Clayton Hotel Amsterdam American

When Dalata Hotel Group asked D/DOCK to bring new energy to the lobby and strengthen the Clayton identity, the Amsterdam-based studio immediately saw the potential in a space mostly used as a transit zone. Archival research revealed a 1930s photograph showing the lobby divided into distinct zones, a lively layout that inspired the design. By reintroducing this configuration, D/DOCK brought rhythm and functionality back to the ground floor, building on a previous renovation that had already restored key historical elements.

The new reception exudes refined elegance, while the MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) facilities have been reimagined as multifunctional spaces catering to both business and leisure guests. The breakfast room was carefully restored to reconnect with the historic Café Americain, one of Amsterdam’s most famous cafés and a meeting place for writers, artists, and intellectuals, often called the “living room of Amsterdam.” Original details were preserved and combined with a new, beautifully crafted buffet area to create a warm, intimate space that can host breakfast as well as private dinners or small gatherings.

Built in the early 1900s, the hotel’s Art Nouveau character with Amsterdam School influences is one of the best-preserved examples of its kind in the Netherlands. The façade, a combination of diverse styles and statements reflecting the variety of functions inside the building, features beautiful stained glass, while the interiors showcase ornate woodwork and decorative details designed by Dutch architects Willem Kromhout and Herman Gerard Jansen.

The hotel now blends its heritage with contemporary charm, an enhancement that elevates its appeal while preserving its authentic soul.

Design: D/DOCK
Photography: Adam van Noort