City Break : Amsterdam
My very first visit to Amsterdam was on a Contiki tour as I saw Europe for the very first time as young and keen traveller in my early 20’s. Amsterdam did not disappoint and my fellow Contiki travellers were treated to a backpacker style hotel on the outskirts of the city, a guided tour through the red-light district which is like nothing else I’d experienced before, followed by those who wanted to experience a coffee shop allowed to wander off whilst the rest of us enjoyed a local ‘authentic dinner’ Chinese at Sea Palace, which still stands today very central and prominent by the Amsterdam station. Sadly, for us, only one night in Amsterdam as the following morning was an early departure heading further into continental Europe.
Since living in London, and Amsterdam a short 45-minute flight from most London airports I have been a couple more times to really embrace and Amsterdam. Upon my first return I stayed at Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam, which is a collection of six 17th century canal palaces on the Herengracht. First impressions really do leave with in awe of the décor, the service and little touches, which for me was to choose my scent I would like in my room after turndown. You choose your favourite scent presented under a cloche upon check-in.
This level of service did not stop there, an elegant evening in the vault bar saw the cocktail maker ask what cocktails me and my partner liked, quizzed us on our favourite flavours and spirits and before we knew it were sipping on some truly delightful concoctions. The following day, he remembered us and continued to serve us in the same manner.
The following morning, I sat in the lobby, known as Peacock Alley. I ordered an English Breakfast to accompany me whilst I read the newspaper. I will never forget this as when it was served, loose leaf, so the server knew when it has enough time to infuse the flavour, she delicately placed a sand time on my table and promptly returned as the last grain dropped. I was impressed and a true fan to the brand, Waldorf Astoria.
During my most recent visit to Amsterdam, I stayed at a new hotel located in the heart of Amsterdam, The Dam Square. Hotel TwentySeven. This property is opulent, out of the ordinary, elegant. This all-suite hotel has been designed to impress, from the moment of arrival you are greeted with champagne and ‘welcome home’ this the one intention to make you feel as if you are at home. Upon entering the suite, the effort gone into the hotel small detail is evident. Each room has a separate sitting room and the most comfortable king bed I have slept in for a long time whilst staying in a hotel. The bathroom was divine, with an oversized cleopatra bath, steam shower, automatic toilet seat and changeable light colours to match your mood. The entire suite is controlled by iPad strategically placed around the suite.
I was introduced to my butler should I have any requirements during my stay. Later the housekeeping manager knocked and introduced herself, again asked should I need anything extra to please reach out. Beyond this after leaving I was contacted by the hotel to ensure everything was in order during my stay and they look forward to welcoming me home soon.
I mentioned earlier, Amsterdam is a beautiful, history rich city built along picturesque canals, and this couldn’t be any further from the truth. Both visits I have borrowed bicycles from the hotel and like a true local cycled the streets to take in the little back streets and found beautiful, independent cafés for a cappuccino and quick bite to eat before heading onwards to the bigger and well-known sites of Amsterdam. I have explored Anne Frank’s house, a story many know from the stories of hope during World War II; been fascinated by the arts and history of Amsterdam at the Rijksmuseum; The Van Gogh Museum dedicated to the works of Van Gough (rightly so) which is found in museum square where you can readily access the Stedelijik Museum and the Concergebouw both of which are on my itinerary for my next visit.
Lastly, to lighten the visiting from all the history and culture, a visit to both the Heineken Experience and House of Bols cocktail and Genever Experience are a personal favourite along with a stop in at the Amsterdam Dungeon. As I mentioned, Amsterdam is truly open for all to enjoy in the manner most suited to you. I will most absolutely be returning, and I suspect it will remain a European city break as a hot pick with is easy access and abundance of activities amongst a beautiful back drop.