HOTEL OKURA OPENS A NEW CHAPTER WITH ITS PANORAMA SIGNATURE ROOMS AND SUITES
We began our day at Hotel Okura Amsterdam, discovering its rich history and the vision behind its new Panorama Signature rooms and suites. As the hotel celebrates 55 years of Japanese hospitality in Amsterdam, it is entering an exciting new chapter, bringing together Japanese traditions, Dutch design and a more personal approach to luxury.
We then had the opportunity to explore the new rooms and experience the concept firsthand. The Panorama Signature collection consists of 120 rooms and suites across the eighth to sixteenth floors, with the first renovated rooms expected to be available from mid-December 2026. Guests can already book their stay and look forward to a thoughtfully designed experience, whether visiting Amsterdam for business or leisure.
“Since our opening in 1971, we’ve been introducing guests in Amsterdam to Japanese hospitality, from our restaurants to the way we receive them. To keep that hospitality meaningful, we continue to listen to what our guests are looking for in a stay. For me, that is the core of omotenashi: understanding what is important to someone and responding to it with attention. With that in mind, we continue to build our hotel, while maintaining the familiar feeling that guests here appreciate.
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The interiors combine warm wood, soft textures, natural colours and bronze accents, while the panoramic views across Amsterdam are an essential part of the experience. The design feels contemporary without losing the character of the hotel, with Japanese and Dutch influences woven together. A specially designed Delft-blue tea set brings the two cultures together, while the artwork above the bed references flowers from Japan and the Netherlands. In the bathroom, panels inspired by Japanese shoji screens filter the light, with a pattern that also refers to Amsterdam's plane trees; Details you might not immediately notice, but they give the rooms a sense of identity and make the design truly personal. (It made me want to re-watch Perfect Days by Wim Wenders and relax on the unbelievably soft king-sized bed.)
There is also a clear focus on making the rooms comfortable in everyday use, with every detail designed to support a restful night’s sleep. Improved sound insulation, triple glazing, quiet climate installations and minibars help minimise disruption, while blackout curtains and carefully finished door frames keep unwanted light out. Guests can adjust the temperature and lighting to suit their preferences, and those who enjoy fresh air can open the windows. A pillow menu offers a choice of firmness and specialist options, with additional mattress support available on request.
The hotel has also introduced a Sleep Concierge concept, offering guests personalised advice on sleeping comfort, from choosing the right pillow to finding ways to relax after a long journey. Together, these thoughtful touches reflect Okura’s commitment to creating an experience that goes beyond a beautiful room, ensuring that each guest can settle in comfortably and enjoy a night’s sleep tailored to their individual needs.
“Our guests want to discover Amsterdam, but also have the space to retreat and spend time with each other. We see families who want to stay close to each other, each with their own place, and guests who extend their business trip to experience the city at their own pace. When developing the new rooms, we have therefore always wondered: how does someone feel here, from the moment the guest arrives to the moment of departure. “That question helped us make choices that make a difference for the guest, from the layout to the attention to a good night’s sleep.”
The new rooms reflect a wider vision for the hotel, with accommodation, gastronomy, wellness and cultural experiences all coming together. With further renovations to the bar and wellness areas planned for 2027, this transformation will continue over the coming years, while the hotel remains connected to the Japanese traditions that have shaped it since opening in 1971. It was a lovely day that offered a different perspective on a hotel many people already know for its restaurants and hospitality. The experience tied in beautifully with the concept of omotenashi, the Japanese approach to hospitality that centres on anticipating guests' needs and making them feel genuinely welcome; a philosophy that can be felt throughout Okura, in the service, in the way the rooms have been designed, and in the experiences offered to guests.
