Tivoli Target strikes new chapter

Icon of Amsterdam with lots of history and lots of stories

The five-star Doelen Hotel in Amsterdam opens this month as part of Tivoli Hotels & Resorts. Ludo de Jong, general manager, gives a hint. "We are going to bring a total cultural experience that brings past and present close to our guests," he says.

The Doelen Hotel is an Amsterdam icon with a lot of history and many stories. It is important to do justice to that in the rebranding. De Jong: "We consider ourselves lucky to have now become the Dutch offspring of Tivoli Hotels & Resorts. This originally Portuguese chain is known for timeless hospitality. We are bringing that timeless, elegant way of travelling with awareness of cultural heritage and genuine connection with the environment to our country. At the Tivoli Doelen Amsterdam Hotel, we bring a total cultural experience. As a guest, you will live an extraordinary experience with attention to culture, stories and the vibrant surroundings." The hotel attracts a high-end international audience. With Tivoli, an established name in Portugal and Brazil, among others, roads are opening up to the Portuguese-speaking world. At Tivoli Doelen, they get a complete guest experience. "With 81 rooms, we are a historic boutique hotel. We want guests to feel at home with us. We give you peace and space to experience and enjoy. That high level of service is felt in all facets. Important is the recognition of the guest. Someone will never 'get lost' in our lobby. Personal attention, authentic approach, telling the stories, on those aspects we train our team to perfection. In the rooms, you can see this in the detailing. The rooms are very qualitatively furnished, with flat screen, Chromecast and a minibar filled with local goodies. Fresh flowers convey the Dutch feel."

Eyecatcher

The property has a unique and iconic design. The best-preserved part is the central hall with marble stairs, balustrade and paintwork. Part of the wall work and foundations of the Kloveniersdoelen were incorporated into the building. The domed tower on the Amstel side refers to the former city tower. "Naturally, we treat the iconic character with respect. We let such elements come into their own. We do
technical adjustments but it is the soft touches that make the difference.

An eye-catcher is the suite with the full-size Night Watch replica. You can touch it, look at it for hours and experience the master's secret for yourself. 

Unique

In a vibrant city like Amsterdam, it is not easy to stand out as a hotel. Tivoli Doelen is committed to emphatically involving the neighbourhood. "We will organise social gatherings at Tivoli Doelen, live music and lectures. Think of a workshop to learn to work with paint like Rembrandt. We are already working with the Rembrandt House, almost around the corner here. Guests will soon be able to arrive by boat or take a dinner tour and visit the Rembrandt House."

Omber

In the story of Tivoli Doelen, Rembrandt occupies a special place. The key here is to shape this connection without becoming kitschy. "A great example is our unique restaurant and bar Omber, after Rembrandt's paint colour. That faces south, overlooks the water, really a postcard view. In the morning and evening light, you'll find the light characteristic of Rembrandt there. With experts, we investigated how to make that light reflect on the dishes. Working with mortars and oils returns in dishes - just as Rembrandt made his paints back then. In this way, we give guests an authentic culinary experience in the place where the master himself once stood."

A selection from the rich past

• Originally, the medieval city wall tower 'Swych Utrecht' stood here. At the same time, the building served as Kloveniersdoelen. 
• Rembrandt lived and worked in the area. In 1638, a fancy new wing was built, where the famous group portrait The Night Watch hung for a long time. 
• The goal complex has been a renowned hotel since 1815. Later, it became a national monument. In the late 19th century, the current building was erected in neo-classical style. 
• Amsterdam's famous canal boats had their origins here. The first, The Tourist, sailed from the Doelen Hotel from 1909. 
• Famous guests include Empress Elisabeth (Sisi), members of all European royal houses and The Beatles.