Hotel Okura Amsterdam is a perfect fusion of exquisite Japanese culture and heart-warming Dutch spirit. Luxurious in décor, its Japanese roots can be seen in the minimalist design, complemented by the use of natural wood, simplistic furniture and naturally lit open-spaces.
With its multiple Michelin-starred restaurants, this Japanese-owned hotel is highly recommended for foodies, you’ll bask in an Asian sense of luxury and service from the moment you enter the lobby, with its marble floors and elegant furnishings, but the spacious rooms, while plushly decked out with comfy beds, are Western-style with neutral colors. Dining options are dazzling: from international fare at Ciel Bleu (two Michelin stars) located on the top-floor and downstairs brasserie Serre, to sushi at Yamazato (one Michelin star), overlooking a serene Japanese garden to hot Japanese food (teppanyaki) at Sazanka (one Michelin star); and breakfast cooked to order at Le Camelia.
Between the five restaurants at the Okura, the hotel holds four Michelin stars. On the 23rd floor, the Ciel Bleu Restaurant (two Michelin stars) offers international cuisine with incredible views. Serre on the ground floor, is a slightly more informal affair, allowing canal walk-ins and terrace seating.
One of my best fine dining experiences in the world includes my visit to 2017 award-winning best Restaurant Ciel Bleu which is situated on the 23rd floor. The restaurant allows its guests to experience the true fine dining Amsterdam has to offer. You will enjoy the food from the head chef Onno Kokmeijer at two Michelin star level. You must taste one of Onno’s signature dish called The King Crab dish, including Caviar & Gold Leaf. Basking in exotic ambience, you will also get to meet one of the finest Sommeliers in the Netherlands, Mr Noël Vanwittenbergh.
The smart and sensibly designed guest rooms at the Okura utilise space well, and large windows allow tons of natural light. The 300 rooms are split into categories; rooms, junior suites and suites, all are spacious and offering large, clean, marble bathrooms. With 23 floors, many rooms allow fantastic panoramic views – an unusual feature, as Amsterdam’s architecture is notoriously low. Welcome touches include remote-control black-out curtains, a Nespresso machine, pillow menu and in-bathroom television. Japanese-style toilets provided some amusement. Having said that, The Imperial Suite is one of the crown jewels of the Hotel Okura Amsterdam, with 485 m2 the largest and most luxurious suite of the Benelux countries. The suite is the epitome of luxury with its featured private cinema and magnificent views of the Amsterdam skyline, it is undoubtedly a must for the hedonists looking for the one in a lifetime experience.
It is apparent there is no end to the wealth of wonderful experiences Hotel Okura Amsterdam has to offer, as it is home to the well-renowned Nagomi Spa & Health, which is inspired by Japanese influences and offers a selection of facials, massages, manicures, pedicures and body treatments. As the name suggests, Nagomi, which means ‘calm down’ in Japanese, captures the essence of the spa. The carefully composed selection of relaxing treatments will help you escape the bustle of the city. Entrance to Nagomi Health is included for hotel guests.
Incidentally, although rare-for-Amsterdam, Hotel Okura Amsterdam offers exceptional corporate focused services that elevate this business-oriented hotel way above the competition, one of the best features include panoramic city views. Its worth mentioning that one of the hotel’s signature amenities include a 24-hour business center, limo/town car service, and express check-in. Event facilities at this hotel consist of a conference center and meeting rooms.
So if you are looking for a well-earned escape, exceptional food or planning to impress your business clients, Hotel Okura Amsterdam is the perfect choice for an all-round luxurious experience, which simply cannot be missed.
Find out more about Hotel Okura here | www.okura.nl