SkyLounge

I found out about SkyLounge through my Fodor’s travel guide (yes, I still buy travel guides and I love them. Don’t judge). Its main draw was an amazing view of Amsterdam.
My boyfriend and I happened to be the area (it’s near Central Station in the Double Tree) and needed a break so we decided to check this place out.
It was a Sunday at around 4 pm and a really nice day. So naturally, the rooftop was packed. No chance in getting a seat (or even standing room) there. We scoped out the indoor seating, which was also full but got lucky when a couple left, so we managed to nab their table.
Since we weren’t very hungry and saving stomach room for dinner later, we decided to just do drinks. We ordered the cocktail that came in a skull. You can have the bartender make it however you want — i.e. strong, not too sweet, not too fruity, whatever — they’ll customize it for you. I don’t remember what we had but it had orange and dragonfruit. It didn’t taste strong but it deffo gave us a buzz! It cost about $ 55 for 4 drinks. If you do go with option, ask for less ice because I feel like the majority of the drink was ice cubes.
The drinks aren’t so special that you can’t get them anywhere, and it’s pretty pricey. It’s also a little loud in there so it isn’t the type of lounge for a quiet conversation.
At SkyLounge, you’re really just paying for the view.

The view of Amsterdam here is impressive! If you catch a nice weather you’ll be amused (but if you’re like me you’ll admit Amsterdam looks good in any occasion). The staff is super friendly and they have nice drinks — but they’re very expensive. Even a simple beer can make your wallet yell at you. Still, I like to go there with friends to relax and enjoy the view.
I didn’t try much of their food options, only finger foods, and they’re not impressive (the portions are not generous either).
To get there was a bit confusing, we got there by a hotel entrance.

Great lounge for grabbing drinks and enjoying a nice night (or day, if that’s more your style) with panoramic views of beautiful Amsterdam!
Our drinks were both good, a little pricey which is to be expected, but I didn’t feel like I was being completely ripped off given the atmosphere. Waitresses and staff were all friendly and chatty but not overly so.
I’d definitely come back here since it’s a perfect spot for enjoying conversation and cityscapes! Weekend nights are supposed to have djs or live music too.

Best view of Centraal and Amsterdam.
Great vibe, but at times seemed too touristy, Turkish, and bland. I like bars and lounges to be social, and not just with the people you roll in with.
Drinks are good, but no Amstel on tap. I thought the Dutch government fixed the monopoly practices of the breweries? Amstel is hard to find in Amsterdam, but its parent company, Heineken, has Heineken beer everywhere. Thanks for nothing.
But I digress, eat– drink– be merry, for this is Amsterdam!

Drinks are so expensive here, but the few is incredible! Try to get there around 4, otherwise it will become too crowded, and perfect to see the sunset over Amsterdam

Skylounge
This has a fantastic view over Amsterdam as the bar is 360 degree glass. There is also a deck that you can walk out on to take photos. This is a nice place for girlie drinks, a date night, starting a night out. The atmosphere is good and music nice. The lighting is quite low at night which adds to this ambience.
They have a good selection of cocktails including shorts and slings. I was drinking Merlot as went on a Sunday. It was nice and € 7 a glass. My friends were drinking Heineken and eating bitterballen. I liked the plate there were served on.
The wait staff were plenty and they gave out free popcorn for the table at one point. Definitely going back.

It’s probably unfair to really tell entire Bar by one horrible employee but it does say about managements quality control practices.
In the lobby bar we ordered a mint julep. It was fantastic. However, in the sky bar they try to make it with Gin!
He also had no idea about how to make a Jamison and ginger which seems to be a pretty common bring these days.
Great venue. Same in Maine electronic music you hear everywhere these days.
Nothing spectacular to report but we give them one star because they did have blankets available for a cold fall evening.

Very trendy, but service was super slow. Maybe because it’s almost closing time. The chic waiters want to go home too!

An einem schönen Samstagabend im Sommer in Amsterdam machten wir uns auf in die SkyLounge, um unsere Freundin mit der Aussicht auf Amsterdam und erstklassigen Cocktails zu überraschen, eine verspätete Geburtstagaktion.
Nach kurzer Suche rund um den Gebäudekomplex war klar, die SkyLounge gehört zum Hilton Hotel, also rein da. Oben angekommen tönte uns schon sehr laute Musik entgegen, obwohl es noch verhältnismäßig früh am Abend war. Wir ließen uns nicht abschrecken und gingen am Security-​Menschen vorbei. Direkt am Eingang ist der große Bartresen, weiter hinten befinden sich ein größerer Innenbereich (mit Plüschteppich) und der Ausgang zur Terrasse. Auf der Terrasse war kein Platz mehr frei und es war generell relativ voll, aber wir ergatterten noch einen Platz im Eingangsbereich und dann hieß es ziemlich oft: WARTEN!
Warten auf den Service, der uns die Cocktailkarte hätte bringen können, die wir uns selbst vom Nachbartisch organisierten. Warten auf den Service, der mal den klebrigen Tisch abwischt (dies geschah dann auch nur nach Aufforderung unsererseits). Warten auf den Service, der die Bestellung aufnimmt. Es ist ja auch nicht so, dass ich erwarte, sofort bedient zu werden, aber nach entspannten 15 Min. fängt man doch an, ein wenig unruhig zu werden, was das denn wird, wenn man noch nicht mal eine Karte hat. Nach sehr langer Zeit konnten wir eine Bestellung aufgeben und richtig, wir warteten wieder…
Nebenbei beobachteten wir das bunte Treiben und schauten von oben auf das schöné Amsterdam. Schon spannend, wer sich alles in so einer (meiner Meinung nach Schicki-Micki-)Bar vom Hilton rumtreibt. Da kamen die vermutlich englischen Touris im Jogger, zwei seltsame Damen mit blinkenden Sneakern gingen immer wieder an uns vorbei, betrunkene Menschen im Allgemeinen und aufgrebezelte, mehr oder weniger, schöné Menschen. Zusätzlich zu unserer Erheiterung machten unsere Tischnachbarn hinter uns einen vermeintlich polnischen Abgang und das vor den Augen des Pseudo-​Security-​Menschen an der Tür. So wurden zwei-​drei Servicemitarbeiter total hektisch und waren am Rumflitzen, wo denn die Leute hin sind, obwohl unsere ehemaligen Tischnachbarn ca. 30 Min. vorher dem einem Mitarbeiter gesagt haben, dass sie noch was bestellen möchten und auf die Terrasse umziehen. Perfektes Beispiel für den komplett unterbesetzten und überforderten Service. Zudem sind auch überall in der Bar Kameras installiert…
Unsere Cocktails kamen dann auch nach einiger Wartezeit, ich hatte einen nicht alkoholischen Überraschungscocktail bestellt und vorab angegeben, dass ich gern Maracuja mag. Eine Erklärung, was da denn jetzt im Cocktail ist, gab es nicht und die Maracuja lag vielleicht mal für 27 Minuten an der Theke neben meinem Cocktail, sehr schade. Der erwartete Wow-​Effekt, aufgrund der angeblich hohen Qualität und Preisgestaltung, blieb aus. Solche Cocktails kann ich günstiger und besser auch in anderen Bars trinken.
Irgendwann wurde uns noch seltsam schmeckendes Popcorn als Knabberzeug auf den Tisch gestellt. Der Service wurde jedoch erst wieder aktiv, nachdem wir ihm ca. zehn Min. zugewinkt hatten und ihm klar war, dass wir zahlen wollten und er vielleicht Trinkgeld bekommen könnte.
So sind wir nach einem überteuerten Cocktail aus der überbewerteten Sky Lounge lieber ein wenig durchs Rotlichtviertel gebummelt. Die Aussicht ist schön, aber für ein paar Fotos kann man einfach so in die Bar gehen, zumindest abends interessiert es keinen Menschen, wer dort rein oder wieder raus geht.

The views and drinks are phenomenal… But that’s about all. I came here once for lunch and once at night just for cocktails.
The service at lunch was slow (it was a Friday afternoon). The restaurant seemed to be understaffed. We sat outside on the terrace and waited quite a long time to be greeted. Our drinks and food came out quickly. Our food was quickly thrown down and the staff member ran off before we could even order more drinks. No one ever stopped by after that. As we waited to pay (which felt like forever), I watched as the table next to me waited 15 minutes just to be acknowledged. The food was average, but was extremely expensive for what it was.
At night this place has a great vibe. Lounge-​like with a DJ, the crowd is young, dressed up and attractive. We were able to get cocktails at the bar pretty quickly and wandered outside. It was really busy at night, but it again appeared that they were understaffed. Dirty glassware everywhere. People everywhere trying to flag down what seemed to be the only person working the entire outside. Order one of their speciality gin and tonics. They are strong and delicious! Then, find a seat and enjoy the beautiful view!

Skyhigh prices for below standard cocktails
Ok so SkyLounge has an amazing view over the city, but this does not justify cocktails starting at € 15
My two friends and I shared the volcano, which was a sugar infused creation with some pickled cherries.
I would expect more creative cocktails for such prices. Amsterdam has way better options if you are looking for good cocktails
For a good view (the same actually) go to the restaurant on top of the public library next door.

Die SkyLounge ist die Rooftop-​Bar im 11. Stock des Hilton DoubleTree in der Nähe vom Hauptbahnhof.
Allein schon für die grandiose Aussicht lohnt sich ein Besuch, doch auch der Rest kann auf ganzer Linie überzeugen.
Von der Fläche her recht groß, klassischer Barbereich am Eingang mit einer sehr langen Bar und ein geräumiger Lounge-​Bereich quasi ‘über Eck’.
Wahrlich beeindruckend, sehr wertige und bequeme Lounge-​Möbel mit viel Leder, hochfloriger, weicher Teppichboden, bodentiefe Fenster mit sehr minimalen Rahmen, damit man einen möglichst unverbauten Blick hat.
Von hier oben den vielen ein– und ausfahrenden Zügen am Hauptbahnhof zuzuschauen hat ein bisschen was vom Hamburger Miniaturwunderland.
Es gehört noch eine riesige Dachterasse mit dazu, mit passenden Lounge-​Möbeln und eigener Bar, im Sommer bestimmt der Hit schlechthin.
Die Cocktails sind sehr, sehr lecker, sie sehen so gut aus, wie sie schmecken.
Fazit: Für mich beim nächsten Amsterdam Besuch Pflichtprogramm. Es steht Hilton dran, es ist auch Hilton drin und die Preise sind entsprechend, das sollte jetzt aber auch nicht wirklich überraschen. Doch es lohnt sich.
Eine wirklich tolle Location in Amsterdam, aber auch eine recht teure…

I found my drink, a supposed martini, to be over-​priced and too sweet. Service was rather inattentive. On a nice day, you will struggle to get a table with a view. One nice touch was the live house DJ who started around 7pm.

This is the place to go for a nice skyline view of Amsterdam. Perfect for drinks after work, date night or even «hanging with the boys». The atmosphere is always lively and hip. It’s a bit pricy but I guess your also paying for the view.

One of the great things about the Doubletree Hilton in Amsterdam is the fact that the Sky Lounge is situated in the hotel on the 11^th floor. Great views and sunset on a good day which we got to experience. They have a full bar, outside seating and plenty of views of the city. In fact they have a little map available so you can see what you are overlooking from various angles. You can also see the Grand Central station which is overwhelming, seeing how many rail tracks they have and training coming and going.
There is a FULL barr available, drinks are pricey but it is worth it. They also have a decent selection of appetizers, we got the chicken wings which were good not the typical hot wings from the US, they were fresh not frozen with a unique seasoning. ON Fridays and the weekends they have live music.
There is no entrance fee so that makes it even better, overall great experience if you are looking for a late night hangout in Amsterdam.

Cool place, attractive crowd, great service, but inattentive service.
The very nice waiter brought some cognac for me but also dropped off something we hadn’t ordered — the ensuing confusion was worthy of a Three Stooges short. After that, it seemed everyone who worked there disappeared.
Blankets on the outdoor terrace were a nice touch, but some heaters would be an even nicer touch.
Also, what kind of classy bar serves tiki drinks? Am I at Disneyland?!

This is My favorite place in Amsterdam. The terrace is beautiful and the view is stunning! It is a bit expensive but it is worth it. I always bring My clients here for a drink.
It is also the best place for New Years Eve. You have to be early because at a certain point they close the Doors and it is impossible to get in.
I was there twice in a row and it is the place to be.

When I went, which was a rainy evening in the winter, the view was not very good. But it was still nice. In the summer, when the outdoor area is open, I can only imagine how great the view is. And how busy it is…
But when I was there, it was fairly quiet. I had a beer at first, and was disappointed by the selection — pretty much only Heineken. I mean, come on… even in the Netherlands, they know that stuff isn’t very good. But I got one. I then decided to up my game a bit, and got a decently priced single malt whisky, which was delicious.
Prices are actually fair for (a) being in the CBD, (b) being in a hotel, and © being at the top of a hotel in the CBD. Service is friendly enough. I probably would not come here unless I were staying at the hotel, though.

This place is a joke. Its like a little play, fun to watch at. The waitresses arent really here to serve. They are flirty and only have eyes for the wealthy male customers. And dont you dare to interrupt such a small and flirty talk, the only look you get is wishing you where gone, and an arrogant and short irritating answer followed. Its hilarious to watch at. Its like a little theater, a play. But not something to come back for. Eventually its annoying, i pay as much money for the drinks as all the handsome men outthere, but the service i get is so much less. Sad.
Accept this play, offcourse there is this beautifull view over Amsterdam :). But if you dont like the flirty waitresses and expensive but good drinks, really not worth it. Or… you find it funny to observe the waitresses then off you go

Apple pie cocktail. ‘Nuff said. ;)
The Sky Lounge is great to enjoy drinks with friends or colleagues whilst enjoying the amazing view over Amsterdam. Who knew we had a pretty awesome skyline after all? On good days you can even see the Schiphol control tower in the distance.

Wow. Wow. I was not expecting a drink that good at the SkyLounge! I was just expecting it to be okay with some cool views.
It is a little confusing when you go in because I think there is supposed to be a hostess but there wasn’t, so we looked around then finally asked where we could sit. But there was also an area sectioned off for a private event which probably added to the confusion. So, just pay attention and don’t hesitate to ask!
Ok, sorry, back to the drink. I got the Asian Pearl and I can’t even begin to tell you how tasty this was. It was perfectly mixed too. If you go and you like drinks like Cosmos and Sex on the Beach, try it and you will like it! The amazing drink has a price tag to go with it, so be prepared to spend ~12.50 for a good cocktail. But no worries! If you don’t want to spend that much, you can get a nice glass of wine or yummy non-​alcoholic drinks too!
Do you like fries? French Fries, Flemish Fries, what ever you want to call them, they are amazing here! I wish the portion was twice that size (we ended up ordering a second portion). It comes with a small jar of ketchup and a small jar of mayo, so you don’t have to ask or pay extra.
The view. We went at night and it was beautiful and I am sure in the daylight it’s just a perfect. Enjoy!

Le bar de l’hôtel Hilton est situé tout en haut, au dernier étage et offre une vue sur tout Amsterdam.
Il est possible d’aller en terrasse qui est assez spacieuse pour siroter son verre accompagné des pop-​corns salés. Le bar fournit des couvertures en cas de faibles températures (ce qui peut être courant).
A l’intérieur, des tables en hauteur où l’on est mal installé mais si vous avez de la chance, il y a aussi des tables avec de vrais fauteuils.
Les cocktails sont sympas, en plus des habituels mojitos etc., on retrouve toute une carte variées: des cocktails à base de thé par exemple.
Il est également possible de prendre un snack tels que des makis ou des bitterballen plus traditionnelles, voire un dessert comme un cheesecake par ex.
Les prix sont assez élevés mais le cadre y pour quelque chose.

Wow what an amazing view of the city and watching Sunset with a cold beer and some good company is epic, but damn the prices for a pint or beer or a burger is something that puts similar venues in London or New York in the budget bracket.
Don’t be a hero and shout your mates a drink, you will need to take out a personal loan if you are dumb enough to start a bar tab. Simply amazing venue but once it gets busy the service drops and it’s impossible to actually get the staff’s attention to order more drinks if you still have money left to buy some.
The venue was heavily under staffed when we visited and it wasn’t even a particularly busy Friday night, the bar was stacked with empty bottles and dirty glasses so much that the staff ran out of room to put anything more they started double stacking them.
So yes come for the view but be prepared that you are going to get ripped off on food and drinks so if you are going to come make sure it’s pay day…