Amsterdam Marriott Hotel celebrates its 50th anniversary as the first Marriott hotel in Europe

The catalyst behind the development of Leidseplein into the hospitality hub of Amsterdam.

In the year Amsterdam celebrates its 750th anniversary, the Amsterdam Marriott Hotel is also marking a special milestone: 50 years as a defining icon within the cityscape. The hotel opened on 18 March 1975 as the very first Marriott outside North America, marking Marriott International's European debut.

The Amsterdam Marriott Hotel is now a fixture on Leidseplein and played a crucial role in developing this area into the hospitality heart of the Dutch capital. The hotel is one of the flagship locations within the Marriott portfolio and introduced numerous innovative concepts, with which it managed to create unforgettable guest experiences time and again.

In five decades, the Amsterdam Marriott Hotel welcomed nearly 10 million guests. The key to this formula for success lies in a people-first culture and an ongoing commitment to classic hospitality.

The origins of an Amsterdam icon
Designed by renowned Dutch architect Gerard de Klerk, the Amsterdam Marriott Hotel opened its doors after a three-year construction period that began in 1972. The project was completed 50 years ago with an investment of 50 million guilders. With 396 rooms, 11 floors and an area of 1,600 square metres, it was the largest hotel in Amsterdam at the time and the first Marriott hotel in Europe. Iconically located next to the Vondelpark and within walking distance of the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum, the hotel set a new standard for hospitality in Amsterdam - and continues to offer an all-encompassing experience to guests from all over the world.

Tradition and transformation
In 2025, the Amsterdam Marriott Hotel will celebrate its 50th anniversary - a milestone that coincides with a period of rapid transformation in the city, particularly within the hospitality sector. In line with the changing cityscape, the hotel itself also underwent several noteworthy renovations, including a recent renovation of the lobby, M Club Lounge, bar and a multi-functional space combining library and meeting space. This renovation project was led by Amsterdam-based design firm D/DOCK.

Amsterdam Marriott's new Bar TWLV - named after its address at Stadhouderskade 12 - is a cosmopolitan bar and restaurant where worldly flavours and sophisticated cocktails come together in a vibrant atmosphere. The bar offers a relaxed meeting place during the day, which transforms into a vibrant social hub at night where hotel guests and locals gather for Zodiac-inspired cocktails and delicious dishes to share. Bar TWLV takes its inspiration from the number 12, which symbolises balance, rhythm and unity. This symbolism translates into a vibrant bar where encounters, flavours and shared stories are celebrated.

The hotel evolved with the city, but always stuck to the principles it started with. Classic hospitality, strategic innovation and a loyal team are still at the heart of the Amsterdam Marriott Hotel, making it a trusted beacon within the dynamics of the city. Many of the staff have been with the hotel for decades, some of them for 45 years. Amsterdam Marriott has produced many future leaders for the company, contributing to a strong sense of continuity and family.