Amsterdam bridge houses transformed into hotel rooms

The abandoned bridge houses over canals in Amsterdam have been converted into unique hotel rooms.

The bridge houses along the canals of Amsterdam were home to the canal’s bridge keepers for 100 years. They have since been abandoned with the introduction of automated technology. A new initiative – called SWEETS hotel – is re-purposing these abandoned spaces as waterfront hotel rooms. The initiative is the co-creation of Space&Matter, Grayfield and the founders of the Lloyd Hotel & Cultural Embassy.

As part of the initiative, 28 iconic bridge houses along the waterfront are being transformed into hotel suites. The vision behind this project is to create unexpected city experiences for travellers. With a panoramic view of the surroundings and the chance to stay in unique historic buildings dating back to 1673, SWEETS hotel is a one-of-a-kind way to experience the Dutch capital.

Suzanne Oxenaar and Otto Nan, two of the initiatives creators, said: “It is going to be a very small hotel, that is true. But the idea of a hotel dotted through different neighbourhoods of Amsterdam, with beds that all have a canal view, is amazing and really makes up for the effort.”

A maximum of two guests over the age of 21 can stay in each house. While the houses do not have kitchen facilities, they include a mini fridge, coffee and tea facilities, cutlery, cups and plates. Prices for the accommodation start at EUR 160. Every bridge house also has free WiFi.

Here at Springwise, we have previously written about hotel innovations including a hotel in Norway that is energy self-sufficient. Located in the Arctic Circle, the hotel uses solar panels and geothermal wells to produce more energy than it consumes. Another example is a UK-based hotel that helps the local community by providing training and jobs for disadvantaged people. What other creative initiatives can allow travellers to experience cities in new and exciting ways?