Hotel Okura Amsterdam celebrates its 50-year jubilee

The stories of The Art of Okura are told by an impressive work of art in the lobby, the Ginkgo tree. Quite fittingly for a jubilee celebration, this Japanese tree is a symbol of long life. Everyone who meets the tree can listen to the original stories about the past, the present and the future of Hotel Okura Amsterdam. You can also visit the Ginkgo tree via our website. We will be adding new stories to the tree each month during the jubilee year. The Art of Okura is a tribute to all the people who have worked with passion and dedication since its opening to make Hotel Okura Amsterdam what it is today.

Kikuhiko Okura, Managing Executive Officer at Hotel Okura Co Ltd in Tokyo and President of Hotel Okura Amsterdam: “This is a wonderful and humbling moment to be the fifth generation involved in this family business and to work for Hotel Okura Amsterdam. We can build an exciting new chapter on our rich history. It was my great-great-grandfather who laid the foundation that made all of this possible when he founded the family business. When he gave his son – and my great-grandfather – Kishichiro Okura the freedom to put his vision of the ideal hotel into practice. He believed in the art of Japanese hospitality and craftmanship with every fibre of his being and wanted to create a place where everyone felt at home. My family’s love of art also goes back a long way. For instance, in 1917 my great-great-grandfather founded the first private museum in Japan, the Okura Museum of Art, to display his collection of Asian art. That makes it extra special that we are now unveiling The Art of Okura on the occasion of our Amsterdam hotel’s anniversary.”

“Our 50-year anniversary is moment of reflection. A moment to honour and to celebrate what we have achieved together,” says Michiel Roelfsema, managing director at Hotel Okura Amsterdam.  “I would like to express my gratitude to our team. They are the beating heart of Hotel Okura Amsterdam. Hospitality, a readiness to help and diligence are part of our DNA. We are only happy if we are one step ahead of our guests and have already fulfilled their wishes before they knew what they were. Every single detail plays its part in providing an outstanding total experience. And every detail must be just right. This requires continuous training and complete dedication. An investment that absolutely pays off in the satisfaction of our guests and the loyalty of our employees.”

“Hotel Okura Amsterdam is the only Dutch offshoot of the Okura family. We have always remained faithful to the vision of Kishichiro Okura: to offer the Best Accommodation, the Best Cuisine and the Best Service. Within that vision, we are trusted to execute a local strategy,” adds Marcel van Aelst​, Group Chairman at Okura Nikko Hotel Management Ltd Co in Tokyo and former managing director of Hotel Okura Amsterdam. “I am grateful that I was able to contribute to so many wonderful milestones at Okura. And the Michelin star for Yamazato in 2002 and second star for Ciel Bleu were the absolute pinnacles for me. It certainly added colour to the recent celebrations of my own personal golden jubilee as a hotelier.”

About Hotel Okura Amsterdam

Hotel Okura Amsterdam is part of Okura Nikko Hotel Management, a chain with more than 70 luxury hotels, primarily in Asia. The hotel is also a member of The Leading Hotels of the World group. Hotel Okura Amsterdam has 300 rooms and in addition to top-quality hotel accommodation, offers its guests a spa and fitness centre, ultramodern conference rooms and the culinary delights of no less than four restaurants – three of which have been recognised by Guide Michelin. Hotel Okura Amsterdam is just a stone’s throw away from both Amsterdam’s business district and the capital city’s main tourist attractions.