Soho House Amsterdam

A recent addition to its growing worldwide portfolio, Soho House Amsterdam is a charming Art Deco private members’ club located in The Bungehuis on the Spuistraat in downtown Amsterdam. Being its first Dutch outpost, the private members’ club has successfully managed to maintain the club’s ethos of creating a comfortable home from home for members and visitors – offering a premium standard of luxury and impeccable service, while also embracing the uniquely laid back character of the capital.

The six-storey Soho House Amsterdam boasts a glorious facade of limestone and granite slabs balanced with eye-catching bronze-framed bay windows. The entrance of the former 1930s trading office turned university is equally awe-inspiring with the blend of stained glass windows, granite steps and ceramic bannisters, giving the appearance of a gothic church. A central reception area is manned by glamorous and highly attentive staff, eager to deal with any request with a beaming smile.

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The hotel has 79 bedrooms of varying sizes, ranging from Tiny to XL Monumental, all influenced by Dutch design and culture. The rooms have parquet floors, vintage-style furniture, a huge bed, with throws and fabrics inspired by The Bungehuis and huge bay windows looking out on the Singel canal. The selection of contemporary Dutch art which adorn the walls and present a modern take on the country’s 15th and 16th century cultural heritage, were curated by the head of collections for Soho House, Kate Bryan.

Sumptuous rooms offer lots of homely elements, including a Marshall sound system, phone charges and hot water bottles. An exquisite, vintage-style fully stocked mini bar contains crystal glassware, treats and an array of citrus fruit. The marble bathrooms include giant power showers and a diverse range of products by Soho House Beauty brand Cowshed, ranging from massage oil to a selection of shower gels. There are also plush, grey dressing gowns and handy items such as condoms, toothbrushes and ear plugs.

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Breakfast is held in the bright and spacious House Kitchen, where you can feast on almond croissants, home-made cookies and scrambled eggs while taking in the epic views of the capital. The House Kitchen also serves lunch and dinner, providing an array of European dishes using Dutch local ingredients. A firm favourite amongst regulars is Taco Tuesday when guests enjoy quesadilla, tostadan and prawn tacos washed down by frozen Margaritas. Close-by is The Club where you can peruse a vast cocktail menu including Soho Mule (42 below, ginger, lime and soda) or Mexican Nomad (Ocho reposado, cold brew coffee, wild red berry tea, lime and salt). The Allis Bar on the ground floor serves light meals and cocktails or for a more substantial feast there is Cecconi’s which provides home-made pasta, including the divine crab ravioli with saffron, cherry tomato and basil, as well as salads and seafood. The imposing restaurant has a retractable glass ceiling adorned with greenery which looks out on the central courtyard.

Soho House Amsterdam also boasts an impressive 6th floor rooftop, which offers a spectacular 360 degree view of Amsterdam. Charming staff clad in Orlebar Brown blue shorts and white polo tops are on hand to cater for guests relaxing on day beds, deck chairs and swimming in the slim pool. The monochrome floored gym offers a range of activities ranging from high intensity workouts to relaxing yoga, while nearby is a private cinema with luxurious velvet armchairs and a bar. Downstairs there’s a palatial Cowshed spa with an extensive menu including Cryotherapy, which reduces inflammation and eliminates toxins.

Only the spacious ground floor is open to the general public and as with other Soho House clubs, phoning and taking photographs in communal areas is strictly forbidden. Soho House Amsterdam is ten minutes from Centraal Station, close to the De Negen Straatjes shopping quarter and just a few minutes walk from the city’s main museums.

Text by Lisa Byrne