De L’Europe Hotel in Amsterdam

SDAmsterdamHotels › De L’Europe Review
Updated: May 29, 2022

Essentials
• Location: Nieuwe Doelenstraat, at the junction of Amstel and Rokin canals.
• Hotel website: deleurope.com
• Hotel phone: +31-(0)20-531-1777
Check prices for De L’Europe

Review of De L'Europe Hotel in Amsterdam.

The historical De L’Europe features opulent rooms and bathrooms, an excellent spa, and a Michelin-starred restaurant in a central canal-side location.

De L’Europe – Luxurious and centrally located, with great river views.

One of Amsterdam’s grand dames, De L’Europe sits on its own little peninsula overlooking the Amstel River. A historic nineteenth-century hotel with a contemporary makeover, it combines luxurious fabrics, crystal chandeliers, and Dutch Masters reproductions with mod cons such as in-room iPads and Nespresso machines. Just a few minutes’ walk from Dam Square, the Royal Palace, and the historic canal ring. The Michelin-starred in-house restaurant, Bord’eau, is one of the city’s best, with bold flavors, innovative textures, and an amazing wine cellar. In warmer months, there are superb river views from the outdoor brasserie terrace. Exceptional, personalized service is the icing on the cake.

See Also

De L’Europe – Location

  • Area: Prime location at the southern boundary of the Medieval Center, at the confluence of 2 canals; an 8-minute stroll (700m) from the Dam Square and the Royal Palace; a 5-minute walk (400m) from Spui Square and the historic canal ring; numerous restaurants and bars nearby; walkable (or short tram ride) to the Museum Quarter and Centraal Station.
  • Address: Nieuwe Doelenstraat 2-14.
  • Nearest Transport: Bus & Tram – Muntplein (150m), Metro – Rokin (200m).
  • How to Get There: Take the train from Schiphol Airport to Centraal Station, then tram (4, 9, 16, 24, 25) to Muntplein stop, across from the hotel (150m).
  • Private Transfer: We use and recommend Welcome Pickups car service. Booking through a private car service will cost only a bit more than a taxi – about €50 from Schiphol Airport – but can be worth it to avoid the long taxi queue and for the convenience of paying ahead.
  • Handy to: Allard Pierson Museum, the Royal Palace, Amsterdam Museum.

De L’Europe – The Basics

  • Ages: Guests tend to be couples on a romantic getaway or honeymoon, or business travelers. All ages are welcome.
  • View: Premium Deluxe rooms, the Prestige Suite, and the Penthouse Suite have views of the Amstel River.
  • Private Pools/Jacuzzis: No private pools/jacuzzis.
  • Laundry: In-room laundry.
  • Parking: Secure parking nearby for €65 per day.
  • Extras: Butler service, personal shopper service, bikes for hire, valet parking, turn down service.
  • When to Book: Reserve 3 to 4 months in advance for the mid-March to mid-May tulip season, the July and August high season, and the Christmas-New Year period.
  • How to Book: Booking.com will have the best rates.
  • Phone: +31-(0)20-531-1777
  • Email: hotel@deleurope.com
  • Website: deleurope.com

De L’Europe – Amenities

  • Pool: Heated indoor pool with jacuzzi, jet stream, and river views.
  • Spa: Bespoke beauty treatments on offer at the Spa by Skins Institute. Finnish sauna, Turkish steam bath, and infra-red sauna attached.
  • Fitness Center: Small, but with TechnoGym equipment, and personal trainers available on request.
  • For Disabled Guests: Several rooms adapted to guests with disabilities.
  • For Families: Under-12s stay for free, cribs are available on request, a kiddie welcome pack on arrival, and kids’ menus in the restaurant available at extra charge.
  • Activities: Private canal tours from hotel’s own jetty.
  • Other Facilities: Limo service, butler service, personal shopping.

De L’Europe – Food and Drink

  • Restaurant: Michelin-level Flore serves lunch (Friday-Saturday) and dinner (Wednesday-Saturday). Intense, contrasting flavors, emphasis on local ingredients, and unique textures. Elegant decor; dress code. One for special occasions; reservations essential. $$$-$$$$ • Marie is located on the hotel’s ground floor, and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Modern European and international dishes. Stylish and contemporary decor. No kids’ menu. $$-$$$ • Trattoria Graziella – Authentic Italian fare in an elegant space. Lunch and dinner (Wednesday-Saturday). $$-$$$.
  • Lounge/Bar: Freddy’s Bar has a classic gentleman’s club vibe, and is renowned for its killer Bloody Marys. Luxurious cigar lounge, Freddy’s Fumoir, is attached. Popular with locals as well as travelers, and can get crowded on weekend nights. Open daily until 1 am.
  • Breakfast: Not complimentary. Buffet with eggs cooked to order costs €42 per person. Served 7-10.30am at Marie.
  • Room Service: Available from both Freddy’s Bar and Marie.

De L’Europe – Rooms

  • Room Types: Deluxe • Premium Deluxe • Junior Suite • Deluxe One Bedroom Suite • Prestige One Bedroom Suite • Circle Suite • Penthouse Suite • List of all Rooms
  • Smoking Rooms: Rooms at De L’Europe Amsterdam are 100% smoke-free, but there’s a designated smoking area.
  • Best Room: The 6-bedroom Penthouse Suite has a private riverside terrace overlooking the Amstel, subtle motion-detecting floor lighting, and a Bose Sound Bar.
  • For Families: The Penthouse Suite can accommodate up to 12 people.

De L’Europe – Local Transport

  • Walking: Easy walking distance to Anne Frank House, Museum Quarter, attractions in the Medieval Center and the Red Light District, Nine Streets shopping neighborhood. Numerous restaurants, bars, and shops within a few minutes’ walk.
  • Tram: Direct tram connections from the Muntplein stop to Centraal Station, De Pijp district, Rembrandtplein, and Waterlooplein. Nearest tram stop for the Museum Quarter is Koningsplein, a 5-minute walk (400m) away.
  • Taxis, Uber: Taxis and Uber charge around €35 from the airport to the hotel. Within the city, Uber rides cost around half of taxi fares. It’s often quicker to walk, cycle, or jump on a tram.

De L’Europe – What’s Nearby?

Best Nearby Restaurants

  • Upstairs Pannenkoekenhuis – Traditional Dutch pancakes in tiny 16th century house, sampled by Anthony Bourdain in The Layover. Reserve ahead, as there are only 4 tables. (250m).
  • Bhatti Pasal – Large portions of Nepalese dishes in a very central location. Excellent momos. (300m).
  • Frenzi – Imaginative Mediterranean tapas, live jazz on Saturday afternoons, and over 100 types of grappa. (400m).
  • The Seafood Bar – Buzzy spot for champagne, oysters, and seafood platters. Walk-ins welcome. (400m).
  • Van Kerkwijk – Intimate, subtly-lit little place with a daily changing menu of French classics, Moroccan tajines, curries, and other internationally-inspired dishes. (500m).
  • Klein Breda – Experimental fine dining with an ever-changing menu and wallet-friendly multi-course lunch. Reservations recommended. (500m).

Best Nearby Bars and Breweries

  • Door 74 – Dark-timbered, speakeasy-style bar behind an unmarked door (send a text message to gain entry), responsible for some of Amsterdam’s best cocktails. (250m).
  • Bierfabriek Amsterdam – Hip, brasserie-style microbrewery with private tap tables, 4 own brews on tap, and an accompaniment of rustic dishes. (400m).
  • Café de Dokter – Amsterdam’s smallest pub, run by the descendants of the doctor who founded it in 1798. Expect candlelight, chandeliers, and atmospheric bric-a-brac, plus good whiskies and beer. (400m).
  • Bubbles & Wines – This sleek wine bar attracts a lively, stylish clientele with its 50+ wines and champagnes by the glass, and superb bar snacks. (500m).
  • Rosalia’s Menagerie – Intimate little cocktail bar that’s part of the Misc EatDrinkSleep hotel. Ideal place to sample your first jenever, or sip a cocktail with your sweetie. (600m).
  • De Bekeerde Suster – 16th-century cloister turned brewery with 4 own brews flowing from copper tanks, seasonal and guest beers, and numerous bottled brews. (600m).

Nearby Shopping and Cool Shops

  • Droog – Cool homeware and design, unique gifts, plus a gallery space and café attached. (250m).
  • 3D Hologrammen – Holographic art, jewelry, and homeware. (250m).
  • Hans Appenzeller – Local jewelry designer; original designs in gold and stone. (250m).
  • Puccini Bomboni – Handmade chocolates, from truffles to bars. (300m).
  • PGC Hajenius – Art deco tobacco emporium with private humidors and sumptuous smoking lounge. (300m).
  • BIEC – Ceramics, funky gadgets, bags, shawls, shoes, sketch books, and other cool gifts. (300m).
  • Athenaeum – One of Amsterdam’s largest independent bookshops, with numerous travel guidebooks, and books on fashion and design. (500m).
  • American Book Center – Largest English-language bookshop in Amsterdam. (500m).
  • Anna & Nina – Eclectic earrings, accessories, clothing, and interior design that reflects the nomad-like travels of the store’s owners. (500m).
  • Amsterdam Duck Store – Nothing but rubber ducks here, from classic yellow to Batman, S&M, and Game of Thrones ducks. (1 km)

Nearby Market or Grocery

  • Waterlooplein Flea Market – Vast flea market (Monday to Saturday) selling designer knockoffs, antiques, jewelry, and more. Street food stalls also. (1 km).

De L’Europe – The Hotel

Hoofdstad Brasserie's terrace is extremely popular during warmer months.

During the warmer months, diners from the Marie Brasserie at De L’Europe can use the riverside terrace.

The hotel gym is small, but well-equipped.

The small but well-equipped gym is open from 7am to 10pm.

The Spa by Skins Institute offers a Turkish steam bath and infra-red sauna.

The Spa by Skins Institute offers bespoke beauty treatments, and comes with a Turkish steam bath and infra-red sauna.

The pool offers views of the Amstel river.

The pool (open 7am to 10pm) looks out onto the Amstel River.

Hoffdstad Brasserie serves good breakfast and modern European fare.

Hoffdstad Brasserie is open for breakfast; the rest of the day it specializes in modern European dishes.

Promenade is popular for afternoon tea, cocktails, and wine.

Promenade is a refined setting for afternoon tea, cocktails, or a glass of wine (7am to 11pm).

Freddy’s Bar is well-known for its Bloody Marys.

Open until 1am, Freddy’s Bar has a classic gentlemen’s club ambience, and is locally known for its killer Bloody Marys.

Onsite restaurant Bord'Eau is Michelin-starred, and known for its experimental cuisine.

Michelin-starred Bord’Eau is open for lunch (Tuesday to Friday) and dinner (Tuesday to Saturday), and serves imaginative, experimental cuisine. Reservations essential.

Luxurious Freddy’s Fumoir is attached to the bar.

Freddy’s Fumoir is a luxurious cigar lounge attached to Freddy’s Bar.

Deluxe Rooms also feature iPads, Coco-Mat beds, and Nespresso machines.

Deluxe rooms come with standard amenities, such as Coco-Mat beds and Nespresso machines.

Premium Deluxe rooms feature tubs in the bathrooms.

Premium Deluxe rooms are roomier than the Deluxe, and come with deep soaking tubs in the bathrooms.

Junior Suites feature river views and Dutch Masters.

Some of the Junior suites look out over the river, and come with select Dutch Masters.

The Deluxe One-Bedroom suites feature balconies with views of the Amstel.

The Deluxe One-Bedroom suites have a spacious living area, and some come with balconies overlooking the Amstel.

The Circle Suite is inspired by Van Gogh's Starry Night.

The Circle Suite comes with a color scheme reflecting Van Gogh’s Starry Night, and a signature round bed.

The Stopera hosts opera and ballet performances by renowned companies and orchestras.

Narrow Nieuwe Doelenstraat and then largely pedestrian Staalstraat head east from the hotel to the Stopera: Amsterdam’s opera and ballet venue that hosts performances by renowned ballet companies and orchestras from around the world.

The Waterlooplein flea market sells all sorts of things 6 days a week.

Just north of Stopera, the Waterlooplein hosts a busy flea market (Monday to Saturday), selling everything from clothes to bric-a-brac. There are some food stalls as well.

Rembrandt House plays homage to the famous painter.

Behind the market is the Rembrandt House, where the painter lived for much of his working life before going bankrupt. His rooms have been recreated as they once were, and you can see his original sketches. The audio guide is worthwhile.

The Jewish Historical Museum is spread across 4 beautiful synagogues.

Two blocks east, and down a narrow lane, is the superb Jewish Historical Museum with exhibits about the Jewish community in the Netherlands from 1600 to the present day, spread across 4 beautiful synagogues. The ticket gives you access to the Portuguese Israelite synagogue across the busy main thoroughfare.

One passes several canals on the way to the Stopera.

To reach the Stopera from the hotel, you cross several small and picturesque canals.

BIEC is a good place to pick up funk gifts and knick-knacks.

Staalstraat is dotted with a few good shops and eateries. These include BIEC, where you can pick up funky household gadgets, ceramics, women’s accessories, and other cool gifts.

The Amsterdam Duck Store sells novelty rubber ducks.

Nearby, the neighbourhood branch of the Amsterdam Duck Store sells novelty rubber ducks in every disguise imaginable: as Batman, Harry Potter, Game of Thrones characters and more.

Droog offers unusual gifts, gallery, and cafe.

Across the street, Droog is another great place for unusual gifts such as cool homeware. There’s also a gallery and café attached.

The handmade chocolates of Puccini Bomboni are renowned city-wide.

A few doors down, the local branch of Puccini Bomboni sells some of the best handmade chocolates in the city.

Frenzi is known for its Mediterranean tapas, grappa, and live music.

Just west of the bridge over Zwanenburgwal canal, bustling Frenzi is popular with its imaginative Mediterranean tapas, dozens of types of grappa, and occasional live music.

Nieuwmarkt square hosts farmers' and antique markets on weekends.

If instead of taking Staalstraat, you continue walking along the Kloveniersburgwal canal, a few blocks north you reach Nieuwmarkt square, on the edge of the Red Light District and surrounded by bars. On Saturdays, the square hosts a farmers’ market; on Sundays, an antique market.

Anna + Nina sells women's apparel and accessories by local designers.

On the way, you pass Anna + Nina, an outlet featuring women’s apparel and accessories by local designers.

De Bekeerde Suster sells 4 of its own brews on tap, plus lots of bottled ones.

De Bekeerde Suster, near the square, is a particularly atmospheric place for a beer. A 16th century cloister turned brewery, it has 4 of its own brews on tap, plus many bottled ones.

Rosalia’s Menagerie is a fun place to sample jenevers and jenever-based cocktails.

Inside the Misc EatDrinkSleep boutique hotel, the intimate little Rosalia’s Menagerie cocktail bar opens to non-guests in the evening. It’s an excellent place to sample jenevers and jenever-based cocktails.

Pathe Tuschinkitheater is a famous art deco cinema.

From the hotel, a bridge crosses over the Amstel to Muntplein, a busy tram intersection. Branching off from the southeast corner is Reguliersbreestraat, a busy tramway that runs east to Rembrandtplein. It’s lined with cafes, and is home to Amsterdam’s famous art deco cinema, Pathe Tuschinkitheater.

Rembrandtplein square is full of bars and clubs.

Rembrandtplein square is one of Amsterdam’s most popular nightlife hubs, surrounded by bars and clubs.

Museum of Bags and Purses has the biggest collection of bags and purses from around the world.

A block south of Rembrandtplein, on the banks of Herengracht canal, the Museum of Bags and Purses showcases the largest collection of handbags and purses in the Western world, from 16th century pouches to the latest Gucci. Not to be missed!

Museum Willet-Holthuysen is located in a beautiful 18th century residence.

A block east, Museum Willet-Holthuysen is a sumptuous 18th century residence with a gorgeous garden, and rooms filled with period furniture.

Guts & Glory is a pocket-friendly fine-dine restaurant with a fequently changing menu.

While many of the restaurants surrounding Rembrandtplein are overpriced and mediocre, notable exceptions include Guts & Glory: wallet-friendly fine dining with a frequently changing, experimental menu. Good-value lunches.

Door 74 requires a code via text message to enter.

A block west of the southwest corner of Rembrandtplein, along Reguliersdwarsstraat, an unmarked door hides Door 74, a speakeasy-style bar with amazing cocktails. Get the code via text message in advance to gain entry.

Roses by Sal serves excellent tacos, empanadas, ceviche, and pisco sours.

Further west, the street is pedestrianized, and lined with mostly gay bars and a few restaurants that mostly cater to night owls. Roses by Sal – a Latin American street food joint – is excellent. Come here for Amsterdam’s best tacos, empanadas, ceviche, and killer pisco sours.

Bhatti Pasal is known for its Nepalese dishes, especially momos.

The narrow medieval lanes north of Muntplein are a good place to look for an inexpensive meal right in the heart of central Amsterdam. Bhatti Pasal, on Voetboogstraat, serves large portions of Nepalese dishes, including particularly good momos (dumplings).

The Seafood Bar is renowned for its seafood platters and oysters.

Just up the lane, on the corner of Spui square, the local branch of the Seafood Bar is great for seafood platters, champagne, and oysters, and has excellent outdoor seating overlooking the square.

Art Plein Spui is held every Sunday at Spui square.

Spui square is one of the most popular gathering spots in the Medieval Center. On Sundays, it hosts the Art Plein Spui, an outdoor book and art market.

American Book Center is Amsterdam's largest English-language bookshop.

Adding to the Spui’s literary reputation, the square is home to 2 excellent bookstores. American Book Center is the largest English-language bookshop in town, featuring pretty much any genre.

Athenaeum is an independent book store with an excellent selection of books.

Nearby, Athenaeum is a large, independent bookstore with an excellent selection of travel guidebooks, and books on fashion and design.

Café de Dokter is one of Amsterdam's oldest pubs.

The tiny medieval lanes just north of Spui hide numerous atmospheric bars. Café de Dokter is a tiny 18th century pub – Amsterdam’s smallest – decked out with eclectic antiques, and good for a beer or whisky (if you can squeeze in).

The Amsterdam Museum showcases 1,000 years of the city's history.

Off Kalverstraat lane, the Amsterdam Museum is an entertaining romp through 1,000 years of city history, complete with hands-on exhibits, and dressing up opportunities for kids.

Rokin canal is usually busy with cruise boats through the day.

Just east of Spui, the wide Rokin canal is busy with canal cruise boats during the day.

Allard Pierson Museum showcases an excellent archaeological collection.

Just north of the hotel, the Allard Pierson Museum houses a superb archaeological collection, from ancient Greek ceramics and an Egyptian mummy to early Mesopotamian artifacts.

Upstairs Pannenkoekenhuis is the best place in the city to sample traditional Dutch pancakes.

Just north of the museum and facing the narrow Grimburgwal canal, the Upstairs Pannenkoekenhuis is arguably the best place in town to try traditional Dutch pancakes (Anthony Bourdain thought so). It’s inside a tiny 16th century house, so reserve ahead.

Hans Appenzeller sells original gold jewelry.

Directly opposite, you can browse original gold jewelry designs at Hans Appenzeller. Or check out 3D holographic art and jewelry next door.

Bier Fabriek is a good microbrewery serving rustic dishes with its brews.

From here, narrow Nes street, dotted with alternative theaters, runs back to Dam square, passing the hotel en route. There’s a good microbrewery here, too: Bier Fabriek has private tap tables, and rustic dishes to accompany its brews.

Ven Kerkwijk serves Moroccan tagines and French dishes.

Nearer Dam, just north of the hotel, is Van Kerkwijk with its daily changing menu of Moroccan tagines, French dishes, and more.

Bubbles & Wine is a classy place for wine, champagne, and bar snacks.

Nearby, Bubbles & Wine surpasses most Amsterdam bars when it comes to sheer class: it’s a stylish place with dozens of wines and champagnes by the glass, and superb bar snacks to match.

PGC Hajenius offers great cigars and private humidors.

Rokin, the Medieval Center’s main thoroughfare, runs parallel to Nes. Near Spui square, PGC Hajenius is a tobacco emporium that’s worth a peek for its art deco interior. Buy your cigars here, and try them in a private humidor.

Nationaal Monument is located in Dam square.

At the north end of Rokin (and Nes), Dam square is Central Amsterdam’s busiest square, filled with visitors and buskers, and home to the Nationaal Monument, dedicated to WWII’s fallen.

The Royal Palace is a very popular tourist destination.

The big attraction here is the Royal Palace, the official residence of the King of the Netherlands. When the king’s away, you can check out the sumptuous rooms.

Nieuwe Kerk is famous for its beautiful oak chancel and temporary exhibitions.

Just north of the Royal Palace, the 15th century Nieuwe Kerk is well worth a look for its beautiful oak chancel, and excellent temporary art and photography exhibitions. Check rates and availability: De L’Europe.

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