Dutch Masters is even more perfect than their write-up states.
First, location: we always stay in the city center. After all, what can be better than actually living, if only for a short while, in an UNESCO World Heritage site? The street was quiet and lovely. A block and a half away around the corner is both a decent grocery store and a Metro stop. At the other end of the block is, of all things, a card shop. Not too many people mail cards anymore but after visiting this place, I decided to revive the practice. This is not Hallmark. These are works of art. The place is worth a gander.
The building: The entire interior has been upgraded but retains all the charm of its heritage. The keyless entry system is a treat! A touch of the fob opens and closes the front door. No standing around fighting a key and your bags. (Same is true leaving. You hit a button and the door opens and closes.) the system also automatically turns on the hall and stair lights. The same fob allows you to open your apartment door without fussing with a keyhole, doorknob, groceries, etc. and yes, when you step out of the apartment, the hall and stair lights come on automatically and stay on until you leave the building.
The apartment: Lovely and equipped with everything you need! Plenty of places to store your things, lots of comfortable seating, plenty of towels, ready hot water. We lacked for nothing.
We stayed in the Van Gogh apartment. (Each apartment is named and decorated for a Dutch artist.). The apartment faced an exquisite formal back garden. Although the flowers were not yet in bloom, the host kept bowls of fresh flowers on the tables outside. A set of three huge windows with a window seat, wide enough for a nap, provided light and relaxation. (We watched a pair of wood doves build their nest.) Dutch Masters did a great job of modernizing the space while keeping architectural details - moldings, original stained glass.
The service: Christel met us when we arrived ( using the excellent taxi service they recommended) to give us key fobs and a tour, pointing out how everything worked. There is also a book with all the same information. Next to the book was a lively assortment of jams, cookies, and chocolates. Neither of us drink coffee but the apartment had the correct type of cup things used by the coffee machine.
The mattress was soft but supportive. The bed linens were crisp and soft.
The staff: We had very little need to interact with them but everyone was helpful and smiling when we did.
Really, everything was top notch - quiet, comfortable and high quality. We try to get to Amsterdam every year during tulip season. Although every place we’ve stayed in the past has been acceptable, we plan to make Dutch Masters our permanent place to stay!