Going Dutch: The Pulitzer in Amsterdam is a new design destination

The Pulitzer Amsterdam hotel is a design lover‘s paradise, where rich historic roots merge with chic modern luxury

The 400-year-old buildings comprising the Pulitzer Amsterdam are rejuvenated with modern-day luxury elements.

The Pulitzer Amsterdam sits right in the heart of the chic Nine Streets neighbourhood, within easy reach of the Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk Museum, the Van Gogh Museum and The Anne Frank House. The quaint shops of Jordaan, the flower market and the Royal Palace are just a short stroll away. The 45-year-old hotel has undergone an extensive restoration project. Phase one, with 80 redesigned guestrooms and suites, is already up and running with the second phase, comprising 145 more rooms, slated to open 15 August.

The vision for the Pulitzer Amsterdam comes from creative director Jacu Strauss

The 400-year-old buildings are rejuvinated with modern-day luxury elements. From trade merchants to flamboyant Dutch aristocrats, past inhabitants of the canal houses have inspired rich character the buildings embody. Sophisticated, but with colourful touches and homely details (including a bike repair kit), the space is warm and welcoming. The revamp is the vision of creative director Jacu Strauss, formerly a senior designer at Tom Dixon’s Design Research Studio. His previous projects include Barbecoa for Jamie Oliver and Mondrian London inside Waterloo’s Sea Containers.

The Pulitzer Suite is one-of-a-kind, with a freestanding bath, among other luxuries.

There are four distinctive guestroom categories and three suite options, with a starting rate of £235 per night for a double room. The Pulitzer Suite is a showstopper with a freestanding bath, statement chandelier, Tom Dixon bell lamp and a sumptuous velvet Sé chair among other luxury interiors. Four Collector’s Suites with private entrances and stunning views of the canals are inspired by the elaborate characters who may have lived in the buildings; a compulsive art devotee, an eccentric book lover, a music composer and a grand antique collector. Take your pick.

Enjoy stunning views of Amsterdam's canals from the comfort of your own luxury suite.

Once you're in town

If you're looking for somewhere to dine, new restaurant Jansz is just as popular with locals as hotel guests. Executive chef Cassidy Hallman puts his twist on traditional dishes dishes including Dover sole meunière and Morano spiced salmon. The elegant interiors with a pink theme running throughout enhance the ambience. Be sure to pay Pulitzer’s Bar a visit for a post dinner cocktail. Dark and moody, the setting couldn’t be more romantic. The Pineapple Old Fashioned, served on a bed of haw, is the signature tipple.

Jansz is popular spot to dine for both locals and hotel guests alike.

Of course, a visit to Amsterdam isn’t complete without dinner at de Kas. Beautifully located in Frankendael Park, the concept is a celebration of nature. Herbs and vegetables are grown on site or on the farmland in the nearby Beemster area. Enthusiastic staff will happily show you around the kitchen and nurseries, bringing the farm to table concept to life. There is a buzzing atmosphere in the eight-metre high main greenhouse with a separate Garden Room for private gatherings. One fixed menu is offered on a daily basis. Always fresh and full of interesting flavour, the chefs work wonders with vegetables and local ingredients. Delicious food in a delectable setting.

Amsterdam is also rich with opportunities for sight-seeing. Cruise down the canals in Pulitzer’s very own boat The Tourist, which dates back to 1909. Winston Churchill toured the city in this vessel in 1946. The 75-minute trip departs daily at 5pm with an 11 am service available Friday to Sunday. It is worth splashing out £32 for the ride.

Winston Churchill toured the city in The Tourist vessel in 1946. You can do the same for £32.

For a fun local hangout, try the Generator. A hostel but not as you know it, the Generator is fast becoming a cool new hangout in East Amsterdam. Adjacent to the recently renovated Oosterpark, it is housed in a historical brick exterior which was built in 1908 as the University of Amsterdam’s science department. Inspired by the building’s history and park-side location, the lecture hall and science lab now double as bar and cafe areas. The Auditorium, open day and night as a laid-back lounge, features the original lecture-style seating and a professor’s desk repurposed as a central bar with gas taps and reclaimed laboratory beakers.

If you're looking to shop, mother and daughter duo Rita and Tiffany Smit recently opened Nuvo Niche, a gorgeous boutique just across the bridge from the Pulitzer. This cute concept store is a treasure trove for Scandi style fashion and interiors. As well as sourcing brands such as Free People, the pair also sell their in house clothing and decor label Resident by Nuvo Niche. The Jordaan sweatshirts are best sellers and the Girl with the Pearl Earring cushion covers are scattered around the Pulitzer. Pop in for a lovely chat with these stylish women and leave with something special.