Four Elements in Amsterdam is the first energy neutral hotel in the world!
For the sustainable travellers among us, Four Elements Hotel should be somewhere on top of your to-visit list. Greenery and luxury coincide in the first energy neutral hotel to exist in the world!
You will find this sustainable eco-hotel in IJburg, a neighborhood in Amsterdam that lies on an archipelago of artificial islands in the IJmeer! From the central station, you can reach this 10-story building within fifteen minutes by tram. With a wide view over the IJmeer, this is the perfect location if you want to visit Amsterdam but also love a quiet holiday.
Four Elements
It is not called Four Elements without reason: the four classical elements (fire, air, earth, and water) come together in the underlying concept of this building. They provide an energy-neutral hotel with a unique, sustainable experience.
The building offers a clean and allergy-free environment. By using wind power, every two hours it is supplied with fresh air, as if it is breathing in and out, just like us. Water is not only used to cool and heat these airflows, but it also serves as a filter. The sun is used to generate electricity, while natural light brings the public spaces to life. Last but not least: the restaurant only works with seasonal ingredients that our small country (the earth) has to offer.
The rooms
The 195 rooms, all completely ‘powered by nature‘, come in different sizes. What they do have in common, is they share the same understated aesthetic. This is enhanced by a unique design and calm color tones. Each room has a desk, flat-screen television, and a bathroom with a shower. All of the décor has been reused or recovered, ensuring a minimal impact on the environment without compromising the luxury experience. Think of floors made of used wood, linen that has been given a second life, environmentally friendly paint and textiles, plus furniture made of recycled PET bottles.
The restaurant
While the building looks tall and impressive from the outside, the inside is absolutely welcoming. From the lobby, you look straight into their restaurant, Herbs Garden, with a beautiful canopy of leaves on the ceiling, like a floating garden. It is the perfect environment for a culinary experience with local flavours. Chef Herb and his brigade prepare the food in the open kitchen: where breakfast, lunch and dinner are served. Everything is based on the principle that fresh food gives so much more energy. They only work with what our small country has to offer, changing their menu based on the season. This in turn prevents unnecessary emissions of gases, garaunteeing that your meal will not only be more nutritious, but also more sustainable!
Our visit was ‘unfortunately’ planned during a lockdown, so we had to have our veggie burger – with fries and beer! – in our room. Though this was still very enjoyable, a dinner in the restaurant would have been a bit more atmospheric and pleasing for us.
Rooftop bar
On the top floor you will find the chic Wind Sky Bar, with beautiful views over the IJmeer and its banks, Durgerdam and the marina of IJburg. Unfortunately, it was also closed when during our visit, but we got a very nice tour (thanks!) which allowed us to enjoy the views and the Instagram-worthy interior. On a normal (lockdown free) day, you can come here for surprising performances, amazing DJ sets and original cocktails!
Have breakfast and go into town
In the morning the chefs are ready to prepare a delicious breakfast. This will give you all the energy you need to explore the rest of the hotel and the city. If the weather is nice, you can opt to watch the boats or sunbathe on their Waterside terrace next to the marina. Book now!
→ This article was written in collaboration with Four Elements Hotel. We were allowed to stay here for a night for free, in exchange for content. Of course you can read our own opinion here!
