer cocktails with blends including the Pearl Diver (Bacardi Rums, William George, lime, orange, cacao butter, honey, falernum) and the Clover Club Royale (Porter’s Tropical Old Tom Gin, raspberry whey, lemon, bubbles).
There are also several shot concoctions on offer if you want to give your jaunt to Amsterdam some ammunition.
Feeling on the more relaxed side of things, we slinked off to bed after our third beverage.
We slept pretty solidly in the soft bed, and there was good insulation from the party-goers outside.
The breakfast buffet at the Kimpton De Witt Amsterdam is another treat, with a plethora of things to suit all tastes.
We left the hotel reluctantly but in high spirits. The lobby reception was busy with a group of Americans checking in and I’d been informed the place was booked out over the festive period.
I left with happy hour voucher packed in my bag, with a bit of wishful thinking I’d return in the near future for another top notch martini in Super Lyan’s sultry liar of libations…
The Kimpton De Witt Amsterdam is located at Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 5, 1012 RC Amsterdam
To book a stay or dining experience, visit www.kimptondewitthotel.com
