InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam

Originally, the hotel was to consist of four wings built around a glass-covered inner courtyard with access for coaches on Sarphatistraat. Of the preliminary design only the westerly wing, facing the river, was actually built. Unfortunately, Dr. Sarphati died before the property was completed. When the hotel opened in 1867 the most expensive rooms were on the ground floor as lifts did not exist yet. In the first years of existance, the Hotel owed its exceptional clientele of royals and celebrities to Dr. Mezger who started his practice in the Amstel Hotel during the opening years. In the Amstel Health Club of the hotel you can still find a remembrance plaque.

The city's official motto "Heldhaftig, Vastberaden, Barmhartig" (Valiant, Resolute, Merciful) which is displayed on the coat of arms, was bestowed on it by Queen Wilhelmina in 1947 in recognition of the city's bravery during World War II.

In the 17th Century Amsterdam was the most important city in the world in terms of trade. The most successful businessmen had houses on the main canals and in the nearby countryside along the rivers, like the Amstel and the Vecht. The inner ring of city canals has been nominated by UNESCO as World Heritage List.

Although Amsterdam is the capital of The Netherlands, the Houses of Parliament, ministries and embassies are all based in The Hague.

Built in 1648, this former town hall was built during the Golden age of the Netherlands but turned into a Royal Palace in 1800 by Napoleon's brother Louis. As the Amsterdam soil consists mainly of marshy subsoil (peat) it was built on 13.600 piles driven 20 metres deep.