Situated on the historic Dam Square with commanding views of the Royal Palace, the five-star Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam epitomizes Dutch luxury and heritage. For over 150 years, this landmark has welcomed discerning travelers into a world where history meets modern sophistication, offering an immersive experience in the city’s vibrant culture.
The hotel is part of the Anantara Hotels & Resorts chain, owned by Minor Hotels.
A Storied Past
The hotel’s origins trace back to 1855, when its grand building was first constructed. In 1865, tailor-turned-entrepreneur Adolf Wilhelm Krasnapolsky purchased the property, transforming it into a renowned restaurant a year later. By 1880, he had expanded the establishment into a full hotel, adding the iconic glass-and-steel Winter Garden designed by architect G.B. Salm — a marvel of its time, complete with electric lighting and palm trees under a soaring dome.
By 1883, the property had grown to 125 rooms, each featuring rare modern luxuries such as hot water and in-room telephones. Over the decades, the hotel evolved through different owners, including the NH Hotel Group in 2000, before becoming part of Minor Hotels’ prestigious Anantara brand in 2020. Today, it perfectly blends 19th-century grandeur with contemporary Dutch design.
Elegance in Every Detail
Stepping into the lobby, guests are greeted by lofty ceilings, sparkling designer chandeliers, and marble accents that exude palatial charm. Modern furnishings and serene reading corners create a welcoming balance of sophistication and comfort.
The hotel offers 402 rooms and suites, harmoniously combining classic elegance with mid-century modern touches. Warm, natural tones, parquet floors, leather headboards, and geometric lighting create an inviting ambiance.
Many rooms feature panoramic views of Amsterdam’s canals or Dam Square, and some even offer private terraces. Expect five-star comforts: air conditioning, high-speed Wi-Fi, Nespresso machines, minibars, and sleek TVs.
Bathrooms are clad in light marble, with rain showers, premium amenities, and indulgent Amouage perfumery.
Culinary Highlights
The historic Winter Garden, crowned by its monumental glass atrium and lush greenery, hosts an extravagant breakfast each morning.
Guests can indulge in fresh pastries, made-to-order eggs, waffles, and pancakes alongside an array of hot and cold dishes.
Grand Café Krasnapolsky, overlooking Dam Square, offers modern European fare and a refined afternoon tea service, complete with delicate macarons from The Cake Room and ten varieties of champagne by the glass.
For an elevated gastronomic experience, The White Room — Amsterdam’s oldest Michelin-starred restaurant — invites diners into a breathtaking white-and-gold interior adorned with frescoes, stucco, and gilded mirrors.
Under the guidance of three-Michelin-starred chef Jacob Jan Boerma and Chef de Cuisine Tristan de Boer, the menu celebrates seasonal Dutch ingredients through imaginative tasting experiences, like the GOLD menu (€185), which could be perfectly paired with a Premium wine selection (€200) curated by sommelier Federico.
An evening starts with a trio of Amuse Bouche, Tuna with Blueberry and Shiso, Pumpkin with Cardamom, Cavolo Nero with Cumin.
This first impression is perfectly complemented by a glass of Perrier-Jouët Champagne from the trolley.
A Symphony of Greens and Golds: White Asparagus with Macadamia and Tarragon — Tender asparagus paired with nutty crunch and the bright scent of fresh tarragon.
Homemade Sourdough Bread with Beurre Noisette — Golden-crusted, warm, and fragrant with nutty brown butter.
Kingfish with Strawberry and Wasabi — Sweet fruit and a hint of heat lift the delicate flavor of the fish.
North Sea Crab with Red Curry and Green Apple — Creamy crab balanced by gentle spice and crisp, tart apple.
A Crescendo of Flavor — Langoustine in Masala, Markoesa, and Lovage — Juicy langoustine layered with tropical brightness, warm spice, and herbal notes.
Dutch Lamb with Green Curry and Rice — Tender lamb in an aromatic curry, marrying local tradition with Asian influence.
A Daring Finale — Cepes and Cacao with Crispy Porkskin, Salted Popcorn, and BBQ Citrus — A playful dessert of sweet, savory, and smoky contrasts.
Petit Fours — A salted yuzu candy, a smooth passion fruit ganache, and a coffee-banana-orange tartlet, with the chef’s signature cannelé completing the evening.
End the evening at Tailor Bar, a moody and intimate venue paying homage to the founder’s profession.
Deep hues, soft lighting, and tailoring-inspired accents set the stage for signature cocktails like The G.O.A.T. (Roku Gin, Goat Cheese, Mango, Yuzu, Sake) and Panda’s Envy (Avallen Calvados, Pommeau, White Pepper) — each a crafted masterpiece.
Urban Sanctuary: Anantara Spa
The award-winning Anantara Spa offers a serene escape, blending Eastern and Western wellness traditions. Guests can enjoy Thai massage, facials, and body treatments featuring luxury products from Elemis, Swiss Line, and Bloomeffects. Facilities include a sauna, steam room, infrared sauna, immersion shower, relaxation zones, and three private treatment rooms.
From its rich heritage to its contemporary comforts and world-class gastronomy, Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky remains a beacon of timeless elegance in the heart of Amsterdam.
Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam
Address: Dam 9, Amsterdam 1012 JS, Netherlands
Instagram: @anantarakrasnapolsky
Text: Marina Timo
Photo courtesy: EATWEEKGUIDE
