THE LOWDOWN

AGHK probably has the best location of any hotel in the city. Opposite the Royal Palace in Dam Square, the heart of central Amsterdam, it’s a mere 10 min stroll from Centraal Station, meaning you can glide in effortlessly on Eurostar and forget the faff of flying. Result. But it’s not just its location that makes it stand out, its recent multi-million pound refurb means décor, facilities and service are now five-star all the way. 

THE VIBE 

Luxurious. Stepping inside is like being transported to another world, one where everything’s glossy and everyone cares – from your bags being whisked up to your room on arrival to staff handing you an umbrella if it’s raining. The restaurants and bar attract a mix of well-heeled tourists and locals, and don’t be surprised to rub shoulders with a visiting celeb or dignitary, like French President Emmanuel Macron, at the check-in desk. 

SCOFF & QUAFF 

The hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant wasn’t open when Muddy stayed, but dinner at Grand Café Krasnapolsky, overlooking Dam Square, didn’t disappoint. Its slick wood and beige interior is subtle-yet-glamorous, a tasteful setting to tuck into a starter of mackerel, cucumber, apple and radish followed by celeriac with hazelnut, shiso and pumpkin, each dish as fresh, healthy and tasty as it sounds. But then you clock the cake room (think shelves laden with pastries and chocolate truffles) and the Champagne bar, and it takes great will power to walk away without sampling both.

Not everything in the hotel’s had a glow up. The famous Winter Garden restaurant looks similar today as it did in the 19th Century – it’s easy to imagine the lavish balls and parties that would have taken place beneath its glass roof. It has a reputation as the best breakfast in Amsterdam and we concur, think chocolate fountain, smoothie station, egg chef and pastries galore.

Bar the Tailor – a nod to the hotel’s original owner Adollph Krasnapolsky who had been a tailor before opening a coffee shop on the site in 1856 – is a low-lit, atmospheric drinking spot with a good line in cocktails (and mocktails).  

PILLOW TALK 

You can tell there’s been a refurb: everything’s contemporary, sleek and really rather wow, from the chandeliers to the enormous floor-to-ceiling windows and arty photographs of the city. 

With more than 400 rooms, there’s plenty of choice. Muddy stayed in suite 2128 which had a huge bed from where we could gaze at a canal, bikes and boats (other rooms have a view of Dam Square), plus a dining room and lounge with a sofa bed – ideal if you’re travelling with friends or family.

FACILITIES 

There’s a slick spa you’re going to want to spend time in. Small yet perfectly formed, with three single treatment rooms (plus one for couples), and a menu that includes some tempting massages, like Stress Release, Deep tissue and Bespoke. Want to go home looking fresher? Better book the Brilliance Glow or Pure collagen facials using ‘well-aging’ (note not anti-aging) Swissline products. There’s also a hammam, steam room, infrared experience and sauna.

OUT & ABOUT 

You’re in the heart of the city, so you’re sightseeing the moment you step out of the door, however it can be good to have a guide so I booked a Food Tour of Amsterdam through the hotel. It was such a great way to discover the city (whilst filling my face with amazing food). My friendly guide, Karin, met me in reception and was a mine of information about Amsterdam and the best places to eat there.

Over two hours I ate my way around the city, scoffing handmade ice cream at Monte Pelmo, artisanal chocolates at Puccini, trying, crazy-flavoured cheeses like pesto and beer at Amsterdam Cheese Museum and, best of all, tucking into huge slices of Dutch apple pie (appeltaart) at legendary Café Winkel 43 in Noordermarkt Square. The buttery outer crust is melt-in-the-mouth good and provided enough energy to power me through the rest of my sightseeing list: flower market, Vondelpark and Van Gogh Museum.

ACCESSIBILITY 

Although the hotel is made up of 55 old canal buildings stitched together, there are ramps and elevators in place if needed.

THE MUDDY VERDICT 

GOOD FOR: A luxurious, hassle-free, no-fly weekend break. 

NOT FOR: If you want a budget break in an under-the-radar neighbourhood, look elsewhere. This is tourist central. 

GO THERE

Rooms at the Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky from £262 per night.

Eurostar tickets to Amsterdam from around £136 return.