Amsterdam’s bridges are being transformed into hotel rooms

Room 102, Meeuwenpleinbrug.

(Image credit: Photography courtesy of Mirjam Bleeker)

published 17 March 2018

What started out as an urban development project has evolved into Sweets Hotel, a concept that is transforming Amsterdam’s 28 bridge houses into an ensemble of one-of-a-kind hotel suites all over the city.

The quirky chambers, which hover over the Amsterdam’s sprawling network of waterways, were once home to bridge operators – choreographers of an industrial ballet of boats that danced beneath them – opening and closing the bridge as needed. Now due to automated technology, these houses have lost their original purpose, with many left neglected.

In an on-going project first initiated in 2012 – Sweets Hotel is polishing these forgotten gems, offering experience-hungry travellers a truly local, historic experience.

Tracing a history of Amsterdam’s shifting architectural focus with a variety of buildings that cover a date range from as far back as 1673 to as recently as 2009, these bijou buildings have been restored, rescued and renovated. Inside, local firm Space & Matter has smartly adapted the rooms with space-saving techniques such as walls of shelves and integrated en-suites, to create a modern, functional retreat providing (just enough) space for two adult travellers.

As of now 11 of the 28 bridge houses are available for reservations, with ten more expected to launch before the year’s out. And with a level of immersion you simply won’t get anywhere else in the city, with Sweets Hotel it's not just about bagging a canal-side location, but for a weekend at least, you can own a piece of the canal.

Inside Room 102, Meeuwenpleinbrug, Amsterdam Sweets Hotel — Inside Room 102, Meeuwenpleinbrug.

Room 307, Wiegbrug, Amsterdam, Sweet Hotel — Room 307, Wiegbrug.

04 Room 307 Wiegbrug 4 Photo Courtesy Of Mirjam Bleeker — Inside Room 307, Wiegbrug.

Room 310, Theophile De Bockbrug, Amsterdam, Sweet Hotel — Room 310, Theophile De Bockbrug.

Room 304, Kattenslootbrug, Amsterdam, Sweet Hotel — Room 304, Kattenslootbrug.

Inside Room 304, Kattenslootbrug, Amsterdam, Sweet Hotel — Inside Room 304, Kattenslootbrug.

INFORMATION

For more information, visit the Sweets Hotel website

TOPICS

Elly Parsons is the Digital Editor of Wallpaper*, where she oversees Wallpaper.com and its social platforms. She has been with the brand since 2015 in various roles, spending time as digital writer – specialising in art, technology and contemporary culture – and as deputy digital editor. She was shortlisted for a PPA Award in 2017, has written extensively for many publications, and has contributed to three books. She is a guest lecturer in digital journalism at Goldsmiths University, London, where she also holds a masters degree in creative writing. Now, her main areas of expertise include content strategy, audience engagement, and social media.