art’otel is a unique space where Art meets hotel. Located directly across from Amsterdam’s grand and bustling Central Station, its sleek and modern interior is the perfect backdrop for the many signature pieces on display inside. We’ve been invited to celebrate a special anniversary of the Art collaboration between the hotel and its Signature Artist, Atelier Van Lieshout. This collection of work has been inspired by the theme “Course of Life”, which refers to the different steps and stages in human life: beginning and end, alpha and omega, and everything in between. We’ve had the chance to discuss with the atelier’s founder, Artist Joep van Lieshout, the five newly unveiled pieces placed predominately within the hotel’s restaurant. Joep spoke passionately about the nature and meaning of his art and choice of the Course of Life theme, as well as his recurring themes of power and politics. Some of the artist’s trademark polyester pieces are functional and more casually placed throughout the hotel to invite you to sit, rest and experience the work and hotel’s hospitality from a different perspective. We felt compelled to sit beside the ‘Female on Bed’ to catch our breath or climb into the Skull chair’s protective cocoon on our way out.
Chef Henrique Sa Pessoa
In addition to the works of the Signature Artist, art’otel also hosts a Restaurant and bar where the food is carefully curated, and the most innovative Signature Cocktails have just been introduced. These are not your typical combinations; they conjure a palpable sensory experience that transports us to significant life moments. ‘Early Years’ is a deceptively mild cocktail punch that tickles your fancy and invites you to continue down memory lane with libations inducing the thrill and mixed emotions of a ‘First Date’, coming of age with ‘Splash Out’ (on to the ‘Honeymoon’ and ‘Slow Down’) and culminating this journey with ‘Lasting Memories’. We didn’t want the journey to end! (not just because the evening was just starting).
Atelier Van Lieshout
Artistry and creativity were also evident in the fusion of Portuguese and Asian tastes served in a menu by Michelin-starred chef Henrique Sá Pessoa,at the ARCA Restaurant. Before enjoying our meal, we sat with Henrique, who gave us a special introduction to his new Signature menu, including a dessert that won the coveted Gault & Millau dessert of 2024.
We finished our hotel experience with a party and walking dinner, during which about 200 guests were entertained by live acts and a live Art exhibition.
Reflecting on our stay, it became obvious that Art takes centre stage in everything the hotel offers. It’s not merely used to highlight the common areas and comfortable guest rooms; it serves as the vessel to feed our bodies and minds from the moment we step into the hotel.
art’otels are also found in other well-known destinations, such as the UK, Germany, Croatia, and (opening soon!) Italy. Each hotel collaborates closely with its chosen local Signature Artist on the architecture, interiors, and artwork. In art’otel Amsterdam, the potential of creation is symbolised by the courtyard sculpture entitled ‘Unlimited’, whereas lust and longing are in full view in the riveting ‘Fertility Lamp’. In Van Lieshout’s own words, ‘Art is meant to pose questions- not answer them’. If Amsterdam is anything to go by, we can’t wait to see what the other hotels have in store.
Pride flew to and from Amsterdam with KLM.
