Amsterdam, Designed: A Stay at Hotel De L’Europe and Beyond

Where the Journey Continued

After time in Paris, we continued our European journey in a city that marries centuries-old charm with unmistakable edge: Amsterdam. It’s a place that rewards wandering, whether by bike, by foot, or — as we opted — by private boat.

Aboard a private boat, gliding beneath bridges and past historic buildings with a glass in hand.

This visit was anchored at the storied Hotel De L’Europe, one of the city’s finest addresses and a property that blends heritage with a sense of modern imagination. Our stay offered a glimpse into both Amsterdam’s gilded past and its ever-evolving creative present, an ideal lens for experiencing the city in full.

Where We Stayed: Hotel De L’Europe

Perfectly positioned along the Amstel River, Hotel De L’Europe makes an impression before you even walk through the doors. The building itself is a landmark, its grand facade mirrored in the canal waters below.

The chandelier-lit lounge at Hotel De L’Europe, where timeless elegance and Dutch heritage intersect.

Inside, the hotel reveals two distinct identities. The historical wing carries the elegance of old-world Amsterdam, while the ’t Huys wing — a bold, design-forward concept — offers something entirely different. Each suite in the ’t Huys collection is imagined and outfitted by local creatives, from fashion labels to design houses to cultural institutions. But it’s not just the decor that’s curated, each suite unlocks bespoke experiences that bring the creator’s world to life. It’s a concept that goes well beyond aesthetic and into the immersive.

Part of the 't Huys wing at De L’Europe, where each suite connects guests to a different local creative partner.

We split our time between admiring the property’s rich architectural details and savoring its thoroughly modern side, a duality that echoes the character of Amsterdam itself.

What We Did: Private Tours, Canal Cruising, and Culture After Dark

Few things feel more quintessentially Amsterdam than a private canal cruise at golden hour. Ours included drinks and conversation as the boat slipped past the city’s narrow canal homes and under its low bridges, offering a perspective that walking simply can’t provide.

Classic Amsterdam canal view from the water —layered with charming facades and steady flow.

By day, we took a private guided tour that traced a thoughtful arc through the city’s history, neighborhoods, and cultural pockets. It was personalized, conversational, and all the more memorable for it. These kinds of deep dives add incredible value to any urban itinerary, and can often be arranged with short notice for SMS Travel Studio clients.

An architectural gem in the heart of the city, tucked into one of the many courtyards uncovered during a private walking tour.

Later, we explored the city’s nightlife, an energetic, unpolished contrast to the city’s historic backdrop. It’s where the spirit of Amsterdam loosens up and reveals its edge.

A cozy crowd and live jazz at one of Amsterdam’s many intimate nightlife spots.

Where We Ate and Drank

A trip highlight was dinner at Restaurant Flore, the hotel’s Michelin-starred fine dining restaurant. Creative, intimate, and grounded in seasonal ingredients, the experience was as much a visual delight as it was culinary.

Behind the scenes at Restaurant Flore, where precision and creativity come together in a two Michelin-starred kitchen.

We also dined at Graphite, a hidden, speakeasy-style restaurant tucked behind a nondescript door. From the check-in process to the final course, it felt like entering another world — one defined by artful food, dramatic lighting, and precise, quiet service.

Graphite’s hidden entrance, where a speakeasy spirit and tasting menu await beyond a curtain of mystery.

To round out the experience, we made time for cocktails at Freddy’s Bar, a classic space that anchors the hotel’s social scene. Rich woods, live piano music, and a crowd of both locals and guests; it’s a spot that feels timeless without trying too hard.

Freddy’s Bar at Hotel De L’Europe, a beloved local institution offering cocktails with character and canal views.

Reflections

Amsterdam’s creative pulse is steady and unmistakable. It’s a place where old and new aren’t in conflict...they’re in conversation. Our stay at Hotel De L’Europe reflected that perfectly, and the mix of curated experiences made the city feel at once familiar and fresh.

If you’re looking to explore Amsterdam through a lens of design, craft, and thoughtful detail, we’d be glad to help shape that journey.