AMSTERDAM, NL, Sptember 1, 2007. Grand Hotel Amrâth Amsterdam, a new luxury five-star hotel, recently opened its doors in the heart of the city center. The hotel is located in the monumental “Scheepvaarthuis,” offering great views over the canals.
The Scheepvaarthuis (Shipping House) is one of Amsterdam’s best-known monuments. Architect J.M. van der Mey designed the building and it was built as a joint office for six Amsterdam shipping companies. The structure is a piece de resistance of the Amsterdam School and one of the main examples of this architectural style. Characteristics of the Amsterdam School are the profuse masonry along the chimneys, ridge beams and frames and the design of the corners. The building is richly decorated with sculptures and wrought iron. Many of the decorations refer to the history of shipping in Holland. The transformation of the Scheepvaarthuis into a five-star hotel established it as a new landmark in Amsterdam.
The Grand Hotel Amrâth has 163 spacious rooms and suites with high ceilings and equipped with every conceivable modern convenience. Architect Ray Kentie designed all the rooms around a nautical theme. Artists Gertie Bierenbroodspot and Christie van der Haak also contributed to the interior design of the hotel.
Located in the main entrance hall, featuring a stained glass ceiling depicting the globe, the seven oceans and star signs, is the reception desk. The desk looks out on the impressive marble staircase, richly decorated with shells, octopuses and other figures. The ground floor houses the bar/lounge and the Seven Seas restaurant. Work is being carried out to convert the former safe to a unique wine bar, scheduled to open in the fall. The Wellness Center is also expected to open by the end of the year. This will accommodate a swimming pool, a gym and sauna.
Grand Hotel Amrâth Amsterdam lies in walking distance of the business district and the main tourist attractions. It is close to Amsterdam Central Train Station, and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is only a short distance away.
Grand Hotel Amrâth Amsterdam is the flagship of the Amrâth hotel group, a Dutch family business based in Maastricht with fourteen hotels in the Netherlands. The hotel is a member of the international hotel group WORLDHOTELS and belongs to the top segment, the Deluxe Collection. Over 500 top hotels around the world are affiliated with this organization.
