InterContinental ANA Tokyo’s Chief Concierge, Shinobu Momoi, shows us the wonder that is her hometown.
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The lucky visitors to Amsterdam will find most of the city’s architectural sights in close proximity, which is good for a leisurely bike ride or stroll. You’ll discover an eclectic mix of styles, from Classicism to Deco.
Felix Meritis
Finished in 1787 under the supervision of architect Jacob Otten Husly, the Felix Meritis has been occupied for many different uses. The building was initially opened as a sort of gathering place for artists and their patrons, but its history has also been as the headquarters of the Communist Party of the Netherlands.
Its impressive facade shows the style of the early Neo-Classical phase: a reversion to the simple forms that had almost disappeared during the fanciful Baroque period.
The Amsterdam School
It would be wrong to talk about Amsterdam’s architecture and not mention The Amsterdam School. Acting as somewhat of a predecessor to the ideals of Germany’s Bauhaus, this style had a pretty socialist theme, with housing for the middle and working classes being the focal point.
You’ll recognize this style by the modernism of the forms themselves, the rounded edges of the buildings and some non-essential elements like sculptures and turrets.
De Gooyer Windmill
Ah, the Dutch windmills: functional and quite nice to look at. You have to see at least one. The De Gooyer Windmill was first built in 1725, but was pulled apart and put back together, piece by piece, in 1814. The best part is that its now used as cafe! Stop by for a bite and the view.
The Amstel Hotel
Finishing construction in 1867, architect Cornelius Outshoorn is credited as the architect for this beaming “palace on the river.” The river being the Amstel, and the hotel eventually becoming— you guessed it— our own InterContinental Amsterdam Amstel Hotel. The style Mr. Outshoorn used is one that was also used for the famous Louvre: French Renaissance.
