Who are you and what will you be doing in the Plantage neighbourhood?
Hi, I’m Hester, 39 years old, and I recently started as General Manager of Zoku Amsterdam. Zoku has been located on Weesperstraat since 2016 and is more than just a hotel: it’s a place to live comfortably, whether you’re staying for a short visit or starting a new chapter in the city. It’s a true meeting place where neighbours, travellers and locals come together to work, eat and relax. From productive workdays to laid-back evenings with friends – everything comes together under one roof at Zoku.

In addition to our 133 fully equipped Lofts, where residents can retreat into apartment-style rooms with their own kitchen and dining table, we offer Social Spaces on the 6th floor. This is a vibrant place to work, eat and drink, and connect with others during our many events. With beautiful views over the city and rooftop terraces, it’s also the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the sun in summer.

Since when have you been active here, and what brought you to the Plantage?
I lived in Amsterdam East for more than 12 years, so this side of the city truly feels like home to me. I started at Zoku last October and I still enjoy cycling through the Plantage neighbourhood to work every day. The concept of Zoku immediately appealed to me – from the fully equipped Lofts designed for longer stays to the interconnected rooftop spaces. The first time I stepped out of the lift into the Greenhouse (our rooftop greenhouse), I instantly felt: this is a special place, one I really want to contribute to.

What gives you (or your team) energy in your work?
At Zoku, we love creating a place where people can find everything they need under one roof. Work, relaxation, meetings, great food, beautiful views – you name it. Working together as a team to create a place where all our guests feel at home and well taken care of is what truly gives us energy.

What do you hope to contribute to the neighbourhood or to the De Plantage network?
I hope that Zoku can contribute to the livability and collaboration within the Plantage neighbourhood. Zoku is a B Corp company and we are eager to contribute on a sustainability and social level.
I would also love for Zoku to become a familiar and welcoming place for Amsterdammers – especially Plantage residents – to relax, work, and spend time with friends and family.

What can other members or neighbours definitely approach you for?
I’m always open to connecting around inspiring collaborations, sustainability initiatives, and other creative ways to improve the livability of our neighbourhood.
And of course, you can always reach out if you have questions about Zoku, would like to organise something with us, or simply want to stop by and take a look.

Have you already discovered a favourite spot in the Plantage neighbourhood?
My favourite spot is Artisplein. When I still lived in East, I loved coming here with my young children to watch the birds and enjoy the beautiful trees.

Who in the Plantage would you like to meet or collaborate with?
I would love to collaborate with other organisations that offer spaces for meetings and gatherings, to explore how we can further put the neighbourhood on the map and support each other.
And of course, I’d love to welcome local residents as guests on our 6th floor sometime.

New in the Plantage

New in the neighborhood: Hester Witte from Zoku