Amsterdam is a vibrant and picturesque city just waiting to be explored by foot, boat, or bike! From the beautiful canals with their bright and playful details, to the museums, cafes and restaurants that deserve your attention. This historical yet modern city will be everything you want it to be. But in order to make your Amsterdam experience comfortable, stylish, and convenient for everything you want to see, I encourage you to stay at the Marriott Amsterdam. The Marriott Amsterdam is serene luxury in the perfect location with a staff that is just waiting to welcome you and give you an elevated version of home.
A warm welcome
The lobby of the Marriott Amsterdam will welcome you with classic warmth, elegant lighting, and a staff that is a marvelous team from check-in to check-out. The Marriott had the ease of home but with impeccable 5 star service and details. I was greeted no matter where I was, and the staff was so genuine, and always there to make sure my needs were met. Whether I was looking for the elevator, or waiting to check out, someone was always there to help with a smile.
The Marriott Amsterdam: Serene luxury in the perfect location
Where you stay in Amsterdam is vital to your experience. The Marriott will not only make you feel like you matter, but it is also nestled in the heart of Amsterdam. The Marriott is located next to the Leidseplein neighborhood which is buzzing with shopping, restaurants, local theaters, numerous parks and public transit. I also felt safe walking everywhere around my hotel, and as a solo female traveler, that feeling is priceless.
Close to everything
On the morning that I left for the airport, my taxi ride was about 20 minutes. The Marriott is also a 10 minute walk from the Van Gogh museum the Rijksmuseum, the Canal tours, and the Vondelpark. The Anne Frank House and the Heineken experience are a 20 minute walk.
Staying in a hotel where you can walk most places will allow you to see the unique details that make a city special, and help you make the most of your time. You can also bike around Amsterdam, which is the most bike-friendly city I’ve ever seen! The Marriott concierges can assist you with renting a bike from A-Bike Rentals & Tours Vondelpark which is conveniently located right next to the hotel.
If you’re an architecture lover like me, walking or biking will also help you take in as much of the buildings along the canals as possible. They are not only charming, but UNESCO protected historical gems.
My Room, my sanctuary
The rooms at the Marriott are spacious and incredibly quiet. They also have closet and drawer space that was designed with the traveler in mind. There was a place for everything, including my 25 inch luggage and a duffel bag. It helped me stay so organized! There was also an area for my hanging items, shelving, and a wide drawer that fit my 4 packing cubes perfectly.
When I arrived at the Marriott , I was at the end of a month of traveling around Europe, which was a marvelous break from teaching in Chicago. I had experienced so much wonder, but goodness was I tired! I was starting to miss my bed in Chicago-especially my own pillow.
The Bed of my Dreams
Well let’s just say that my stay at the Marriott quickly took care of those needs! The space was such a calming presence from the moment I walked in the door. It was truly my sanctuary. From the fresh and delicately sweet scent in the entryway to the soft green-blue and light gray details. This space was a serene environment that helped me unwind and recharge my batteries for another day of enjoying Amsterdam.
My bed was also a dream! It’s like it was hugging me as I slept. And the pillows! The perfect firmness for my weary head. The sheets were pristine and so luxurious-and as a hot sleeper, I stayed cool all night long. And for the final touch, as my head hit the pillow, a lovely and subtle scent lulled me to sleep.
The bathroom
You can learn so much about a hotel by their bathrooms, and I’m giving the Marriott 5 glorious stars. With exceptional counter space, a large mirror, great lighting and a shelf below the sink plus another above the toilet, I started wishing I could stay just a few days longer.
Coffee with a view
I am a big fan of having my morning coffee with a view, so I was delighted to have a balcony off of my room. There was also a coffee machine that brewed a solid cup of coffee. Along the main wall I had a comfortable chair, a large flat screen tv, and cozy accents of Amsterdam. And to the right there was a was a tall soft-gray cabinet. I opened it to find a refrigerator, a safe, and everything I needed to satisfy my beverage needs from morning to night.
Midtown Grill Amsterdam
On Sunday evening, I had a very special date at Midtown Grill Amsterdam- the steak restaurant at the Marriott that was just named one of the World’s Best of 2023. And this was not just any date! I would finally meet Lisa – someone we all know as The Dutch Blogger on the Move, and the founder of this website. The internet had brought us together back in January 2020, and for over 3 years we have communicated via technology. And on that night in July 2023 we would finally raise a glass in Amsterdam.
And The Midtown Grill Amsterdam was the perfect place for this long awaited meeting. The ambiance exuded strong elegance-with jewel tones of fire, globe lights, and Asian inspirations singing their welcome through the walls. I felt the warmth the moment I walked in the door, and so began the kind of night where the food and wine were just as delightful as the conversation.
The First Course
We began with the bread-served with butter, olive oil and sea salt, a lovely touch, and a glass of Sauvignon Blanc. And with the clink of our glasses so began not just a dinner, but an event that felt so sophisticated, yet so relaxed all at the same time.
For our first course-we ordered the scallops. They were laid in a bed of cauliflower cream that was balanced perfectly by the salty sprinkle of caviar. Next, we shared stories of our summer travels as we enjoyed the steak tartare. It was drizzled with an egg yolk and served with a savory crisp- all highlighting the perfect texture and flavor of the meat.
All about the Meat
And speaking of the meat- this is where Midtown truly shines. A display cart of all the cuts of steak that they serve sat in front of our table. Our waitress Claudia gave an explanation of each cut and answered our questions while also sharing her favorites. From the grass fed Dutch cuts to the corn fed cuts from the USA- the visual learner in me was thrilled by this presentation and the 9 options laid out in front of us.
We opted to share the dry aged ribeye from the USA, and the filet from the Netherlands. I cannot recommend sharing 2 different cuts enough! Food and wine can be such an adventure, and it’s not every day you have the chance to do a rather fascinating steak tasting.
The Main Event
With the help of Claudia, Lisa chose a beautiful Sangiovese to compliment our steak. Then, as the main event came out I must admit that the display was even more exciting than the meat cart! The steaks were cut for us, and set up on a grill pedestal with candles beneath to keep it warm. Four different sauces adorned the corners while a roasted head of garlic was served on our plates. We also ordered seasonal vegetables, and fries, which will always be the perfect accompaniment in my eyes. This meal was a conversational feast, and brought me just as much joy as spending time with Lisa.
We ended our meal with a beautiful trio of sorbet, and said our goodbyes. As a solo traveler, I would’ve enjoyed the ambiance of this space and meal all by myself! But in the company of Lisa- the food, wine, and ambiance of Midtown Grill inspired the kind of conversation that nourished my heart and soul. Our evening made me so grateful for special and unexpected connections…and so excited for more meetings to come.
An Impressive Breakfast
The Midtown Grill was also home to the breakfast buffet- which was sprawling and quite impressive. The moment I walked in the door, I was wished good morning by a staff that made me feel so at home and looked after. The decor of the room shifted beautifully from night to day- also giving me a bright and welcoming wake-up.
Fresh fruits, cereal, croissants and baked goods, made to order omelettes, and a bloody mary station had me pondering how much I could handle for breakfast as the staff got me situated and took my coffee order. I opted for creamy scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, grilled tomatoes, and fresh fruit. The little details of the breakfast were appreciated and felt like little luxuries, but it was the staff of Imola, Angela, and Hang that made my mornings lovely and effortless.
The Amenities of the Marriott Amsterdam: Serene luxury in the perfect location
The Marriott has all of the essentials under one roof. You will find a 24/7 fitness area, a hair dresser, dry cleaning, and a Mini-Market for snacks. Plus a gift shop with souvenirs from Amsterdam, event spaces, couches in the lobby, Sorel’s Bar & Lounge, and Midtown Grill. The amenities at The Marriott will allow you to focus on your needs instead of how you are going to find something.
The M Club Lounge
Another lovely little luxury located in the Marriott Amsterdam is the M Club Lounge. Platinum Elite Marriott Bonvoy Members are given 24/7 access to this exclusive space. Cozy and spacious, the Lounge is there for members to have breakfast, relax, get some work done, or enjoy a happy hour with drinks and hors d’oeuvres in the evening.
Curious about how you can gain access to the M Club Lounge and earn benefits while staying at a hotel in the expansive Marriott family? Learn more about the Marriott Bonvoy rewards program here.
My friend Charlotte and I decided to take the happy hour for a spin. When I walked into the M Club Lounge, it was quite busy. It was happy hour after all, and a fantastic one at that! So we did a gaze around the room for a moment or two before we were approached by Emily- one of Marriott’s Managers. She was very sweet and made it her mission to find us a space to relax and enjoy.
The Happiest of Hours
The solution was to pour a couple glasses of Sauvignon Blanc, grab an assortment of olives and cheeses from the M Club Lounge, and make our way out to Sorel’s Bar & Lounge. Located just outside of the M Club Lounge, the decor of Sorel’s was modern and cozy. It had plenty of space for us to kick back and catch up!
Emily set us up at a table, made sure we were comfortable, and checked in on us frequently. Emily was incredibly kind and accommodating! Just another example of the staff going out of their way to make sure my stay was extra special.
» Curious about what to do in Amsterdam? Here are 5 things you can do for free
Tip for Dining Solo
When I travel solo in other countries, I bring a journal, a book, or even my laptop! I even do the same in my own city of Chicago. These items are a conversation starter and will make you more approachable, while being on your phone may have the opposite effect. Want to read more about my tips for solo travel and meeting new people? Read all 16x tips here.
A late night snack
The M Club Lounge continued to impress me, as later that evening when I came home, I needed a little snack. In the M Club Lounge I found peanuts, chewy candy, and an orange fizzy drink. Perfection! As someone who enjoys a late night snack, it was such a treat to know that I didn’t have to go looking for something when it was late.
Final Thoughts on The Marriott Amsterdam: Serene luxury in the perfect location
When I travel, I look for a hotel that is in a great area while also giving me all the comforts of home. The Marriott Amsterdam not only made me feel at home, but they elevated each comfort, and made every last detail feel quietly luxurious and ever so special. And perhaps most importantly, they led with exceptional service that left me quite impressed. Many thanks to the wonderful people at the Marriott who went out of their way to make my holiday in Amsterdam absolutely delightful! The Marriott Amsterdam truly was serene luxury in the perfect location, and I cannot wait to go back.
READ MORE OF JULIE AND HER ADVENTURES
This article is written by our guest writer, Julie Anne! A passionate explorer and storyteller, she brings us along on her adventures, diving into the food, wine culture, fashion, and history of each city she visits. Whether globetrotting or exploring her hometown, Julie captures the essence of each location, sharing the story of every place and person she encounters. Get a taste of Julie’s captivating narratives in her articles (here). We’re certain you’ll enjoy her immersive storytelling as much as we do.
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