The Ambassade Hotel, located on the Herengracht and Singel canals in Amsterdam, exudes a rich history and culture. The hotel consists of sixteen canal houses, the oldest of which date back to the seventeenth century. Over the years, the Ambassade Hotel has expanded considerably. Starting with just one canal-side building in 1953, it now has 56 hotel rooms distributed among sixteen historic UNESCO-canal houses. Most of these canal-side homes are on the “Herengracht” canal, while some others are located on the “Singel” canal.
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Hotel History
The hotel consists of sixteen canal houses. These monumental buildings once served as the homes and offices of successful merchants, bankers, and other prominent figures of the time. The Ambassade Hotel opened its doors in 1953, initially with just one house. Over the years, the hotel gradually expanded by acquiring and connecting neighboring canal houses, resulting in the charming and unique layout it boasts today. Each house has retained its own historical features, such as wooden beams, original facades, and largely high ceilings, reflecting the rich history of the hotel.
Hotel Information
The 56 rooms and suites are elegantly and thoughtfully designed, with no two rooms being the same. The rooms blend historical details with modern comfort, and most offer a beautiful view of the atmospheric canals. The Ambassade’s central location on the Herengracht makes it an ideal place from which to explore the city. Many museums and sights can be reached on foot in just a few minutes. Likewise numerous cafés, restaurants, shopping streets and the famous Amsterdam flower market.
Art & Literature
An important aspect of the Ambassade Hotel is its strong connection to art and literature. Since the 1980s, the hotel has hosted numerous writers, artists, and intellectuals. This tradition has become a fundamental part of the hotel’s identity. In the public spaces and hotel rooms, guests will find an impressive art collection featuring works from the Cobra movement. The literary history also plays a central role. The hotel boasts a beautiful library containing over 5,000 books, all signed by authors who have stayed at the hotel. This makes it a beloved destination for literature enthusiasts from around the world.
Restaurant & Bar
The hotel is still privately owned, which contributes to its personal atmosphere and attention to detail. This is also reflected in the restaurant, Brasserie Ambassade. Here, guests can enjoy a refined culinary experience, surrounded by impressive oil paintings from the hotel’s Cobra art collection. Brasserie Ambassade offers classic French dishes with a modern twist, in combination with fine wines. Additionally, you can enjoy delicious bites and drinks in our library, surrounded by 5,000 signed books. In our Library Bar we serve classic cocktails, a selection of the best beers and delicious cappuccinos.
Sustainability
The Ambassade Hotel feels responsible for the impact it has on the environment. As a host in world-heritage, the hotel plays a role in the sustainable quality of life in this extraordinary place. More generally the Ambassade Hotel recognises that the vitality of the environment is essential for the vitality of the organisation. The Ambassade Hotel is proud to have obtained a Green Globe certification in the spring of 2017.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the hotel open its doors?
In 1953, more than three centuries after the Herengracht was created, the first house of the Ambassade Hotel was established in the building at Herengracht 349.
How many books does the Ambassade Hotel have?
More than 5000, almost all first editions, all signed by the authors, while staying at the hotel.
How did the tradition begin?
The Ambassade Hotel has always been home to the Dutch publishing houses, that almost all used their offices on Herengracht. Around 1985 these publishers decided to reserve rooms for their authors at the Ambassade Hotel when they came to Amsterdam to promote the Dutch translation of their books. This tradition still exists today and we are very grateful to the publishers and other cultural institutions that always find us.
From how many nationalities are the writers represented in the hotel’s library?
The collection of books represents authors of at least 75 different countries.
Explore the room types of our 55 uniquely decorated rooms & suites
