The world’s best hotels are rarely just hotels. Apart from the spas, suites, and exceptional service, the most memorable accommodations are those that foster unique experiences and, in turn, cultivate real communities. 

At W Amsterdam, the intention to tap into and provide resources for musical artists (and beyond) has become more and more palpable over recent years, culminating in the hotel and hotspot’s key participation in this year’s Amsterdam Dance Event. ADE, known as one of (if not the) world’s biggest musical festivals and conferences, brought the likes of Martin Garrix, Tiësto, Charlotte de Witte, the Blessed Madonna, and many, MANY more to various venues throughout the city. Because unlike most music festivals of this size, in which tents are pitched and stages are built in a Coachella-like desert or Glastonbury-esque fields, ADE imports international artists and music lovers and infuses them into Amsterdam’s existing venues. 

For W Amsterdam, this opportunity to intertwine itself with the massive musical celebration was a no-brainer. This year, for example, the hotel hosted the new album launch for burgeoning dance music starlet Honeyluv, as well as a nightly series of sessions with partner Belvedere, which featured Chloe Caillet, TSHA, Elkka, LP Giobbi, Jan Blomqvist, and Palms Trax. On a nightly basis, a crowd of global fans were lining up outside of the hotel primarily to reach the W Lounge, located on the 6th floor, making it one of the most desirable locations to end (or start) your night during the festival. 

(For the record, the W Lounge and Mr. Porter—the famous Steakhouse also on the 6th floor—are just as desirable for daytime hangs, during which guests and diners can enjoy unparalleled 360-degree views of the Amsterdam skyline). 

It’s worth noting that while ADE is definitely an annual highlight for the W Amsterdam and music lovers, the hotel collection’s W Presents series is year-round and takes place at W Hotels locations around the world. With the goal of supporting both established and emerging artists, the series has built a unique sonic approach and style for the hotel, which has now manifested in over 20 destinations across the globe.

Having just launched in 2023, W Presents has already established W Hotels as an ear-to-the-ground participant and curator of the electronic music scene, mixing the luxury venues’ rich and impeccably designed physical spaces with an eclectic mix of underground and mainstream artists, creating a hub for sonic innovation and cultural exchange.