W Amsterdam

The W Amsterdam, located at Spuistraat 175, 1012 RR Amsterdam, presents itself as a hotel that balances historic grandeur with a modern, trendy flair. This accommodation concept is unique because it encompasses two distinct historic buildings: the former Bank Building and the former Exchange Building. This duality offers the potential for a variety of stays and experiences within a single property. While primarily focused on luxury lodging and resort-style amenities in an urban setting, it's important to consider guest experiences—both the highlights and the key points—when choosing your next urban hospedaje.

The Plus Points: Trendy Facilities and Exceptional Hospitality

One of the most praised aspects of the W Amsterdam is undoubtedly its architectural setting and the luxurious amenities it offers. The fact that the hotel occupies two historic buildings, each with its own distinct character, captures the imagination. The Exchange Building, a former telecommunications center, and the Bank Building, which served as a bank, have been transformed into a modern, 21st-century hostería and posada .

The rooms and suites are described as stylish, although some reviewers note that they, especially in the "Cozy" category, can feel limited in terms of space, especially considering the price range of a five-star establishment. Nevertheless, the furnishings are often appreciated for their quirky design elements and comfortable beds with high-quality linens. For those seeking a unique apartment -like experience, some loft rooms offer a two-level layout.

The real draw, however, is on the higher floors. The rooftop terrace, the WET Deck/W Lounge, is consistently praised as an oasis with breathtaking views over Amsterdam's rooftops, often described as "Amsterdam at its best." It's a vibrant spot where guests can enjoy creative cocktails and a fantastic atmosphere, complete with live DJ sets. It's a social hub that attracts both guests and locals, contributing to the "see and be seen" vibe inherent in the brand.

Wellness and Gastronomy

The AWAY Spa is also a highly acclaimed facility. Located in the basement of the Bank Building, this spa exudes luxury with dark tiles and atmospheric lighting, and the treatment rooms even mimic the shape of an old safe, a nod to the building's history. The spa, complete with a swimming pool and hot tubs, is even considered by some to be one of the favorite resort-style wellness facilities.

In terms of culinary accommodations, W Amsterdam offers two renowned dining venues: Mr. Porter, a steakhouse on the rooftop of the Exchange Building, and The Duchess in the Bank Building, known for its refined Mediterranean and French brasserie influences. These restaurants contribute to the feeling that this hotel is more than just a place to sleep; it is a destination in itself, comparable to a luxury resort in the city.

In terms of service, there are moments of absolute excellence. Specific staff members, such as Alejandro and Chiara, are praised for their phenomenal hospitality, going above and beyond the norm by offering personalized gifts and handwritten notes. This level of passion for the profession is highly appreciated by experienced observers and confirms that a stay can be exceptional.

The Cons: Inconsistency in Service and Operational Hiccups

Despite the high ratings and praise for specific individuals, criticisms point to significant inconsistency in service quality, particularly in security and interaction with general staff.

Security and Staff Interaction

A particularly alarming incident involved the treatment by a security guard on New Year's morning. Paying guests were approached in an aggressive and intimidating manner and ejected from the lobby while they waited for their taxi. This behavior is diametrically opposed to the class and hospitality expected of such a hotel. Although another employee later responded respectfully, this discrepancy highlights a systemic problem in the training or culture of frontline staff, which negatively impacts the hospedaje experience.

Other guests shared experiences of "super grumpy and unfriendly staff," specifically citing behavior at the front desk that made them feel unwelcome or unable to speak their mind. This suggests that the "vibe" the hotel strives for is, for some guests, turning into unpleasant interactions, prompting them to leave. This is in stark contrast to the praise for the concierge who actually helped arrange tickets.

Operational and Room-related Issues

The dining experience also had its problems. One report states that the restaurant staff seemed "too tired" to serve guests, leading to delays and eventual departures. The reservation system for outdoor areas, such as the area by the "pool" (presumably the WET Deck), requires clear communication, as guests were wrongly turned away because they didn't know that reservations at Mr. Porter were required for that specific area.

There are also comments about the condition of the accommodation itself. Some guests found the rooms dark, with small windows and impractical bathroom solutions, such as showers that flood the space or extremely low lighting in the bathroom, making getting ready difficult. There are also complaints about cold rooms and the fact that the general condition of the rooms doesn't always meet five-star standards, despite the high rates. Even in the Exchange wing, a musty smell was noted in the hallways.

Although the elevator facilities in the Exchange building are modern, the elevators were sometimes found to be slow and confusing, which is a minor annoyance in an otherwise well-functioning hotel .

for the Potential Guest

The W Amsterdam is undeniably a statement-making hotel. It offers a unique blend of historic architecture and modern, energetic luxury, with rooms, a spa, and rooftop terraces that approach the standards of a luxury urban resort . The amenities, such as the rooftop pool and the gastronomic options, are eye-catching and offer a fantastic setting.

However, potential guests should be aware of the double-edged sword of service. You could experience an unforgettable, personalized stay thanks to exceptionally hospitable staff, or you could encounter unprofessional and even aggressive behavior from other staff members, including security. This lack of consistency can completely ruin the experience of an otherwise perfect hospedaje or accommodation.

For the traveler seeking a vibrant atmosphere, excellent social spaces, and a willingness to accept the possibility of service issues in exchange for a unique design experience—far from traditional hostals or simple albergues —the W Amsterdam certainly offers a lot. However, if you expect absolute, impeccable, and consistent five-star service in every interaction, from the lobby to the rooms, it's wise to take the inconsistency in reviews seriously. This is a place where the "vibe" sometimes seems to take precedence over the impeccable execution of hospitality, a crucial factor when choosing your accommodations in the capital. The location is unsurpassed for those who want to experience Amsterdam on foot, but the internal workings of this "twin hotel" require some flexibility from the guest. Even the most luxurious villas in other segments have to compete with the unique, yet sometimes turbulent, dynamic that the W Amsterdam offers.

This hotel is a place of contrasts: from the dark, atmospheric spa to the bright, vibrant rooftop terrace; from the warm welcome to the cold shoulder of the security staff. It's a bold choice for your next urban stay. The ability to use the facilities of both buildings, one focused more on socializing and the other on wellness and refined dining, gives guests some control over the desired experience within the offered accommodations, whether they seek a "departamento" feel in a loft or prefer the luxury of a traditional hotel room . It's a modern interpretation of accommodation that honors its historical foundation, but the service still needs to fully meet the high-end expectations evoked by the price tag and brand name. This isn't a typical hostería; it's a high-fashion hotel experience.