A playful 3-storey bridge house with 360° views over the river IJ, located at walking distance from Amsterdam Central Station (6 minutes) and therefore a perfect hotel room when you’ve just arrived from Schiphol Airport. Don’t let the industrial exterior of bridge house Westerdoksbrug fool you: on the top floor, you’ll enter a bright and colourful living space. Marvel at some of Amsterdam’s newest architecture from your bedroom window — including the acclaimed EYE film museum and the Palace of Justice — or cocoon in bed by closing the pink curtains. Follow the spiral staircase down to find a pink-tiled bathroom.
Heading out? Take a stroll to the nearby Haarlemmer Street with some of the city’s best (concept) stores, bars, restaurants and patisseries. The popular Noordermarkt, open on Saturday and Monday, is a paradise for organic food lovers and antique fans at just an 8-minute walk from your bridge house.
From 1960 to 2017 the Westerdoksbrug bridge house accommodated the city’s bridge keepers. In 2017 the bridge house started a new chapter as one of 28 suites for SWEETS hotel.
Architect 1960: Dirk Sterenberg
Architect 2017: Space&Matter
Architectural Style: New Objectivity
Location: Westerdoksdijk
Waterway: Westerkanaal
Bridge Type: Bascule Bridge
The Westerdoksbrug (bridge), a continuation of Westerdoksdijk (dike), was built in collaboration with Du Croo & Brauns. This Dutch producer of railway materials provided the steel structure for the bridge, which is also one of the most important western entrances to the city. The collaboration with Du Croo & Brauns is typical of the sixties, a period in which new and innovative construction materials were sought. This innovative use of materials is also evident in the Westerdoksbrug bridge house, which was built in 1960 according to a design by Dirk Sterenberg. This functionalist building may lack aesthetic appeal, but the use of a light steel structure and aluminium and corrugated sheet exterior cladding was innovative for its day. The building’s base is clad with concrete tiles, a material that was first introduced in the fifties.
Before you book a SWEET stay, please read our house rules:
1km
Fine dining with an amazing view and service. Veggies delight: their focus is on vegetables. (Photo courtesy of Restaurant Bak)
500m
A cosy spot in winter with a fireplace. Always busy and vibrant. Cool hangout spot in summer. (Photo courtesy of Meneer Nieges)
750m
One of the best Italian restaurants in Amsterdam, be sure to reserve. (Photo courtesy of Restaurant Toscanini)
800m
The best apple pie in town – with or without whipped cream. Freshly baked (most of the time) the pie is still warm. Combine your visit to Winkel 43 with a visit to the Noordermarkt (market) on Monday or Saturdays. (Photo courtesy of ENJOY the good life)
1,2km
The Anne Frank House shares the story of the Frank family with its visitors using Anne’s famous diary as a reference. Anne’s original writings, personal documents, objects and photographs are permanently on display. Tip: Arrive early or buy a queue jump ticket online, as waiting times can be extremely long. (Photo courtesy of Anne Frank House)
Still haven’t found what you’re looking for? Keep exploring other bridge houses.
Bordering the popular Jordaan area and the heart of Amsterdam, a 1950s house in the late ‘Amsterdam School’ style.
Stay from €125
Sit on high! A soaring 3-storey bridge house close to Amsterdam North’s favourite bars and cafés.
Stay from €135
Located in popular West Amsterdam, close to bars, cafés and shops with a bird’s eye view of a canal.
Stay from €125
