This story appears in the November 2, 2014 issue of ForbesLife. Subscribe
Heading to Amsterdam? Take a tip from Netherlands native Nick "Afrojack" Van de Wall--the subject of the ForbesLife cover story "A Spin With Afrojack"--and stay in one of these top-notch hotels.
--The Grand Amsterdam | +31 20 555 3111 | sofitel-legend-thegrand.com
Afrojack's favorite hotel in Amsterdam, this building has been hosting royalty since 1578--guests have ranged from the French Queen Marie de' Medici to the King of Pop himself. The Grand is situated near an equally wide array of Dutch attractions, five minutes by foot from both the Royal Palace and the city's infamous red-light district.
--Conservatorium Hotel | +31 20 570 0000 | conservatoriumhotel.com
This 19th-century gem was abandoned in 1978, only to be turned into the Sweelinck Conservatorium five years later. By 2008 the music school had outgrown its home, and the current hotel took its place after a redesign by Milan-based architect Piero Lissoni. Still, music pervades the property, from the violins hanging from the lobby ceiling to guests like Pharrell Williams.
--Waldorf-Astoria | +31 20 718 4600 | waldorfastoria.com/amsterdam
Made up of six 17th- and 18th-century palaces joined together, the Waldorf boasts 93 rooms that share a grand staircase designed by Louis XIV's architect. The nearby Magere Brug (Dutch for 'Skinny Bridge') is said to have been first built more than 300 years ago by sisters who lived at opposite sides of the Amstel River--and, presumably, didn't enjoy swimming.
For more on the business of music, check out my book Michael Jackson, Inc and my Jay Z biography Empire State of Mind. You can follow me on Twitter & Facebook.
