Introduction
I’m in Amsterdam to see, or rather hear Bach’s Matthäus Passion at the Amsterdam concert hall. The interior of the building is quite spectacular, and so is the music. The concert hall is located on the enormous Museumplein or museum square in Amsterdam, in close proximity to the Van Gogh museum and the Rijks museum. And that is also why I’m staying at The Conservatorium Hotel, which is literally just across the road from the Van Gogh museum.
Reception and public area
The hotel is housed in what was once a bank. The entrance to The Conservatorium in through a quiet courtyard off the main road.
The reception is bright and airy, with a high glass ceiling. The receptionist is quick to check me in and show me to the room.
The Conservatorium Junior Suite
I’m staying in a junior suite, which is large and spacious and spread across two levels.
On the entrance level there is a comfortable sitting room and a desk, the wardrobe and the bathroom and toilet.
The bedroom and what I call the secret shower are located on the upper floor.
Upstairs shower room
To be honest, I only discovered the secret shower the day after I arrived at the hotel. Nobody had told me it was there, and so I only discovered it by chance.
Downstairs bathroom
The downstairs bathroom is much larger and spacious than the shower on the upper level.
Bathroom amenities
Amenities in the bathroom are provided by Malin & Goetz and smell refreshing and natural.
Room amenities
There’s also a Nespresso machine in the room.
Restaurant
Breakfast is served in the main restaurant at the far end of the lobby on the ground floor. I usually tend to have breakfast early, even on my days off, at around 07h00. The restaurant is not very busy, so it’s nice and peaceful.
The breakfast spread is excellent, with a large selection of sweet and savoury dishes from the buffet. In addition, there is a large selection of hot dishes from a separate menu. They are complimentary and the staff will make sure to check if there’s anything guests would like to order. I decide to go with the American pancakes served with berries and maple sirup. And I have to say, they’re probably the fluffiest pancakes I’ve ever tasted!
Staff
The staff were all very friendly and polite. Whenever I passed one of the staff on the hotel grounds, they would greet me and inquire if they might assist carrying my suitcase or shopping. The turndown service is nicely done. When I return from the concert hall in the evening, the Nespresso capsules have been replenished, a bottle of still water is stading near the bed and my night robe and slippers and have been laid out for me.
Conclusion
The Conservatorium is an elegant, quiet hotel in the centre of old Amsterdam. It’s close to many of the city’s sights and is easily accessible. The rooms are nicely appointed and the service is friendly and helpful but without being fussy.