Hotel 717

Hotel 717, Amsterdam: A Luxurious Canal-Side Retreat with Distinguished Service

Hotel 717 in Amsterdam is a highly acclaimed, Michelin Key Selected property, celebrated for its unique blend of historic charm and modern luxury. Housed within a monumental 19th-century canal house overlooking the Prinsengracht, this boutique hotel offers an "exclusive private guesthouse" experience, providing personalized attention and an atmosphere of refined elegance.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Hotel 717 is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing their stays as "exceptional" and "wonderful." It boasts an overall guest feedback score of 18.7 out of 20 based on verified MICHELIN Guide guests. Reviewers consistently highlight the hotel's charm, central location, and the outstanding friendliness and attentiveness of its staff.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud Hotel 717 for several key aspects:

• Service & Hospitality: The staff are frequently described as "absolutely charming," "helpful," "friendly," and "attentive," often going "above and beyond" to ensure a comfortable stay. The presence of 24/7 butler service is also a notable highlight.
• Location: The hotel's prime location on the Prinsengracht canal is a significant draw, offering quiet surroundings while being easily accessible to major attractions, museums, and public transport.
• Design & Ambiance: The hotel's interior is a beautiful blend of historical art and modern design, featuring fireplaces, ceiling ornaments, monumental doors, and marble floors. It's noted for its "classic style" within a landmark 19th-century house. The garden and terrace also offer serene escapes.
• Exclusivity: With only 23 uniquely decorated rooms, Hotel 717 offers an intimate and private guesthouse feel, emphasizing discretion and personalized service.

3. Room Quality

The rooms and suites at Hotel 717 are described as "sumptuous," "regal yet cosy," and "beautifully decorated." They feature a classic design that complements the building's historic ambiance, along with state-of-the-art entertainment gear. Comfort is a recurring theme, with mentions of sprawling plush beds, incredibly comfortable mattresses and pillows, and high-quality hygiene products in the vast bathrooms, often stocked with Chopard products. Many rooms offer canal views, and some have garden or rooftop views. Each room comes with air-conditioning and private bathrooms featuring walk-in showers and separate toilets.

4. Dining Experience

Hotel 717 offers a "truly remarkable breakfast" served in 'The Livingroom' or, when weather permits, in the garden. Previously, breakfast was served in the Strawinsky Room, which has been transformed into 'The Livingroom', also offering an all-day dining menu crafted by chef Rene Haak. Guests consistently praise the breakfast as "delicious," "amazing," and "fantastic," with some highlighting it as a culinary treat. While the breakfast is highly rated, some guests have noted the cost of breakfast (around €47.50) as being expensive. There is also a bar/lounge for drinks.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Hotel 717 is consistently highlighted as exceptional. Guests frequently commend the staff for being extremely friendly, courteous, attentive, and helpful. They are noted for going out of their way to make guests feel at home and providing personalized attention. The 24/7 butler service further underscores the commitment to high-quality hospitality.

6. Location & Accessibility

Hotel 717 boasts an "excellent location" on the Prinsengracht canal, a UNESCO World Heritage site, in Amsterdam City Centre. It's described as being quiet and away from overly touristy spots, yet centrally located for exploring the city.

• Nearby Attractions: Within a short walking distance are major museums like the Rijksmuseum (0.8 km) and the Van Gogh Museum (minutes away), as well as Leidseplein (10-minute walk), The 9 Streets (10-minute walk), and the Anne Frank House (14 minutes' walk).
• Transport: Public transportation is easily accessible, with a tram stop just one block away or steps away at Prinsengracht Stop (2), and a bus stop next to the canal. Amsterdam Central Station is approximately 1.8 km away, and Schiphol Airport is about 16-22 km.
• Accessibility Note: It is important to note that the hotel is a four-story building without an elevator. Access to the floors, breakfast room, and garden is via a centrally located, steep, and narrow staircase. However, staff are willing to help with luggage.

7. Value & Pricing

Hotel 717 is considered a luxurious and often "overpriced" hotel by some, with rates combining quality and value starting from approximately US$169, though typical prices can vary significantly. For example, a "Little Prince small double room" can range from €189-376 during low season. Despite some comments on pricing, many guests feel it is worth the cost due to the exceptional service, luxurious experience, and prime location.

8. Common Complaints

While highly regarded, a few recurring criticisms are noted:

• No Elevator: The most frequent complaint is the absence of an elevator in the four-story historic building, which can be challenging for some guests due to the steep and narrow staircases. However, staff are available to assist with luggage.
• Room Size: Some guests have found certain rooms, particularly the "Little Prince" room, to be small.
• Breakfast Cost: The breakfast, while highly praised for its quality, is considered expensive by some at €47.50 per person per night.
• Lack of Facilities: A few guests mentioned a perceived lack of facilities beyond the living room and terrace, such as a gym or common area for drinks. (Note: There is a bar/lounge and garden, and offsite gym facilities are available).
• Cancellation Policy: One guest reported a negative experience regarding the hotel's refund policy for a canceled flight, citing a lack of flexibility.
• Security Concerns: One concerning review mentioned luggage theft from a car parked outside the hotel.

Sources

1. michelin.com
2. tablethotels.com
3. michelin.com
4. fivestaralliance.com
5. nltimes.nl