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.
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 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
– 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.
– 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.
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
– 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.
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.