Join me on a journey through six remarkable locations, each a century older than the last, uncovering hidden gems cherished by locals like me.
We leave my hotel; Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Maurits at the Park, a building dating back to 1908, where I work as a concierge. But more about that in my other article below this webpage.
Our first stop is my favorite local beer brewery, Brouwerij ’t IJ, located in the iconic De Gooyer windmill from 1814. Enjoy a beer tasting in its cozy taproom, where craft beers like the IPA and local specialties are especially loved by Amsterdammers. Pair your drink with a bittergarnituur, a platter of fried snacks perfect with beer. Don’t miss their special anniversary brew at 7.50% alcohol, crafted to celebrate the city’s milestone!
Next, we stroll along the picturesque Entrepotdok to the Luther Museum, housed in the Wittenberg building from 1772. This hidden gem highlights Amsterdam’s Lutheran heritage with elegant regent rooms, a chapel featuring a grand organ, and collections of art, silver, and antique furniture. It’s a fascinating look at how this movement shaped the city’s churches and culture.
On Herengracht, Huis Vasari, built in 1662, is a 17th-century VOC merchant house now home to the Vrije Academie. Start with coffee at Bar Vasari, surrounded by a beautiful garden and tea rooms perfect for year-round lunches or drinks. The house hosts unique exhibitions, and after renovations this spring, we at Pillows will offer exclusive fine lunches and dinners in its historic kitchen. For now, let’s enjoy a quick lunch there and leave room for dinner later.
After a walk along the historic Herengracht and Warmoesstraat, we arrive at Café In ’t Aepjen, which is one of Amsterdam’s two remaining wooden houses, with construction dating between 1519 and 1550, depending on which part of the house is considered. Once a popular inn for Dutch East India Company sailors, it earned its name when debts were settled with monkeys brought from abroad, inspiring the Dutch saying “in de aap gelogeerd” (stuck in a tricky situation). Relax by the window with their house beer or Dutch Jenever, the predecessor of Gin, soaking in centuries of history.
For dinner, a short walk over the oldest street, the Zeedijk, leads to Restaurant-Café In de Waag, housed in a former city gate from 1488. Lit by 300 candles, this historic gem exudes romance. Once a weighing house, it’s now a cozy spot offering classic European cuisine in a medieval setting.
Finally, we arrive at the Oude Kerk, Amsterdam’s oldest building, consecrated in 1306. This magnificent church has witnessed the city’s transformation over the centuries. Its dramatic history, including damage from the Luther movement, my personal favorite.
Stefan Laarman is a member of Les Clefs d’Or Netherlands. This article has been published in its original form.
Europe Bars Hotel Architecture Arts Heritage Boutique Coffee shop Breweries Amsterdam Antiques The Pillows Hotel Maurits at the Park Amsterdam
My passion for hospitality began during an internship at a booking office, where the owner introduced me to a concierge at the Amstel Hotel in Amsterdam. I started there as a bellboy, eventually progressing to doorman and then assistant concierge. My career took a significant turn when the head concierge, Aad van den Berg, and senior concierge, Peter Moos, invited me to a meeting. They expressed their confidence in me and offered me the opportunity to take over concierge duties on the days the head concierge worked fewer hours as he approached retirement. I found the opportunity exciting and gladly accepted.
Over time, I grew immensely in my role. In 2022, after 8.5 years at the Amstel Hotel, I was scouted to help establish the concierge department for a new hotel; Pillows Hotel Maurits at the Park. Collaborating with two other senior concierges, I embraced the challenge of building a department from the ground up. In my current role, I enjoy significant freedom and the opportunity to innovate alongside my experienced colleagues. This journey has not only enriched my professional skills but also deepened my passion for providing exceptional guest experiences.
The Pillows Hotel Maurits at the Park blends history and modern luxury. Set in a former laboratory of the University of Amsterdam dating back to 1908, the hotel opened in November 2022 after a five-year renovation.
Located on the edge of Amsterdam's city center, the hotel offers a unique balance between urban convenience and tranquility. Its exclusive park-facing grounds create the illusion of being nestled within the park, while the canal on the opposite side features a private dock for elegant saloon boat cruises.
The hotel boasts 88 luxurious rooms, a rooftop terrace with panoramic views, and an award-winning bar, which won the title "Best new cocktail bar of the Netherlands" in 2023. Guests can enjoy exceptional dining at the fine dining restaurant Van Oost or relax at Brasserie Spring, which offers large windows and a terrace overlooking the park.
This combination of rich history, serene surroundings, and premium amenities makes the Pillows Hotel Maurits at the Park a standout destination in Amsterdam’s hospitality scene.
reservations.amsterdam@pillowshotels.com
+31 208 020 200
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