[By NBC-1TV H. J Yook]Hilton Worldwide’s Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts is delighted to announce the opening of Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam. Located on the UNESCO area of Herengracht, this new luxury canalside property is comprised of six historic 17th and 18th century town houses. Once home to some of the wealthiest and most influential residents of the city, the patrician houses have been lovingly restored to create an elegant 93-room hotel steeped in history.

Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam looks out over the city’s grandest canal, the Herengracht, which was built during the Golden Age, giving global luxury travelers direct access to explore the city by boat, bicycle or foot.

John Vanderslice, global head, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, said, “Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam perfectly represents our ambition to create unforgettable experiences and inspirational environments in the world’s leading destinations. This is a truly unique property that captures the Dutch approach to understated luxury in its design and service culture.”

Each of the 93 guest rooms and suites offer unforgettable views of Amsterdam, whether it’s looking out over the canal waters or over the peaceful private garden and rooftops of the city. Rooms are luxuriously dressed with accents of lapis lazuli and ochre hues, referencing Holland’s own Vermeer, whose paintings include “The Girl with the Pearl Earring.” Each bedroom retains the historical charm of the original buildings with beamed ceilings, sash windows and spacious bathrooms with freestanding baths to complete the authentic and stylish ambiance.

Dining at Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam is an exciting culinary experience thanks to an exclusive partnership with internationally acclaimed restaurateurs Jonnie and Thérèse Boer. Owners of 3-Michelin star restaurant De Librije in the Netherlands, the pair have created a sensational menu of food and drink options, together with Sidney Schutte, former chef at De Librije and now the executive chef at the new hotel. Teamed with Waldorf Astoria’s legendary service, the restaurant Librije’s Zusje Amsterdam ensures a memorable fine dining experience in Amsterdam.

Alongside the new restaurant, guests can choose from a host of other unforgettable gastronomic experiences. The Maurer Room is a superb example of Rococo interiors and the perfect place for private dining and exclusive meetings. Waldorf Astoria’s signature Peacock Alley is an elegant lounge option, the place to soak up the fascinating history of the property, admiring the architecture and art with a refreshing drink or light lunch. The famous Armillary Sphere takes centre stage in the room, a nod to the property’s links to sail, trade and time and a proud icon of the history of the canal houses as homes of the wealthy and successful.

Elsewhere, the Vault Bar is an exclusive den in one of the houses - formerly the original vault of a bank. Shrouded in history, it is an intimate drinking option for guests and visitors alike, the perfect spot to enjoy the timeless elegance of a hotel rich in heritage. Meeting and banqueting facilities include the spacious Hooft Ballroom, with views overlooking the canal and adorned in daylight.

On the garden level of the new property, the peaceful Guerlain Spa awaits, comprising of three treatment rooms, sauna, steam room, heated indoor pool and beautiful views across the private garden. Within the spa, guests experience the sophisticated World Of Guerlain, with an indulgent selection of personalised cutting edge treatments available applying Guerlain’s unrivalled expertise and legacy. In this tranquil space, guests and residents of Amsterdam can choose from a selection of therapies that respect the origins of Guerlain’s signature massage from 1939, when the brand opened its first “Institut de Beauté” in Paris.

From arrival to departure, guests will not only be embraced by the hotel‘s inspirational environments, but also welcomed by True Waldorf Service. Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam’s Personal Concierges will ensure that each guest receives anticipatory and personalized service before, during and after their stay.

Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam redefines luxury not only through the design of the hotel but the design of the Team Members uniforms, offering sophisticated outfits commissioned by famous Dutch couturier Jan Taminiau.

Simon Vincent, area president, Hilton Worldwide, said, “With Europe’s fourth largest airport and nearly six million international visitors a year, Amsterdam is a thriving tourist destination. At Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam, those travelers now have a world class luxury hotel to experience.”