Opened in 2022, Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Maurits at the Park by the Oosterpark in Amsterdam is part of Pillows Hotels, a family-owned luxury boutique hotel chain with locations in the Netherlands and Belgium, with six hotels opened in five years in Netherlands and Belgium, of which two hotels are ranked as five stars. The company which is owned by Alex Mulder, has made it a priority to also invest in the fine dining. In 2023, Amerborgh and Pillows Hotels acquired three Michelin star restaurant and boutique hotel Inter Scaldes from Jannis and Claudia Brevet.
The Pillows Amsterdam which includes 88 rooms and suiets is housed within a former university building which dates back from 1908 and was designed by architect J.B. Springer. The grand mansion style property is located in the Oosterpark on the street called Mauritskade – an up-and-coming residential area of Amsterdam, away from the bustle of the city, yet only 10 minutes drive away from Dam Square. It is built in an architecture style known as the ‘Amsterdam School’, characterized by the use of a lot of brick and the application of decorations in the facades.
All the ornate features of the buildings past has been taken into account in the design. The new wing and the original building intertwine harmoniously and the different types of windows connect the indoor with the outdoor, ensuring utmost serenity through ultimate soundproofing. The serene AC adapts to the desired temperature in minutes. The interior design can be described as a “noble simplicity”, exuding exceptional good taste and featuring the highest quality furnishings and finishes, with an exceptional attention to details.
Bedding is truly outstanding, rivalling the finest beds in global hospitality. Pillows are indeed one-of-a-kind, ensuring a flawless sleep experience. Every single detail has been considered, from impeccable black-out, to high water pressure in the shower and underfloor heating in the bathroom. Dyson hairdryers and bespoke Diptyque amenities are among the other exquisite details which you will enjoy. Rooms are not the largest in Amsterdam, while suites are much more spacious, yet, without any doubt, the accommodations are of the highest luxury calibre!
The entire hotel has a unique plush feel, cocooning and warm – soft, tactile materials and warm, earthy colour palette create a calming harmony. Touches of Parisian elegance are combined with Dutch sensibility, setting a relaxing tone in the rooms and suites, which boast not only comfort but also functionality. You will also appreciate the abundant natural daylight throughout the hotel, with oversized windows. The art has been conceived by painter Raphaël Hermans for the hotel specifically and is inspired by the park and birds. Picasso paintings are also spread throughout the hotel.
With the construction of the hotel over 4000 sqm of parkland has been given back to the Oosterpark and any existing partitions and fences were removed. The hotel holds the Green Key Gold Certificate, the highest sustainability mark for the tourism and leisure industry. The staggering investment is testament by the owners to also give back to the city, while also creating over 120 jobs. In less than 2 years from opening, the hotel has achieved an exceptionally high ranking surpassing most of the established luxury hotels in Amsterdam.
The approach of the owners and management alike has been humble and down-to-earth, earning inch by inch the appreciation of guests and the reputation of the property, while consolidating an exceptional service culture. Service is at superlative standards, highly personalised and individualised, the entire team being dedicated to ensure the highest luxury standards. Staff do adapt to the guests, whether they prefer to be more formal or more casual. Nevertheless, the service approach is warm and welcoming, without being pretentious or intimidating – on the contrary! Attention to details is paramount!
The hotel has been also taking an innovative approach to the use of space but also to further enhance the already high service standards. The beating heart of the hotel is the generously spaced Living Room which is exclusively reserved for hotel guests. The warm library atmosphere features superb views of the park and serves complimentary snacks, sweets, coffee and soft drinks. It is an ideal place to meet but also to unwind. During my stay, I have been pleasantly surprised by guests who would simply enjoy reading a book. The Concierge desk is sensibly positioned within the Living Room, always available for hotel guests.
The Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Maurits at the Park by the Oosterpark includes VanOost, one of Amsterdam’s top ranked fine dining restaurant – with an impressive interior design and architecture – including a show-stopping open kitchen. Chef Floris van Straalen and his young and his young team serve gastronomic cuisine, inspired by flavours from all over the world and prepared with local ingredients. The expansive views of the park are staggering during any time of the year and also during any season. You will also appreciate the mix of guests, with a solid base of locals who frequent the dining venues of the hotel.
Whether it is the a-la-carte breakfast at the Spring Cafe Brasserie, a snack at the Fitz’s Bar or dinner at VanOost, food is outstanding – quality, presentation and service ! In the warmer months, the hotel also boasts a stunning outdoor roof-top bar and an expansive terrace right on the park. Chef Luigi di Benedetto from Salerno (Italy) delivers a superb Italian & Mediterranean range of dishes with a twist but also classics. With a strong individual identity for each dining venues, Pillows Amsterdam is undoubtedly a culinary destination, too.
Oliver Petcu in Amsterdam

Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Maurits at the Park
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