Though the Krasnapolsky has only been in Anantara’s hands since 2018 (with the rebrand launching in 2022), the hotel has been hosting visitors since way back in 1856. It began as a coffee house, and today boasts a staggering 402 rooms, but the brand has made sure to dot this huge hotel with little nods to its history.
The rooms range from deluxe options to premium terrace suites. While the decor is simple and the sheer number of beds, hallways and windows could easily make the Krasnapolsky feel generic, there’s so much pride taken in the building’s past that it really does have personality. We learned that Adolph Wilhelm Krasnapolsky was the hotel’s founder, but he began his career as a tailor. Now, The Tailor bar is staffed not by bartenders but by ‘tailors’ who craft a rotating menu of creative, surprising cocktails. The White Room, the hotel’s inhouse Michelin Star restaurant (with a tasting menu that's an innovative hybrid of Dutch ingredients and east Asian twists – incredible), is set in a thoughtfully restored dining hall which originally opened in 1885 as ‘De Witte Zaal’. Keep an eye out for the original stained glass.
Anantara is a brand with spa-led resorts at its core, and here you can go for a steam or get a good massage in an ever so slightly cramped private treatment room. But one of the Krasnapolsky’s biggest draws is the ‘experiences’ curated by Anantara. They’re not cheap – a ‘Dutch gastronomy’ food walking tour starts at €380 for 2 people – but if you’re splashing out for a special occasion, they do marry local knowledge and Anantara-level luxury well.
Neighbourhood
Have a look at a map of ‘Dam and you’ll realise you can’t really get more central than the Krasnapolsky. The west side of the hotel looks straight across Dam Square to the Royal Palace, and the east side over the canal to the Red Light District.
Nearby
1. Wynand Fockink: For some seriously fragrant samples from one of the city’s most renowned and historic spirit distilleries.
2. Cafe Van Beeren: a titchy but surprisingly lively little bar with reasonable pints, good music and friendly staff.
3. Kaagman & Kortekaas: One of Amsterdam’s best restaurants, this place is an unpretentious spot tucked away in the Palace District rustling up four-, five- or six-course tasting menus of innovative ‘nose-to-tail’ dishes.
Time Out Tip
One of the best things about Krasnapolsky’s location is that it’s a prime spot to cop a canal tour. Having hauled out of our rooms early on a crisp but sunny morning, it was the perfect time to explore ‘Dam from the water, pre-crowds. Check out what’s available from Oudezijds Voorburgwal, round the back of the hotel.