Pestana Amsterdam Riverside

I visited Amsterdam with a large group of friends in 2017. Unfortunately it was a disaster as we could not agree on an agenda, so ended up wandering around doing not very much. My wife and I revisited in March with no specific plans. Went into a Tourist Information Centre and got some great advice! Only there for 3 nights so wanted a full agenda. Booked a 48 hours Bus Tour and Canal Tour which was superb! You get to see a huge variety of places, which you can then decide to revisit on foot. Definitely the best way to familiarise yourself with a place! What a wonderful place Amsterdam is, and the locals are super friendly 👍. Too many places to mention, just go and see it all. Thoroughly recommend!👍

My disappointment with Pestana Amsterdam Riverside has nothing to do with the property itself and everything to do with how management handled a guest concern. Due to exceptional and unforeseen circumstances during my trip to Europe, I was forced to cancel my reservation. I fully understood the hotel’s cancellation policy and never disputed it. Instead, I respectfully requested that the hotel consider a goodwill exception given the extraordinary circumstances involved. What followed was even more disappointing than the financial loss. After providing a detailed explanation, supporting documentation, and multiple follow-up emails, I was met with silence. Many emails were sent and the latest email sent on May 18 remains unanswered despite repeated attempts to obtain an update. For a hotel that markets itself as a luxury, five-star property, I expected a higher level of professionalism, courtesy, and respect toward guests. Even if the answer was “no,” acknowledging a guest’s concerns and providing a response is a basic standard of customer service. The impression I was left with is that once the cancellation fees were collected, there was little interest in engaging with the guest or reviewing the circumstances in good faith. The lack of communication and empathy was surprising and disappointing. Luxury hospitality is not just about beautiful rooms and facilities. It is about how guests are treated when unexpected situations arise. Unfortunately, my experience with Pestana Amsterdam Riverside fell far short of the standards I would expect from a five-star hotel. I hope management will take guest concerns more seriously in the future and remember that professionalism and courtesy are just as important as the property itself.

Pestana Amsterdam Riverside feels like my second home whenever I’m in Amsterdam. From the reception and guest relations teams, who are always ready to help and make you feel welcome, to the excellent breakfast with its wide variety and very friendly staff, every part of the experience is outstanding. The hotel’s location is also fantastic: close enough to the city center for convenience, yet far enough to avoid the busiest tourist areas, and set in the vibrant and trendy De Pijp neighborhood. I have known this hotel for the past 8 years, and the service has improved tremendously over time. It is always a pleasure to return!

Beautiful hotel on the river with excellent staff

Wonderful hotel. David in the bar/restaurant was delightful.