Jan Luyken Amsterdam occupies a restored 19th-century townhouse in the city’s Museum Quarter, blending historic architecture with a contemporary, residential guest experience. The property features 62 rooms and a studio, ranging from cosy layouts to more spacious accommodations. Located near landmarks like the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Vondelpark, the hotel offers amenities including complimentary breakfast, all-day refreshments, self-service snacks, 24-hour reception, and personalised services.
Boutique hospitality studio Nicemakers handled the redesign, aiming to make the townhouse feel like a home rather than a traditional hotel. The project was completed in four months. Designers used a layered approach, mixing vintage and antique furniture sourced from the Netherlands, Belgium, and Italy. The result is an eclectic collection of items that avoids a singular aesthetic, instead creating a curated, lived-in look.
Sam Lupton, an interior designer at Nicemakers, described the goal as making the space feel like a private residence. “From the outset, our goal was to make the townhouse feel like a home rather than a hotel,” Lupton said. “We wanted guests to feel instantly at ease – surrounded by warmth, curiosity, and spaces that invite both connection and quiet retreat.”
The colour palette relies on earthy tones, complemented by bold accents like Rosa Norvegia marble, burnt orange walls, and burgundy velvet. Original details, such as high-gloss painted woodwork and emerald green entrance tiles, were preserved to respect the building’s heritage. Rich materials, deep velvet seating, and upholstered window nooks create intimacy throughout the building.
Related: Independent Hotel Show 2026 looks ahead
A communal welcome
One of the most distinct changes involves the reception area. Nicemakers transformed the traditional front desk into a communal kitchen island. This shift serves as both a welcome point and a social hub, reinforcing the home-like atmosphere and reshaping how guests interact with the space upon arrival.
Shared spaces further blur the line between hotel and residence. A garden, library lounge, fitness studio, and communal kitchen-style breakfast area are available to guests. The library houses a collection of rare books and magazines spanning art, writing, and historical design, sourced through a collaboration with a UK-based rare book supplier. Artworks by Oode Gallery, furnishings from HK Living and The Socialite Family, and other collaborations with European makers connect the property to the city’s creative community.
While the design creates a warm and inviting environment, the focus on residential-style living is not entirely new for the region. Similar projects in the city have previously attempted to mimic private residences by removing front desks and eliminating the rigid schedules of traditional hospitality. The approach at Jan Luyken Amsterdam follows that same logic, but the physical transformation of the reception into a kitchen island makes the domestic feel more immediate.