Conservatorium HotelEST. 2011

A building rife with history, the now Conservatorium hotel was originally designed by Dutch architect Daniel Knuttel as the Rijkspostspaarbank and sparked the regeneration of the Museum Quarter at the end of the 19th century. In 1897, the building was transformed into a defining icon of the city’s architecture. When the Rijkspostspaarbank had to move offices following a series of merges, the building was abandoned in 1978. After lying empty for five years, it became the home of the newly formed Sweelinck Conservatorium, consisting of three musical institutes. In April 2008 the Conservatorium of Amsterdam outgrew its home and in that same year The Set purchased this wonderful building, attracted by its glorious past.

The recurring theme within the Conservatorium hotel of appreciating the old and celebrating the new is visible from the moment guests approach the majestic monumental red-brick building and walk through the floor to ceiling glass doors to be greeted by floating metal stairs and a chandelier of violins.

While staying at the Conservatorium hotel you will feel the history of the building in all guest rooms and hallways. In the hallways you will find the original piggy bank tiles that date back to the time the building used to be the National Savings Bank. Taiko, the Asian contemporary cuisine restaurant of the hotel is named after a Japanese Drum: a Taiko. Back in the days when the building was still a music school, the venue in which the restaurant is located was the classroom for percussion and drum.

Award-winning Milan-based furniture and interior designer Piero Lissoni has embraced the tradition of fusing simplicity and functionality through the re-incarnation of the spectacular building. Known for his austere lines, demure fabrics and shades of grey with occasional bright accents, Lissoni is considered one of the most prominent and exciting contemporary Italian designers. His clean designs are a hybrid of modernist and contemporary chic and contrast playfully with natural daylight throughout the building's spaces.Furniture from leading Italian manufactures such as Living Divani, Kartell and Cassina sit prominently in all communal spaces while accent pieces such as vintage Asian rugs provide a sense of familiar comfort. The design within the building is mixed with modern Dutch items, like for example the porcelain of Royal Delft and the signature chairs of Marcel Wanders.

The I Love Amsterdam Suite is one of Conservatorium hotel’s signature suites. A beautifully composed 155 square meter triplex suite with a secret rooftop terrace beholding a rare 360 degree view of the Amsterdam skyline. Entering the room guests are greeted by windows on each side of the walls, with an iconic view on the city including the Rijksmuseum and I AMsterdam sign in the distance.

In addition, the Conservatorium hotel has 20 limited edition bicycles parked in the courtyard awaiting guests to explore the city in true Amsterdam fashion. Hop on and get lost through the winding streets and canals or if you want to make sure you get to see all the right places, a private bike tour guide is an excellent choice and can be arranged with our hosts.

The Conservatorium hotel finds itself located at Museum Square, the cultural heart of the city. Surrounding the landmark building are world-renowned museums such as the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh museum, intimate art galleries, and theatres to fulfill each culture seeker’s desires.