Curated Amsterdam: Insider recommendations from an expert concierge
Discover how to make your stay in Amsterdam a truly immersive and memorable one with these insider tips from Peter Boellaard, Head Concierge at Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam.
By Alison Cavatore | August 26, 2026
Having developed a passion for connecting with people and creating memories in his younger years, Peter Boellaard, Head Concierge at Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam, loves nothing more than seeing guests enjoy themselves in the city where he was born and raised.
As a proud member of Les Clefs d’Or, the prestigious international association representing the world’s leading luxury hotel Concierges, Peter feels his purpose is to go beyond expectations and imagination, investing his drive and passion into every hotel guest. Through his travels, cultural experiences, and connections within the hospitality industry, Peter has built a strong global network throughout his career. This worldwide community allows him to create memorable experiences and open doors for guests in ways that others may not be able to.
We spoke to Peter about how guests at Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam can take advantage of the unique and unforgettable local experiences that the hotel offers. Read on to get his insider recommendations and discover how to elevate your stay in Amsterdam with bespoke experiences in and around Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam.
Meet Peter Boellaard
Can you tell us about yourself and your role as Head Concierge at Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam?
"Being Head Concierge is more than a profession, it is a lifestyle offering luxury service, tailor-made itineraries, and making dreams come true. Every day, I have the opportunity to meet guests with diverse interests and aspirations. By understanding their individual preferences, my team and I create curated itineraries that reflect dedication, authenticity, passion, and a genuine desire to deliver unforgettable experiences. It is all about the teamwork to create dreamwork."
"Every day, I have the opportunity to meet guests with diverse interests and aspirations. By understanding their individual preferences, my team and I create curated itineraries that reflect dedication, authenticity, passion, and a genuine desire to deliver unforgettable experiences."
- Peter Boellaard
Curated hotel experiences
What are some personal touches that Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam does to help elevate a stay experience?
"At Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam, we believe the most memorable experiences are created through the details that are personal to each guest. One of the special features of our arrival experience is the fragrance master, designed by Trudon, a fragrance manufacturer started by Claude Trudon in 1643. As part of the turndown experience, guests may select one of the fragrances to be subtly diffused in their room, creating a personalized and sensory touch to their stay. Upon departure, they are gifted a fragrance stone infused with their chosen scent, allowing them to take a little piece of their stay home with them. We also arrange exclusive experiences such as private viewings and opportunities to meet artists or footballers and give guests access to Amsterdam in ways they may not otherwise experience. Whether it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience, a deeply personal surprise, or simply remembering the smallest detail from a previous stay, our aim is to make every guest feel that their experience has been created especially for them."
Tips and recommendations
What are some local experiences that you recommend to guests that they can’t find by searching online?
"We curate tailor-made moments based on each guest’s interests, connecting them with the right people, places, and stories that bring Amsterdam to life in a way they could not experience on their own. We are proud to offer our guests access to exceptional opportunities, such as private viewings at renowned museums like the Rijksmuseum, exclusive visits to private art collections featuring works from Dutch Masters including Vincent van Gogh, and personalized cultural experiences such as creating their own Delft Blue artwork. We can also arrange exclusive access to historic private residences dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries, showcasing Amsterdam’s rich heritage and architectural legacy."
"At Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam, luxury is about creating authentic connections and meaningful experiences. We curate tailor-made moments based on each guest’s interests, connecting them with the right people, places, and stories that bring Amsterdam to life in a way they could not experience on their own."
- Peter Boellaard
Local experiences
Can you speak to meaningful connections and cultural experiences guests can enjoy through Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam? How do you elevate these experiences for guests?
"The Concierge team at Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam draws on its local knowledge and trusted relationships to look beyond the traditional highlights and create experiences that guests may not necessarily discover online. This can include private viewings, hidden cultural gems, or unique experiences on property such as the Stroopwafel making experience. In this experience, guests are invited to discover the art of preparing Stroopwafels, a Dutch delicacy, from creating the delicate waffle biscuits to finishing them with the signature caramel filling. A fun and hands-on experience for guests of all ages, it offers a unique opportunity to connect with Dutch culture through one of the country’s most beloved treats. We create memorable experiences within the hotel and beyond, always tailored to the individual guest. For those looking to explore further, we can also arrange unique experiences such as a private helicopter journey to Zaanse Schans, with a surprise visit to the flower fields along the way, taking in the vibrant colors of the Dutch countryside. We work with specialized guides in all aspects and always make sure the fit between our guest and the guide is perfect."
What are your top 3 insider tips for experiencing the best of Amsterdam for a Waldorf Astoria guest?
"Guests can begin their day with a moment of calm through our private Garden Yoga experience. Surrounded by the peaceful atmosphere of our historic garden, each session is thoughtfully tailored to the guest’s individual level, offering a peaceful and rejuvenating moment in the heart of Amsterdam.
Another experience we love to arrange is a private Dutch countryside tour with a dedicated driver and private guide. Guests can discover the iconic windmills of Zaanse Schans with a local, [and] even step inside a traditional windmill to learn about its history and purpose. From there, they can explore the charming fishing villages of Volendam and Marken, with their characteristic wooden houses and authentic Dutch heritage. We can also include visits to a local artist in his gallery, a traditional cheese farm, a wooden shoemaker, or other picturesque towns in North Holland, depending on their interests.
After returning to Amsterdam, we can arrange a private city tour with one of our specialized guides, combining the city’s rich history with a visit to one of its renowned museums. Our local guides have exceptional knowledge of Amsterdam’s heritage and art collections, such as the Rijksmuseum, where guests can admire masterpieces by Dutch Masters, including Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Vermeer, and Hals. They also know the hidden gems of the city and can personalize the experience around specific interests, whether that is art, architecture, history, or local culture. We are also delighted to provide lunch recommendations based on the guest’s wishes.
To end the day, one of our most exclusive experiences is a private dinner cruise through Amsterdam’s historic canals. Guests are welcomed aboard an authentic saloon boat directly from the hotel, where their private captain becomes both their guide and host. The journey is completely personalized, allowing guests to discover the city from a unique perspective while enjoying a carefully curated dining experience. Each course is selected from a different fine dining restaurant in Amsterdam, accompanied by a wonderful selection of wines, Champagnes, local beers, and beverages from the fully stocked bar.
For us, this is the perfect way to conclude a day of discovery: sailing through the enchanting canals, enjoying exceptional cuisine, and watching the city transform as the sun sets. It is an experience that captures the essence of Amsterdam and creates memories that guests will cherish long after their stay."
All about Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam
Alison Cavatore
Alison Cavatore is the Assistant Editor for the Content Marketing team at Hilton. She has written and copyedited for numerous print and digital publications in the U.S. and abroad. Born in Pittsburgh, PA, Alison has lived in Miami, Scottsdale, Holland, France, Switzerland and Canada. She currently resides in the Washington, D.C. area.
Find your stay
Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam
Located in the UNESCO-listed city center, our hotel spans six 17th- and 18th-century palaces on the Herengracht Canal. Enjoy the iconic Afternoon Tea at Peacock Lounge and indulge in personalized treatments at the Guerlain Spa. For any occasion, our exquisite venues and exceptional service are at your disposal to host a tailored event that exceeds expectations.
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