A Fantastic Stay at the Conservatorium Hotel in Amsterdam

When I decided to spend my birthday weekend in Amsterdam, I was faced with the daunting yet task of finding a hotel that would be worthy of an adult celebration, yet kid-friendly enough for our all-family getaway. For a short stay like this in a European city, we didn’t need a hotel with a long list of kids’ focused amenities; the key, as always, is to find a hotel that can sleep a family comfortably in an age-appropriate atmosphere.

Family-friendly set up in the Grand Duplex Suite

Amsterdam has a progressive an edgy element to and I wanted to find a hotel the embraces the soul of the city. I found the perfect answer at the Conservatorium Hotel, an exciting new addition to Amsterdam’s robust boutique hotel scene.

Located in the heart of the Museumplein — the Museum Quarter — the Conservatorium was built in the late 1800s as a major architectural landmark. It was later transformed into the Sweelinck Music Conservatorium, until 2008 when The Set Hotel teamed up with the Milan-based designer Piero Lissoni to transform the building into a “luxury lifestyle” hotel.

And that it is … everything about the Conservatorium is remarkable. From the breathtaking design to the buzzy lounge filled with locals and visitors alike, to the part-concierge/part-butler/part best-friend Guest Host, staying at this hotel is an exceptional and unique luxury experience.

Light and airy Conservatorium lounge

Conservatorium Hotel Design

The highlight of this hotel is the design. It’s pure drama created by the contrast of austere, old-world bones with bright, modern accents. The heart of property is what was once an outdoor area that has been enclosed in glass, creating a light and airy space that is glorious in every weather condition. With just 129 rooms and suites, the hotel feels spacious yet intimate.

We stayed in a Grand Duplex Suite, a perfect set up for families with a sofa bed on the main level and a bedroom on the second floor. It has a bathroom on each level so there’s no hassle factor, just personal space for parents and kids alike. An entire two-story wall of this room is a window. Our suite faced the interior of the hotel which was interesting as it felt like a bit of a fishbowl, but there are quick and easy curtains to close for instant privacy.

Host station is set up for serious dialog

Conservatorium Guest Host Concept

Every guest has access to the Host who is essentially a concierge with a novel attitude. Instead of waiting for guests to reach out for assistance, the Host contacts guests prior to arrival to assist with anything and everything. In our case, my husband ordered flowers and wine for my birthday, booked a full morning in the spa, and selected our celebratory dinner with our Host, Peter.

For a busy city hotel, this service is impressive and makes a huge difference. The Host desk took care of us from the moment we arrived until the minute we left for the airport. We felt pampered and our interaction ensured we maximized our limited time in the city to do things best suited for our getaway goals. Although the Conservatorium doesn’t focus on families in a meaningful way, but our Host was certainly knowledgeable about kid-friendly things to do in Amsterdam.

The contrast of the old and new design elements is brilliant

Conservatorium Brasserie & Lounge

The Conservatorium offers both a casual Brasserie & Lounge for dining, as well as a more sophisticated dinner venue at Tunes Restaurant & Bar. With kids, the Brasserie & Lounge is the best choice as its casual and bustling — all ages blend in seamlessly. Classic, locally sourced dishes are very good and the ambiance is fantastic. Even if I wasn’t staying that hotel, I’d head here for a lunch or dinner while in town.

Akasha Wellbeing Center

The spa is an unbelievable space for guests to unwind. Again, the design is utterly captivating. There’s a lap pool offering daily kids’ swimming hours, a state-of-the-art gym, and an extensive treatment area. I indulged in a surreal underwater massage in their Watsu pool. I’m pretty certain I levitated at some point during the treatment.

The massage treatment rooms seem to “float” over water. This spa stands out as something  special and it’s worth going out of the way to fall under its rejuvenating spell.

A Kid-Friendly Hotel in Amsterdam?

Is the Conservatorium kid-friendly? Absolutely, to the extent that they have suitable rooms and service that embraces guests of all ages. That said, there are zero kid-focused amenities here other than a children’s menu offered at the Brasserie & Lounge. Would I stay here with kids again? You bet. If you want something truly extraordinary and a hotel that enhances any visit to Amsterdam, the Conservatorium is a tremendous choice.

Want More Information and Help Booking a Holiday at The Conservatorium Hotel?

We can help! Our kid-friendly hotel review of The Conservatorium Hotel has more information about why this property works so well for families. Use the Check Availability button to reach out for Best Available Rates and one of our Family Vacation Consultants will follow up with you to advise about any additional questions you may have regarding a stay here.

If you’d like comprehensive help planning a full beach vacation anywhere in the world, request assistance and Connect with a Family Travel Advisor.

Editorial Note: The Conservatorium Hotel offered us a media rate for our stay. They did not ask us to present any particular point of view. Photos by Amie O’Shaughnessy and Conservatorium Hotel

Relevant Links:

Ciao Bambino review of Conservatorium Hotel Amsterdam

Ciao Bambino’s kid-friendly luxury hotel and resort list

Ciao Bambino recommended Amsterdam family hotels

Things to do in Amsterdam with kids

Tips for visiting the Kuekenhof Tulip Gardens