New School Style, Old World Charm: Hotel Pulitzer

It was during my most recent visit to Amsterdam that I discovered the city’s worst kept secret: Pause at Pulitzer, an urban garden oasis within the most stylishly designed hotel in Europe, Hotel Pulitzer. The hotel itself, located between two of the most famous canals in the city, reopened in August following a no-expense-spared, head-to-toe renovation. The 15,000-square-foot flourishing gardens, hidden in the middle of the property’s 25 interconnected 400 year-old canal house buildings, adds an unexpected array of color and freshly scenic views surrounding to the new hotel.

Separated between glass corridors where guests walk from one side of Pulitzer to the other, the garden space is the perfect setting from dawn til’ dusk–visitors can enjoy their morning coffee, read a book in the afternoon sun, or sip a sunset cocktail from Pulitzer’s Bar in the evening. There’s truly nothing of this caliber found in Amsterdam. Already becoming a local neighborhood staple, Pause at Pulitzer is very much a space for everyone, not just guests. Following Pulitzer’s recent renovation, the nouveau-classique hotel now consists of 225 guest rooms including four eccentrically designed Collector’s Suites, boasting private canal entrances–it’s very much reminiscent of your own private mini apartment. Creative Director Jacu Strauss managed to sleep in all 225 rooms during the design process, ensuring no two rooms were identical; making certain guests have a unique experience with each visit.

Strauss himself was formerly a senior designer at Tom Dixon’s Design Research Studio and has led a multitude of projects including Barbecoa for Jamie Oliver and Mondrian London at Sea Containers before ultimately overseeing the renovations and redesign at Pulitzer for the past three years. Strauss managed to create the same space within the garden area, but it’s not until visiting the property that one is capable of depicting how truly stand-out this hotel is.

Labeled as ‘Pause,’ the urban space is designed for anyone to sit back, relax, and enjoy the property at any given time. Featuring a giant swing and hand-carved wooden rocking horses, it’s as much a playground for adults as it is for children. Complemented by a lobby bar, consisting of green velvet seats and sophisticated white marble, ‘Pause’ is simply exposed when strolling through the lobby. The bar serves a range of French-style pastries and light meals throughout the day to garden visitors; with fresh juices, coffee and a selection of handpicked wines–an experience yet to be matched throughout the city. With all of Pause’s sights and scenery, it’s no surprise that the brand new guest rooms were built to overlook the picturesque space.

The interior of each individual space has been designed to convey a dash of idiosyncratic wit, breathing fresh personality into an already historically rich city. From trade merchants to flamboyant Dutch aristocrats, the interior of these distinguished canal buildings have been sensitively restored to reflect the past inhabitants of the properties. Each building is a monument in its own right, showcasing the traditional essence of the Dutch capital whilst telling a range of stories that will inspire and intrigue guests and visitors.
Guests can choose from four distinctive guestroom styles and three suite categories, as well as the beautifully romantic Pulitzer’s Suite which still features original chandeliers and an antique ladies writing desk. In addition, there are four exceptional Collector’s Suites with private street entrances and stunning views of the canals that are inspired by the narrative of elaborate characters who potentially lived in the buildings throughout the years; from a compulsive art devotee to an eccentric book lover; a music composer and a grand antique collector. In this home-away-from-home, guests will enjoy a front row seat atop the historic canals, finished with Le Labo amenities and a bike repair set.

Each unique suite has something different to offer. The Art Collector’s Suite for instance, was inspired by the enormous collection of art gathered through the years by Pulitzer, while The Book Collector’s Suite is based on Amsterdam houses with beautiful book collections and is meant to feel like the home of a romantic book collector, explorer or intellectual. The centerpiece of the room is a dramatic, floor-to-ceiling book display with old and current books from stores found on The Nine Streets.

The Antique Collector’s Suite is a collection of antique furniture and objects gathered from both the city and worldwide, and features a wall covered in new and vintage mirrors. The Music Collector’s Suite was inspired by record shops on The Nine Streets, the musical and festival events in the city and the annual Prinsengracht Concert. The room features a wall of trumpets, a vast collection of framed records and a vintage record player cabinet with a collection of records. Pulitzer Amsterdam’s new restaurant, Jansz, is a quietly elegant restaurant with an easy-going Dutch attitude; featuring a feminine interior with touches of pink, and a private blue velvet dining space. Executive Chef Cassidy Hallman commandeers a neighborhood favorite restaurant which produces a menu of beautifully crafted modern classics that respect the simplicity of quality produce and ingredients. The restaurant itself is aptly named after Volkert Jansz, a 17th century Dutch craftsman known for his sophisticated tastes.

In addition to Jansz, Pulitzer’s Bar brings a chic-classique style cocktail lounge to Amsterdam, a space defined by sumptuous furnishings and intimate atmosphere. The cocktail menu offers drinks that are classic in both nature and style, but modern in execution. Each follows one consistent recipe: one part past, one part present, and one part revolutionary technique. For example, the Pineapple Old Fashioned is served on a bed of hay to add another layer of aroma to the drink. The location of Pulitzer Amsterdam, The Nine Streets, is known as one of Amsterdam’s most fashionable neighborhoods and a renowned breathing space for local designers. Within easy reach of the Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk Museum, the Van Gogh Museum and The Anne Frank House, the hotel is in a simply unrivaled location. As a true home-away-from-home, Pulitzer is understated luxury at its finest–this is where travelers would want to stay when searching for the quintessential Dutch experience.