The vibe: A grand old dame, brought totally up-to-date with a distinct, authentic quality.

The Area: Smack-bang city centre, on the Amstel river and within walking distance of about anything.

The DNA: First established in 1896, Hotel de L’Europe Amsterdam is one of the standard-bearers in the city’s luxury hotel scene. Recently, it was reborn through a contemporary lens, while still paying homage to the Dutch Masters. “We don’t like to throw away the useful items and start from scratch,” says Dax Roll, cofounder of local design firm Nicemakers, which handled the renovation. “We wanted to bring back the hotel’s original allure and its classic luxury but without getting an old-fashioned or dusty feeling.”

Suite-Me-Up: So many suites to choose from, it is almost dazzling. There are themed and branded suites (Bowmore Aston Martin, Salle Privée, Harper’s Bazaar, Ravestijn Gallery, Amsterdam Fashion Week, Nicemakers, Bibi van der Velden), riverside and cityscape suites and even if think Presidential Loft is grand, there is the Royal Penthouse Suite – this is (de L’)Europe after all.

Seen: dezeen, Hospitality Design

✅ free Wi-Fi • size matters: 97 rooms & 48 suites (25-220m2) (270-2,368 sq ft) • hotel opened: 1896 • interior design: D/DOCK, Nicemakers • parking possible nearby (charged) • no pets allowed • 24-hour front desk • wheelchair accessible