Pillows Hotels celebrates its 5th anniversary this year. That we can celebrate this with the opening of a brand new hotel makes this anniversary extra special. In this blog, we interview Loes Dingemans, the CEO of Pillows Hotels.

More behind-the-scenes? In the upcoming months, we interview the (interior) architects, share the story behind the building, the vision of the chef, and many more.

Where does the name Pillows Maurits at the Park come from?

“The name Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Maurits at the Park has everything to do with its special location. The hotel is located in the lively Oosterpark and adjacent to the Mauritskade in vibrant Amsterdam-East. This makes it a unique combination of nature and city.”

What makes this building so special?

“Just like the other hotels of the Pillows collection, this hotel is housed in a monumental building. The former university building dates from 1908 and in the new design, the characteristic and architectural details of the building have been taken into account as much as possible. We have created an extension on the right-wing of the building that merges beautifully with the original architecture. This creates its own character on all sides of the building. By reopening the property as a hotel, we are giving it back to the public and everyone can come and enjoy this special place again.”

A five-star hotel should have hospitality on top-level. What can we expect?

“We have hospitality that fits with every occasion. If you want to, you can indulge in culinary delights in Felix Restaurant. Until September 2021, this fine dining restaurant was located in culture house Felix Meritis on the Keizersgracht. The ambitions of Felix Restaurant fit perfectly with what we have in mind for this Pillows hotel and therefore moves to the Mauritskade. The ambitious chef and rising star Floris van Straalen moves along, just like sommelier Saskia Smeenk. It will be spectacular in a modest way. Only the way to the restaurant, through characteristic corridors and original stained glass windows, is an experience on its own.

Besides a fine-dining experience at Felix Restaurant, you can also experience unforgettable moments at Fitz’s Bar. Where, among other things, a very special rum collection is on the menu. The rooftop bar offers a view of the park and is the ultimate setting for summery drinks.

You can access Spring Café Brasserie from the hotel as well as through the park. It will be an approachable and light brasserie with a big terrace in the Oosterpark and a view upon the open aviary where birds come and go. The great detail is that we will soon not only have a lovely place for our guests, but we also welcome the birds in the park in an open aviary with feeders, birdhouses, and singing places that we place in our landscape garden and the park. It completely matches our hotels, where hospitality and feeling at home are the most important. The synergy that the hotel will have with the Oosterpark is really special”

What can we expect from this hotel?

“At Pillows Maurits at the Park you soon will have everything you need for an unforgettable stay. Several places to dine, drink, and lounge. 88 lovely rooms, wellness and multiple salons, you don’t have to leave the hotel. Who wants to go and explore the city can find the canals within walking distance and fully enjoy everything that Amsterdam has to offer. We are very much looking forward to the end result; the individual spaces that have been designed with such an eye for detail, all different, will form a fantastic whole. It will be the perfect hotel with international allure at a unique location. Close to the center, but also directly in the green of the Oosterpark. The best of both worlds.”