My hOtel: Hotel Pulitzer, Amsterdam
The Pulitzer is an Amsterdam classic in the O’Reilly household. Between us, we must have visited over 6 times in the last 10 years and know our way around this quirky and unique property pretty well. Here’s how our recent stay (February 2013) was like.
The Pulitzer façade
Pre-Arrival
- Was there any pre-arrival communication by the hotel with myself via email or social media?
I did a few tweets before, and received a pretty standard ” we look forward to welcoming you” response, 2 weeks before my arrival.
- Did I try to engage the hotel via Twitter? Did the hotel interact with me and made me feel welcome/special?
See above – not too much excitement, pre, during or post stay, which is OK.
- Has the hotel tried to gather any personal information (e.g. preferences) prior to my stay?
Only from my Starwood SPG profile.
Arrival
The Pulitzer’s lobby – simple but sleek
- The wow factor! What was the hotel decor style?
The Pulitzer is a unique hotel, with its own personality – it is not trendy, but has some edgy design features. The lobby was exactly how we remembered it – quite welcoming!
- How quick and efficient was the hotel check-in?
Very impressive. No queue, but the lady who helped us was really good, smiley and happy to see us. A good start to our Amsterdam trip!
- Was I addressed by name once reservation has been located? (it is all about the small details, some others are outstanding with this, and I love it, like I do when I board an airplane)
Absolutely, both of us.
- Did I get an upgrade from my confirmed pre-booked room type?
Yes, we had a Deluxe confirmed and were upgraded to “The Suite”.
- Did I feel genuinely welcomed by the hotel staff?
It could be a Dutch trait, but everyone was exceptionally nice. The doorman, the check-in lady and the bellman. We had to be walked to our room as the hotel is a little bit of a maze (which makes it even more special!). Also very impressed with the call from Duty Manager as we got to the room.
- Luggage – how many people did I have to tip before the luggage made it safely to my room? This is cultural, I know
We had carry on luggage, but were escorted to our room, as it was quite difficult to get there. I only tipped one person.
- Wi-fi – was I told anything about it? Was there a charge?
I was told about the wi-fi, and there is a charge. As a platinum SPG, I am entitled to free internet, but it is not for everyone, sadly.
Room Experience
Our Suite living room
- First impressions – décor, size and wow factor
Big, very big, especially for a Canal property. Light colours and a bit of retro chic.
- Welcome amenity
We had some tulips and some nibbles too. And a lovely Pulitzer book.
- The bed
Possibly one of the best beds I have ever slept in. It was also massive and I lost Mr. O. Seriously comfortable and the pillows were incredible.
- Closet/Wardrobe – proper hangers or those annoying ones where you need a PhD to get them out one by one? This is a personal pet peeve of mine. I can’t stand them.
Proper hangers. Good news.
A Deluxe Room at the Pulitzer. I don’t have a photo of my actual room – it looked exactly the same, but was larger and had a fireplace.
- Iphone Charger/Dock
Sadly, no.
- Bathrobes and slippers
Yes, but did not use.
- Coffee and Tea
Yes, but did not use.
- Free bottled water
Yes indeed. Also comes as standard to Platinum SPG, so not absolutely sure if applies to all rooms.
- Magazine selection – had some nice surprises and doesn’t happen often enough!
Quite interesting, and all in English.
- Power sockets in useful places – we have more and more devices and we know where we want them! By the bed, by the working area.
We did struggle with this a bit – one of our phones had to be charged in the living room.
A little Amsterdam montage
Bathroom
- First impressions – décor, size and wow factor
Hum, guess what, we had not one, but 2 bathrooms, which was quite funny. One for me, and one for Mr. O. The “main” one had a full bath, whereas the other one had a walk in shower. I think these need a bit of updating, but overall good.
- Bath, shower and taps – I am looking for Duravits and Hansgrohes (or other fab brands) around the world. How fab was the shower? And a little pet peeve.. was I able to operate the shower without asking Mr. O for help?
It may be time to upgrade the bathrooms, but showers had been replaced recently by Hansgrohe beauties, which always ticks a box in my list.
- Towels – yes, please! How many and how soft and lovely?
Absolutely fab, and we had more than 1 each.
- Toiletries – own brand, super brand, baby ones or proper ones? I shall find out!
We had very nice Bulgari toiletries and “twice” the normal baby size, which does encourage its reuse. Smelled lovely.
- Amenity kit – I don’t want more sewing kits thank you very much, but I will need a shower cap.
The Luxury Collection amenity kits are always very good and have useful things – from cotton buds to pads, loofahs, nail files etc. Also a good shower cap. And almost unbranded, which is nice.
- Hairdryer – is it a human one, or just something stuck to a wall that only makes noise?
Sadly, I didn’t need to use it, so didn’t check it.
Breakfast
Yummy continental breakfast
- Décor of breakfast room
Well, we were lazy and had breakfast in bed. Brings back good memories and this is the only hotel I remember doing this in. The hotel does something very cool: calls in advance to let you know that breakfast is on its way, saving a bit of embarrassment once it arrives. They have done this in previous stays.. why can’t all hotels do the same? I really like this.
- The spread (inc yumminess)
We had continental breakfast and got everything that we ordered – pictured above!
- Cost (I have seen a hotel charging €75 for breakfast – a tad much, maybe?)
Continental breakfast starts at €25 per person and is free (in the main dining room) to all Platinum SPG guests. We had to pay for a service charge, which is totally acceptable and understandable.
Bar
We did not try (or even see) the bar as we were out with friends on both nights and ended up returning to the hotel quite late.
A hotel with a view
General thoughts
- How good and reliable was the wi-fi?
Worked pretty well.
- Did the hotel interact with me via Twitter during my stay?
No.
- Location
Very good. I love the 9 streets area and its handy for great restaurants, shopping, etc
- Cost – rooms starting from…
Standard rooms start at €200 and suites at €800.
- Would I recommend it to my best friend?
Absolutely.
- Would I stay again?
Just tell me when! It is a very good hotel.
Final thoughts:
I do have a lot of love for The Pulitzer – it is quirky and has personality. For me, it is an Amsterdam classic. Personally, I think it may be time for a little refurb. I was slightly disappointed that the suite did not have a view – as many other standard and deluxe rooms seem to – but obviously I understand. Service was very good. Mrs. O approved indeed. I have also created a TripTease review. Read it here.
Have you visited this hotel? What were your thoughts?
xo
Mrs. O
Disclaimer: I was a guest of Starwood Hotels during this stay, but hopefully you will see that this has not influenced my thoughts about the property. For more information about the hotel, visit its official website.
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Luggage – how many people did I have to tip before the luggage made it safely to my room? This is cultural, I know > this question made me smile – love it… and i am not sure if it is just cultural, but also location specific. i tend to think if you drive to a hotel, there are more touches to your bags.
stay luxurious, Craig
Craig Zabransky recently posted..Sunset Sunday-My Sunset with Spencer in Casas Grandes
I know, and I am all for tipping (especially when I am travelling with luggage, i.e. our 5 suitcases), but I have now counted occasions where we are talking 4 people – there is no need! The chain of command needs to be streamlined…
Love the new review feature you’ve got going on! I have a serious case of hotel lust!
Clare recently posted..So, Where to Next?
And you are right to!
Sounds like a pretty great placed to stay! When I was in Amsterdam, I think I stayed in a hostel, so anything other than that is an upgrade for me!
The World Wanderer recently posted..My Homes Away From Home.
Oh yes, this certainly qualifies
Cool review! Will definitely have to check out when we next go back
Becky Padmore recently posted..Embracing the new Amsterdam: 10 cool hangouts
You will love it!
I love the lay out of these reviews. Very easy to scroll through and find the section you are most interested in. I am disappointed to hear wi-fi is not free to everyone. That would probably make me search for alternative lodging.
Traveling Ted recently posted..Floating empty dinghy in a Caribbean bay in Trinidad
Thank you, Ted! Wifi is something that hotels really need to understand (as in how much it matters to guests!)
Wow – this is a really comprehensive guide – very useful for any future trips to Amsterdam!
Fiona recently posted..The Yummy Way to See Verona
That’s what we are here for!
I’m a big fan of this format. It’s very concise and informative. Way to go, Mrs. O!
Leah Travels recently posted..We’re from Texas. You’re Not.
Gracias!
YOUR SUITE! i love it!! our room was adorable at the pulitzer, but your right: those beds take the cake. i could be sleeping in a basement if the bed was that comfy. love this new feature!
the lazy travelers recently posted..five frugal habits of highly effective travelers
The beds were incredible!
I dig the green exposed beams of the suite! I’m also quite curious to see the inside of the hotel since you say it’s such a maze.
Francesca recently posted..Giving my daughter the gift of travel
It really is – ignore “long hotel corridors”. Totally different concept!
Mrs. O, you are definitely on to something with this new review style. I love how to the point it is…wishing I had thought of it first!:)
D.J. – The World of Deej recently posted..One Day in Atlanta – A 24-Hour Adventure
Ohhhhhhh thank you!
The Pulitzer looks lovely, alas, I’ll not be staying there on my upcoming trip to the city. Looking forward to finding out which bars you frequented Mrs O – do tell!
Suzanne (Travelbunny) recently posted..Göreme – Love Valley and Tree of the Evil Eye
There will be a whole post about it! Seriously nice places! Where will you stay?
love the photo of the canal! sounds like a great place and i’m loving this series!! very informative
lola recently posted..why i will be returning to Costa Brava
Thank you, Lauren! It was so pretty!!
Have stayed here and would again despite a few service issues which management quickly addressed onsite. Their concierge team has a fantastic Facebook page of suggestions/tips/etc which i found quite helpful and responsive when planning my visit. Sadly, the onsite concierge team did not live up to my standards- they booked wrong return shuttle time to airport which would have had me miss the flight to london as the shuttle was then delayed so I scrambled with a taxi (hotel paid reluctantly) and I literally ran through the airport (a first!) just in time to make the security door closing at the gate. Not the best way to end my stay.
Despite this – the location was great and agree the rooms comfortable (the standard room is quite basic decor) but loved the stroopwaffles, their private boat tour and friendly staff.
philatravelgirl recently posted..Safari in Chobe National Park, Botswana
Oh, such a shame when things like that happen! And how could I forgot to mention the stroopwaffles? I ate them all!
You know what – you are good! You had a free hotel (or even paid to stay) and you remain honest. I know you only stay in decent places, but this wasn’t written from a press release. Great job.
Thank you, Francis. I am a very honest person and am not here to make things up. Otherwise, why would you read?
I am disappointed Mrs. O – you didn’t visit the bar?
Seriously, like the reviews – I think you may be on to something here
I am very sorry – we did go to other bars, I promise!! Thank you for your kind words
Love the breakfast detail – you are right, why don’t all hotels do that? great review – i know what to expect if I am ever there!
I think it is such a good idea – even within the same chain. So easy!
Ha I love the Pulitzer – always stay there when I visit Amsterdam. Stayed 2-3 times but haven’t been for a few years. Good to hear you still liked it!
Interesting, when I mentioned I stayed there a lot of people said “oh it is my hotel in Amsterdam”. Good place indeed!
I am looking into going to Amsterdam in May and this sounds perfect. Going to book this hotel, Mrs O! Also stayed at the Cadogan Hotel in London which you meantioned recently. Very nice!
Oh my pleasure, Lucia! Have fun!