First stop in Amsterdam: A Review of InterContinental Amstel
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We set off on a long trip, and our first stop was Amsterdam. We had booked a two-night stay using the complimentary night voucher for a stay at the InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam. We checked in around 10.30, but our room was not ready, so we were given a holding room, which was very welcome as we left London on the 7.00 am flight, so it was a very early start.
We had a few hours of rest, then checked with the receptionist to see if the room was ready. We were told it was, and our bags had been delivered to the room. I picked up the keys from reception and went to see the room. We had booked a 1-bedroom suite with a city view and balcony as we have stayed in the hotel many times, booking the same suite category and having our two-room category upgraded, and this has always been fantastic.
It was New Year’s Eve, so the rate was 1200 euros per night, which was considerably more expensive than the 600 we had paid previously, but it was a 2nd night free, so we were happy to pay for it.
We arrived at the room, which was lovely, but there was no upgrade to a hirer category, so I called reception, the front office manager. He was extremely polite and asked me to give them a few moments to investigate this.
After about 20 minutes, he heard the callback. He was apologetic and somewhat embarrassed as they had indeed not given an upgrade and could not because they had sold all the rooms in the last 24 hours, so no upgrade was available. I explained that we had paid extra due to the time of year and that had we booked 2 categories lower and been given this room, it would have been around 500 euros, which was a significant saving on the rate we had actually paid. He was genuinely embarrassed by the situation but couldn’t offer a solution, so I asked if we could cancel the reservation and go to another hotel. He didn’t want us to go but could not offer another room, so he said they would help with another booking.
We did leave on very good terms, but I explained that the 1200 euro was not justified under the circumstances. He seemed embarrassed by it and explained that the hotels had to capitalize on the revenue sometimes, which was beyond his control.
He arranged for a taxi free of charge to get us to the Kimpton de Witt, gave me his details, and said to contact him personally on our next visit. I was sad to leave but felt that the room cost was far too excessive for our room.
Having stayed at this property so many times previously, it will not deter me from staying again as the service given was still impeccable despite all.
Our second stop was in Kimpton de Witt, and this stay was amazing. Check out the full review here.
