W Amsterdam has officially opened the doors to its second hotel building, the BANK. Located directly opposite the original Exchange Building, just steps away from Dam Square and the Royal Palace, the transformation of the historical KAS Bank building is the final milestone in the W Amsterdam project.The new BANK building boasts 66 guestrooms and suites, a sleek AWAY Spa housed in the historic bank vaults; the X BAR – where guests can Detox, Retox and Repeat throughout their stay; FIT – W’s workout space; and The Butcher – Amsterdam’s long-awaited fine burger restaurant. The BANK building also houses X BANK – a creative incubator space that showcases the city’s leading talents in art, fashion and design; and THE DUCHESS – a stylish contemporary restaurant that fuses the elegance of traditional hospitality with Viennese grandeur to create a dazzling space with a refined European-inspired menu that exudes sophistication.“The extension of W Amsterdam demonstrates the huge demand for this innovative lifestyle brand in such an important travel market,” said Anthony Ingham, Global Brand Leader, W Hotels Worldwide. “W Amsterdam’s location at the pulsing heart of the city, combined with the heritage of the buildings, contemporary interiors and the W brand’s signature programming, has created the perfect setting for W in this capital.”One scene, two sidesProviding an intriguing mix of heritage and contemporary style, the BANK gives international jetsetters and locals alike the opportunity to tailor their W Amsterdam experience to their taste and mood. For those looking to immerse themselves in what’s new and next in Amsterdam’s party scene, the Exchange building with its vibrant W Lounge and rooftop WET Deck is the perfect place to see and be seen. Alternatively, guests looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city can now check-in to the BANK building where the sophisticated rooms and sumptuous AWAY Spa provide the ultimate city retreat. “The launch of the BANK building brings a stylish extension to the already hugely successful W Amsterdam and we’re confident that with the brand’s unique lifestyle programming and cutting-edge design, this new addition will only amplify the hotel’s spectacular offering for a new generation of jetsetters,” said Jenni Benzaquen, Vice President Luxury Brands, Europe, Africa and Middle EastThe BANK building, which dates back to 1908, embraces its historic past retaining many original features in the new design. Architect Wingender Hovenier (WINHOV) has overseen the transformation of this impressive space and the interiors have been designed by Baranowitz + Kronenberg who use a gold and diamond theme to represent the building’s high-value former use.The rooms feature black and gold bedspreads, which are inspired by the bank vaults, have been specially created by Dutch textile designer Aleksandra Gaca while the pillows, which are designed by Sabrina Bongiovanni, represent Amsterdam’s famous window sills. As a finishing touch, all mini-bars in the BANK building are shaped in the form of a bank vault, ensuring guests connect to the building’s rich history.The black and gold theme continues through AWAY Spa, which is located on the ground floor of the BANK building. An urban retreat built into two original vaults, AWAY Spa provides hotel guests and locals alike with an insider-escape where innovative tailor made treatments revitalise mind and body. Featuring seven treatment rooms, a sauna, steam room, wet area with fire bath and plunge pool and a dedicated relaxation zone, AWAY Spa transports guests from the whirlwind of city life to an urban sanctuary, in a few small steps. The spa’s black walls and gold accents provide an exclusive backdrop for prestigious signature treatments such as the ‘Diamonds Don’t Lie Facial’ by the Gemology cosmetics line, which offers powerful anti-ageing features through the use of pure diamond powder.Liran Wizman, Owner of W Amsterdam and Europe Hotels | Private Collection: “A hotel that consists of two different buildings is quite unique. Although the two buildings have their own identity, we managed to create great synergy. Both buildings are inseparable and connected through W DNA, whilst keeping a distinct individual character.”