Frits Schiller built the hotel in 1912 in the Art Nouveau variant known as Jugendstil. He may have been an artist of modest ability, but a huge number of his paintings, whose colors inspired the inventive decor of the modernized rooms, are proudly displayed throughout the hotel. His friends, bohemian painters and sculptors, came to the Schiller Café, which became a famous meeting place and is still an informal and popular bar with Amsterdammers. From the lobby lounge you can check your e-mail to the hum of the espresso machine from the Brasserie Schiller. A winter film series is held on Sunday afternoons in the restaurant, with cocktails and dinner included. Rooms are conveniently stocked with coffeemakers, trouser presses, and hair dryers, and six are large enough, with two double beds, to suit families.