Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam named ‘Best Historic Hotels Worldwide’ hotel in Europe

The Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam has won the Historic Hotels Award in Williamsburg in the category Best Historic Hotels Worldwide: Hotel in Europe. The international jury has thus recognised the way in which the hotel combines its 17th- and 18th-century heritage with modern hospitality. The Amsterdam hotel beat off competition from nominees such as The Savoy in London and Raffles Europejski in Warsaw.

History in six canal-side houses

The Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam is housed in six 17th- and 18th-century canal-side buildings on the Herengracht, within Amsterdam’s UNESCO-protected canal belt. The buildings formerly served as residences for mayors and merchants, and later as a bank.

Certain historic features have been preserved during the conversion into a hotel. For example, the building houses the original wooden staircase by Daniel Marot, court architect to King-Stadtholder William III, as well as 18th-century ceiling paintings, marble fireplaces and plaster reliefs. The authentic bank vaults form the backdrop to the cocktail bar: The Vault Bar, and behind the façades lies the largest enclosed courtyard garden in Amsterdam’s city centre.

Modern hospitality

The jury specifically praised the way in which the hotel manages to actively weave heritage into the day-to-day guest experience. Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam brings the grandeur of yesteryear to life with warm, intuitive service that is evident in every aspect – from the personalised welcome by a Personal Concierge and bespoke treatments at the Guerlain Spa, to Afternoon Tea in the Peacock Lounge and refined cuisine at Goldfinch Brasserie. Through this level of personal attention and the preservation of its historic essence, the hotel elevates the international guest experience to the very highest standard.

Jeroen Werdmölder, General Manager of the Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam

“This award is a wonderful tribute to the work of our entire team.” Our six canal-side properties tell a unique Amsterdam story. “It is our daily passion to cherish this special heritage and bring it to life with the personalised service that guests have come to expect from Waldorf Astoria.” “The fact that this has been recognised at an international level with the title of Best Historic Hotel in Europe 2026 is a great honour for us all.”