Hilton Amsterdam *****

Big, informal, with very good service and all you need to enjoy your days in Amsterdam. The five-star Hilton opened in 1962, as the first international Hilton Hotel in Europe.

Although being part of a large chain of hotels, Hilton Amsterdam has no worldwide standard furnishing. All rooms have recently (2008-9) been completely restyled and refurnished. The interior of the rooms is no longer minimalistic and no-nonsense, but has now a warm and luxurious appearance.

Hilton Hotel Amsterdam
The John and Yoko suite

Famous for John Lennon and Yoko Ono's 1969 bed-in. After being married in Gibraltar in March 1969, John Lennon and Yoko Ono spent their honeymoon in the presidential suite (room 902). They received correspondents of the international press in bed, where they stayed for the full six days. It was their "bed-in" action for peace. Later John Lennon described these days in a song "The Ballad of John and Yoko" where he mentions Amsterdam Hilton by name and uses the following words: "the news people said: -Hey, what you doin' in bed? I said:- We're only tryin' to get us some peace!".

Its architecture is a bit dull. Inside, the Amsterdam Hilton is a comfortable and quiet place to stay. It is located in Amsterdam Oud-Zuid, at the elegant Apollolaan Avenue, about 20 minutes walking from the most important museums and a bit away from the busy centre of Amsterdam. Close to the Beethovenstraat, one of the most exclusive Amsterdam shopping streets.

The John and Yoko suite is still in use and can be rented. It is very popular among newly married and couples in love.

Rooms: 271 Rates: €480 deluxe room

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