Pilgrims and crusaders
The first inns did not yet offer meals. Staging posts were established for government transport and as resting places. They provided shelter and made it easier to change horses. Countless refuges sprang up for pilgrims and crusaders on their way to the Holy Land. Travelling was becoming increasingly dangerous at the time. At the same time, inns gradually appeared across most of Europe. Some of them have remained famous, such as l'Auberge des Trois Rois in Basel, which dates back to the Middle Ages.
The top 10
Hotel Sofitel The Grand in Amsterdam, with its remarkable Canal House Suites
10: Sofitel The Grand
The Grand is exactly what the name suggests: grand and imposing, centrally located by the Red Light District, but without being 'bothered' by it. This stately hotel, which has long belonged to the ultimate Amsterdam chic, has beautiful, spacious rooms. The Grand is also known for its exceptionally privacy-conscious staff, who keep an extra eye on the safety and discretion of their guests. The discerning guest will always find something to their liking in the universal styling of the 'palace.' And if you're looking for something truly special: the beautiful Canal House Suites, where you step into a genuine piece of authentic Amsterdam history, fall under the management and direction of the hotel. The suites are located in the former homes of famous Dutch admirals from the 17th century. They are designed to be both contemporary and classic. A perfect combination for a wonderful time together.
The InterContinental Amstel is just as easy to reach from the water
9: InterContinental Amstel
If you ask a world-famous star which Amsterdam hotel they'd like to stay in, ten to one it'll be the Amstel Hotel. Of all the hotels in the capital, this classic — opened in 1863 — has the most sophisticated allure. Alongside the Amstel's grandeur and class, the establishment is also home to one of the best restaurants in the Netherlands. La Rive could be called the theatre of refined taste, where the impeccable service (friendly but never overfamiliar) is matched only by what the kitchen brigade conjures onto the plates. The location and the photogenic setting, together with the view over the Amstel, make this hotel a must for a rendez-vous with a happy ending, especially in spring and summer.
8: Okura
The rooms and suites of the Okura chain's first European hotel are exactly what you'd expect from a five-star hotel with a Japanese touch: sleek, immaculately clean and wonderfully luxurious. But what truly sets the hotel apart is the choice and quality of its three spectacular restaurants, plus the sky lounge, which offers an incredible view over Amsterdam. In addition, thanks to its location and its own car park, the Okura is a logistical relief for those travelling by their own transport. Finally, and by no means unimportantly: because the hotel is so vast, the Okura has a slightly less personal touch, which can be pleasant for those who prefer to enjoy the company of their high class escort more discreetly. And to complete the discreet pleasure, the rooms are exceptionally well insulated.
All of Hotel 717's bath products are by Chopard
7: 717
Seven One Seven brings you as close as possible to the experience of living in a stately Amsterdam canal house. The rear of the building dates from the 17th century, while the elegant canal-side façade was added in 1810. To stay here together in one of the nine richly decorated suites is comparable to visiting the country house of an eccentric bachelor uncle, full of antiques and curiosities from all over the world. It's all very grand and a touch over the top, but in a charming way, with a cosy feel. There's no bar, reception or other familiar hotel fixtures. You simply order a high tea in the salon or a glass of cognac in the library. The staff are low-key and discreet, contributing to the personal, homely atmosphere of this place. All of which gives the hotel the feel of a private residence — and that can only heighten the excitement. Although there is no spa, an in-room massage service can be arranged. But that's a massage that has nothing to do with eroticism. Perhaps it's better, then, to massage each other. A nice detail: all the bath products are by the elegant house of Chopard.
The Luxury Suites have a modern yet warm appearance
6: Luxury Suites
These spacious suites on the Oudeschans are ideal for the client who prefers to stay a little more under the radar and therefore doesn't want to be bothered by — however well-meaning — overly attentive staff. Here they recognise very quickly when you'd rather enjoy your company in privacy, without being helped (read: disturbed) too much. The suites, ranging from 50 to 90 square metres, have a modern yet warm and tasteful appearance. And by no means unimportantly: the beds are made for playing on. The breakfast is exceptionally good, including an Eggs Benedict that, according to the English Daily Mail, are the best the publication's male connoisseur has ever eaten. Perhaps it's time this connoisseur met our high class escorts. Then he'd be lost for superlatives too. By the way: the location of the Luxury Suites is ideal, close to the shopping paradise of the Nine Streets, where you and your escort will always find something beautiful, especially when it comes to lingerie.
In real life, Park Mansion is even more beautiful and colourful than in the photos
5: Park Mansion Center
According to the reviews online, Park Mansion is one of the highest-scoring hotels in Amsterdam among guests, and that's no surprise, because being here is like being transported back in a time machine to long-bygone days. Located close to the idyllic Vondelpark, every detail of this unique pleasure-hotel has been thought through. Hotel photos on websites are often on the flattering side, but here the opposite is true. In real life, Park Mansion is even more beautiful and colourful than on the web pages. The apartments are spacious and bright, with a bedroom made for love and a well-equipped kitchen. Every aspect of the interior has been carefully selected: lighting, soft furnishings, flowers, candles, chandeliers, wood stoves, plenty of cushions — it just doesn't stop! The owner is informative and attentive, yet gives you plenty of privacy. On top of that, the location is perfect. The Concertgebouw and many shops, museums, boutiques and restaurants are all within a few minutes' walk. And if you'd like to stretch your legs together, a stroll in the Vondelpark is a must. After which you can once again enjoy the ambience — and each other — at Park Mansion.
4: The Crane Hotel
The Crane is a true hidden gem. Or well, hidden in plain sight, since it's located at the top of a former harbour crane on the NDSM wharf. This makes it the most unusual design hotel in Amsterdam, with a — from the rooms and the rooftop spa pool — utterly epic view over the city. The Crane attracts mostly celebrities, DJs and adventurous night owls with no fear of heights. After taking two rickety industrial lifts, you arrive at the just three luxury split-level suites, each with a unique design aesthetic, with steep stairs up to the mezzanine bedrooms and bathrooms with rain showers. Choose between the Mystique (a bordello-like atmosphere), Free Spirit (light and airy) and Secret (Arabian Nights theme) suites. A stone's throw from the artistic attractions and the up-and-coming restaurants and nightlife of Amsterdam North. Up in the crane, you'll quickly notice there's a super sexy atmosphere, a bit of a Studio 54 vibe. Ideal for a night of letting loose during your own private party with one (or two!) of our wilder high class escorts.
3: TwentySeven
Let's focus entirely on the suites of this, the most luxurious boutique hotel in Amsterdam. Beginning with soundproof windows and handmade doors, clean Himalayan air and high-speed internet for all your stimulating visual desires. Plus the latest technology to control, among other things, the ideal temperature, the entertainment (oh là là!) and the lighting. Then there are a few more 'small' details, such as artwork by the fashionable Cobra Art; exclusive, handmade natural-stone bathrooms; a steam shower and a two-person jacuzzi with adjustable, atmospheric lighting; a fully stocked minibar with a superior selection by our sommelier, filled with both red and white wines, champagnes and other delightful drinks; a top-quality coffee machine; silky-soft wallpaper by Pierre Frey of Paris; Ascension Lattore lounge sofas; bed linen of the highest quality, by Nobilis of Paris; handmade silk rugs by Braquenié and Fadini Borghi; luxurious, handmade oak floors with distinctive Versailles patterns; the latest Smart TVs, found in both the bedrooms and the living rooms; and a secret "artists'" entrance/exit for the true VIP. The only thing you have to do here is get moving.
The Breitner House consists of just two super-deluxe and enormous suites
2: Breitner House
This fairytale-like gingerbread house is set in a former artist's residence, and it radiates that from every angle. With the interior, the owner has truly created an ode to the history of the house. You feel as though you're staying in a museum. But nowhere does that feel oppressive — quite the opposite. What's more, it could hardly be more intimate, because the Breitner House consists of just two super-deluxe and enormous suites. When you enter the George Breitner suite on the first floor, for example, you get the feeling that no time has passed since it was built in 1882. The front offers a panoramic and unique view of the Oosterpark and the monumental Tropenmuseum. The suite, of around 80m² (785 ft²), features a personal desk overlooking the garden, a large divan, a fireplace, Italian chandeliers and a canopy bed with the finest linen. A beautiful mural of irises in gold and blue underscores the artistic past of the Breitner House. Together with your high class escort, you can enjoy the spacious private bathroom with a wonderful bath and a separate shower. That superlative standard continues in the more-than-royal breakfast, champagne included.
