Step through the doors of Amsterdam’s most democratic institution, where for 155 years, locals from every walk of life have gathered to share stories over numbered steaks and perfectly poured beer. Die Port Van Cleve isn’t just a hotel – it’s where Heineken’s brewing legacy transformed into a social revolution that continues to welcome travelers into the authentic heart of Amsterdam.
From Heineken’s First Brewery to Amsterdam Icon
The story begins in 1864 when young Gerard Heineken acquired “De Hooiberg” brewery on this very spot. But it was the clever Hulscher brothers who saw potential beyond brewing, convincing Heineken to let them create Amsterdam’s first beer house. During renovations, they discovered an ancient brick tablet inscribed with “De Poort van Kleef,” inspiring the name that would become legendary. On September 5, 1870, Die Port Van Cleve opened its doors and hasn’t stopped serving Amsterdam’s thirsty souls since.
Where History Lives in Every Corner
Enter Bar-Bodega ‘De Blauwe Parade’ and travel back to 1887. This perfectly preserved time capsule features a stunning Delft blue tile fresco that circles the entire room, depicting children in a parade celebrating Dutch Golden Age triumphs. Designed by the Rijksmuseum’s director himself, these hand-painted tiles tell Amsterdam’s story while you sip jenever from the original copper still perched on the heavy dark-wood bar. It’s not a museum – it’s a living piece of Old Amsterdam where locals still gather for afternoon borrels.
Sleep in Six Centuries of Architecture
Die Port Van Cleve uniquely comprises six interconnected monumental buildings, creating 122 rooms that are refreshingly different from cookie-cutter hotel layouts. Your room might feature exposed 17th-century beams, windows overlooking hidden courtyards, or unexpected nooks that reveal the building’s brewery past. This architectural puzzle means no two stays are alike – each visit offers a new perspective on Amsterdam’s layered history.
The Famous Numbered Steaks of Hulscher’s
Hulscher’s Restaurant carries on a tradition that puzzles newcomers and delights regulars – the famous numbered steaks. This quirky system, dating back generations, lets you order your perfect cut by number rather than name. It’s quintessentially Amsterdam: practical, no-nonsense, yet steeped in tradition. Paired with crispy frites and house-made sauces, these steaks have satisfied everyone from mayors to merchants for over a century.
Amsterdam’s First Electric Lights
Die Port Van Cleve made history as one of Amsterdam’s first electrically lit establishments, drawing curious crowds who’d heard about this modern marvel but never seen it in action. Even the mayor and his aldermen came to witness the spectacle, while manufacturers traveled from across the Netherlands to study this innovation. Today’s guests might take electricity for granted, but the hotel’s pioneering spirit continues in its blend of historical preservation with modern comforts.
Location doesn’t get more central than this – tucked directly behind Dam Square’s Nieuwe Kerk and adjacent to the stunning Magna Plaza shopping center. This puts you at Amsterdam’s absolute heart, where coronations happen, protests gather, and the city’s pulse beats strongest. The Anne Frank House, Royal Palace, and Red Light District all lie within a five-minute walk, while Central Station’s transport connections are just as close.
Where Every Class Sits Together
What made Die Port Van Cleve revolutionary wasn’t just its electric lights or famous steaks – it was Amsterdam’s only establishment where social classes mixed freely. This democratic spirit remains the hotel’s greatest tradition. Today, you’ll find backpackers chatting with business travelers at the bar, families celebrating next to solo adventurers, all united by the warm welcome that’s defined this place since 1870.
Experience Die Port Van Cleve and become part of a story that began with Heineken’s first brewery and evolved into Amsterdam’s most beloved social institution. Here, numbered steaks, Delft blue tiles, and 155 years of memories create an atmosphere you won’t find in any modern hotel – this is where Amsterdam’s past and present meet over a perfectly poured beer.
