We had the pleasure of speaking with Femke Groeneveld-Weller, Deputy General Manager of Hotel Okura Amsterdam, a haven of understated elegance, that celebrates the festive season with a focus on craftsmanship, family-friendliness, and local partnerships. Its new festive pop-up shop showcases curated gifts from local artisans, while the "Festive" concept embraces inclusivity and creates lasting memories.

Describe Christmas at Okura Amsterdam

This is my 15th Christmas at Okura Amsterdam, and I have to say that I love the atmosphere. It's always so cozy and inviting. We don't go overboard with decorations or over-the-top events. Instead, we focus on creating a warm, homey, and welcoming atmosphere.

We call the Christmas season "Festive," which is a way of embracing the inclusivity of the festive period. We want to make sure that everyone feels welcome and included, regardless of their cultural background. While we definitely have a Christmas tree, we also incorporate elements from other cultures to celebrate the season in a truly global way.

How does the festive season impact the guest experience? 

While there might not be any over-the-top Christmas spectacles or extravagant decorations, our guests consistently appreciate the warm and inviting atmosphere we create during the festive season. Our clientele is different from other hotels in the area, and they seem to enjoy the understated elegance and family-friendly environment we offer.

We've noticed that families really love staying with us during Christmas. We've found from guest feedback that children find our hotel to be a very welcoming and enjoyable place to spend time. We offer a variety of activities and amenities specifically designed for families, which makes it a great destination for parents looking to create special memories with their children during the holidays.

Are there any special festive traditions or activities that guests can only experience at your hotel during Christmas?   

We have a special pop-up shop this year that showcases the craftsmanship that goes into every aspect of our hotel. From the exquisite dishes created by our chefs to the intricate details of our bed linens, we believe in celebrating the artistry and attention to detail that makes Okura Amsterdam so unique.

This pop-up shop is a great opportunity for guests to get a glimpse behind the scenes and appreciate the passion and expertise of our team. It's also a wonderful way to take home a piece of Okura Amsterdam to remember their special Christmas stay with us.

Do you collaborate or partner with any local businesses for the festive season?  

We believe in supporting local businesses and incorporating their craftsmanship into our festive offerings. This year, we've partnered with several talented local artisans to create a unique pop-up shop in our hotel. This shop showcases a curated selection of handcrafted gifts and products that reflect the artistry and attention to detail that our hotel is known for.

One of our partners is Co Create Well, a company that specialises in creating bespoke products using sustainable materials. Their work aligns perfectly with our commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing. We've also collaborated with Kabeer, a renowned local chocolatier, to design a special holiday chocolate collection.

While many hotels go all out with over-the-top holiday decorations and events, we prefer to stay true to our DNA and focus on creating a warm, inviting, and understated atmosphere. Our pop-up shop is a great example of this approach. It's a small but carefully curated space that tells the story of Okura Amsterdam's craftsmanship and our passion for local partnerships.

How do you approach designing your Christmas décor to wow your guests? Are there any innovative or distinctive decorations or themes that you have found particularly successful? 

While it may sound a bit boring at first, our approach to Christmas décor is actually quite sustainable. We've been using the same decorations for the past five years, making small tweaks each year to keep things fresh. This not only saves us money but also reduces waste. Who really remembers what our Christmas décor looked like last year? Apart from a few of us who have been here for the past five years, even I can't recall the exact details. So, why invest in elaborate decorations that will only be used for a few weeks and then thrown away.

What’s your most memorable guest experience during Christmas time?  

Over the past 52 years in Amsterdam, we've had the privilege of hosting countless Christmas celebrations for families who have made our hotel their annual tradition. These families come back year after year, creating special memories and forging a special bond with our staff. It's always heartwarming to see these traditions passed down from generation to generation, with parents introducing their children to Christmas at Okura Amsterdam.

One particularly memorable moment stands out from a few years ago. A young man in his twenties approached the front desk, holding a slightly crumpled business card. He explained that as a child, he had dined at our Sazanka restaurant, and really enjoyed seeing what the chefs were doing and that it changed his life, and he decided in that moment that wanted to become a chef himself.

We were pleased to tell him that the chef who had inspired him was still working at the hotel and asked him if he’d like to say hello. It was a really special moment to see the young man meet the man who inspired him to pursue a career in hospitality and how Okura Amsterdam played such a bit part in this decision.