In the heart of Amsterdam, a 20th-century monumental building has been given new life as a luxury five-star hotel, following a delicate and meticulous transformation process. Maurits at the Park is the seventh property from Pillows Hotels, the acclaimed hospitality brand known for its refined hotels and restaurants in the Netherlands and Belgium.
With 88 luxury rooms and suites, a fine dining restaurant, a brasserie, two bars, a private lounge area, and several meeting spaces, the hotel is set to become Amsterdam’s newest hot spot. A hub for gastronomy, events, and curated experiences drawing inspiration from its beautiful natural surroundings, Maurits at the Park is next to Tropenmuseum and a short walk from Artis Amsterdam Zoo.
Despite its imposing exterior, this iconic building has been re-imagined from its origins as a university to a welcoming, cosmopolitan meeting place. Offering a different kind of hospitality experience in Amsterdam, it combines privacy and instant access to the buzzing city centre.
“We couldn’t find a more fitting way to celebrate our fifth anniversary than to return to Amsterdam, the city where it all started, with the first five-star property in our portfolio”, says Loes Dingemans, CEO of Pillows Hotels. “Maurits at the Park is everything our brand stands for: exceptional hospitality in intimate, elegant settings. Located in a monumental building in the heart of the city, the hotel is seamlessly connected with a vibrant park, offering guests numerous experiences without having to leave its premises”.
Thoughtful and opulent interiors nod to the past, while focusing on the future
Situated in bustling Oosterpark, the hotel was envisioned by Office Winhov, the award-winning architectural firm, as an open, indispensable part of the neighbourhood where everyone is welcome. Over 4,000sqm of parkland will be returned to the people of Amsterdam, removing any existing partitions and fences. The hotel’s open invitation is also extended to the park’s cute feathery friends, thanks to nesting boxes, feeding areas, and an aviary that helps protect birds. The evergreen gardens are a constant highlight of the scenery.
“We are adding the hotel to the park; usually, it is the other way around”, says Uri Gilad of Office Winhov, who took into account the building’s unique location and the intricate features of its past. This is especially evident in the hotel’s new wing, where different types of windows seamlessly connect the indoors with the outdoors; the new and the old intertwine harmoniously, becoming one. The warm lighting transforms the monumental space at night, adding a serene touch and creating a relaxed vibe.
This careful consideration of the building’s heritage has been applied to the interiors as well. Studio Linse, responsible for the interior design, is no stranger to the brand, as the firm won an award for its work at Pillows Hotel Ter Borch Zwolle.
A “noble simplicity”, as Paul Linse terms it, runs throughout the hotel, connecting the meticulously selected interior elements. The soft, tactile materials and the warm, earthy colour palette create a calming harmony, while the comfortable furniture is ideal for lounging away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s the perfect counterpart to the robust exteriors.
Touches of Parisian elegance are combined with Dutch sophistication, setting a relaxing tone in the 88 gracious rooms and suites, which range from 16sqm to 50sqm. Understated and inviting, the rooms are like high-end sanctuaries ready to nurture and nourish the soul. With striking individual artworks by established painter Raphaël Hermans and every detail in the room thoughtfully planned for maximum comfort, guests are sure to cherish every moment spent here.
Gastronomy and events are at the core of the hospitality concept
Great attention has been given to the hotel’s culinary offerings, celebrating gastronomy in every way. Felix, helmed by rising star chef Floris van Straalen, is a fine dining restaurant serving heavenly dishes prepared in an open kitchen. This truly magnificent space with fifteen-meter-high ceilings and design elements from a bygone era pays homage to the illustrious Tropenmuseum next door.
Spring Cafe Brasserie adds a playful touch to the mix with mouth-watering dishes inspired by Italian and French cuisine. Its generous outdoor seating area in a large, green urban garden blends perfectly into the atmospheric Oosterpark.
Guests also have the chance to experience signature cocktails at Fitz’s Bar, an intimate space with leather, wood, felt and velour details in its design. The rooftop bar’s stunning views of the park and the city make it the ultimate setting for summer drinks. The three sumptuously decorated salons, another integral part of the hotel, are ideal for private meetings and events. The Living, a private lounge accessible only to staying guests, offers an impressive library and luscious design. A thoughtful entertainment plan, currently in the works, includes various events and activities curated by local creatives.
By offering a new take on luxury hospitality, the new Pillows Maurits at the Park is a breath of fresh air. In the middle of vibrant Amsterdam, it’s an inviting retreat where dreamy rooms and star-studded cuisine mix with irresistible cocktails, served at a stunning rooftop bar overlooking the city skyline.
