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Hotels
| Hotel prices generally include VAT, which currently stands at 6%, although do not include visitors’ tax, which currently stands at 5%. The visitors’ tax is usually added to the bill at the end, although it is a good idea for one to check whether it is included when making a reservation.
The prices quoted below are the starting prices for double rooms, including VAT but excluding visitors’ tax and breakfast, unless otherwise stated.
Golden Tulip Barbizon Palace
Situated in the city centre, opposite Centraal Station, and providing easy access to Schiphol International Airport via frequent train connections or shuttle buses, this grand five-star hotel provides modern luxury within a chain of 19 splendid 17th-century townhouses. Many of the guest rooms feature ancient oak beams and split-level designs and all are fitted with full mod cons. Business facilities include a variety of meeting rooms and a magnificent congress centre, housed in a restored 15th-century chapel and connected to the hotel by an underground passage. Other amenities include a health and fitness club, a private mooring, a gourmet restaurant and classy cocktail lounge.
Prins Hendrikkade 59–72
Tel: (020) 556 4564. Fax: (020) 624 3353.
E-mail: info@gtbpalace.goldentulip.nl
Website: www.goldentuliphotels.nl/gtbpalace
Price: From €160.
Golden Tulip Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky
The dazzling list of former guests at this well-respected city centre hotel includes William III, Brahms, Mahler, Verlaine, Conrad, Joyce and President Mitterand. And it was here that Omar Shariff worked for a short spell as a porter, having lost at the poker table. Located on Amsterdam’s Dam Square, opposite the Royal Palace, this 468-room hotel is vast and unprepossessing from the outside, however, once inside, there is a great atmosphere of calm, efficiency and comfort. A popular business choice, it is one of the largest congress hotels in Benelux, with 22 modern conference rooms able to accommodate up to 2000 people. It also offers excellent dining options, including the celebrated Art Deco Winter Garden, which is among the most popular breakfast-meeting venues in Amsterdam.
Dam 9
Tel: (020) 554 9111. Fax: (020) 622 8607.
E-mail: info@krasnapolsky.nl
Website: www.krasnapolsky.nl
Price: From €175.
The Grand Sofitel Demeure Amsterdam
Originally a 16th-century royal inn, then the Admiralty, and later the City Hall, this splendidly restored historic building is now a world-class hotel, located near Dam Square. The 182 deluxe bedrooms are individually designed to suit both business and leisure guests and they all offer views of the surrounding canals, private gardens and courtyards. There is a dedicated business centre and 19 conference rooms of varying sizes. Other facilities include an indoor heated swimming pool, sauna and massage facilities, and the smart but informal canalside Café Roux, set up by world-renowned chef Albert Roux.
Oudezijds Voorburgwal 197
Tel: (020) 555 3111. Fax: (020) 555 3222.
E-mail: hotel@thegrand.nl
Website: www.thegrand.nl
Price: From €380.
Hotel Okura
The Hotel Okura is a top-notch Japanese-owned tower hotel in a great location between the airport and the city centre and only a short distance from the RAI. Guestrooms have all mod cons with Internet connection through TVs and large, well-lit desks. The Executive Lounge is useful for those looking for a more exclusive place to take breakfast, entertain guests or hold small meetings; it also allows for guests in a hurry to check out without the hassle of going to the main reception. For long-haul travellers, the spa is a must, with a full jet lag recovery package including a special work out programme, massage and meals. The high-tech gym has a good selection of exercise equipment, as well as a pool and sauna. There are myriad dining outlets at this 370-bed hotel – one with a Michelin star and another with a view of the city – as well as a sprinkling of bars. The hotel has everything busy executives need during their stay. The Okura’s Grand Ballroom is the largest dining location and can seat 1050 (or 1200 standing). There are also 18 other meeting places and a dedicated flexible conference team to tailor them to individual requirements.
Ferdinand Bolstraat 333
Tel: (020) 678 7111. Fax: (020) 671 2344.
E-mail: sales@okura.nl
Website: www.okura.nl
Price: From €205.
Amstel Inter-Continental Amsterdam
One of Holland’s most luxurious and prestigious hotels occupies a tranquil, scenic location on the banks of the Amstel River. Since its opening in 1867, it has played host to countless kings, queens and celebrities, such as Princess Diana, Audrey Hepburn, Madonna and members of The Rolling Stones. With opulent, traditional-style rooms of stately grandeur containing Delft porcelain, spacious conference facilities, an impressive health club and swimming pool, magnificent riverside terraces, limousine service and private motor launches, the hotel fully lives up to its motto ‘Tradition meets excellence’. Even the restaurant, La Rive, headed by chef Edwin Katz, boasts a much acclaimed Michelin star.
Professor Tulpplein 1
Tel: (020) 622 6060. Fax: (020) 622 5808.
E-mail: amstel@interconti.com
Website: www.amsterdam.interconti.com
Price: From €450.
Hotel de l’Europe
Although its legendary owner, Freddy Heineken, passed away in 2002, the Hotel de l’Europe is still among Amsterdam’s most prestigious five-star hotels – a grand, Victorian, redbrick hotel, combining old-world style and elegance with modern comfort and a warm, relaxed atmosphere. Attention to detail and real class are hallmarks of the hotel, with the 19th-century paintings, which adorn the public areas, no mere copies. Each bedroom is equipped with full mod cons to suit the most discerning professional or leisure traveller and many afford magnificent views over the Amstel River and the Munt Tower. The hotel offers top-notch business facilities, including six elegant function rooms with built-in mod cons that are perfect for meetings, cocktails, luncheons and dinners. There is also an indoor heated swimming pool and a fitness centre. Complimentary boxes of sweets, fresh fruit and snazzy soapboxes are a nice touch in all rooms. The superior suites are opulent and have balconies overlooking the canals, with suite 102 a stand-out with its large dreamy dark-blue bed, hot tub and twin balconies. The Penthouse Suite is a palatial home from home, with two levels connected by a spiral staircase, a choice of balconies and a kitchenette. A rolling renovation throughout 2003 ensures Hotel de l’Europe stays among the cream of the Amsterdam crop.
Nieuwe Doelenstraat 2–8
Tel: (020) 531 1777. Fax: (020) 531 1778.
E-mail: hotel@leurope.nl
Website: www.leurope.nl
Price: From €335.
Seven Bridges
This delightful, quiet guesthouse counts among the city’s best budget options. It is ideally located on one of the loveliest canals with a view of seven bridges, just a stone’s throw from lively Rembrandtplein. Each room is a comfortable, stylish double, individually furnished and filled with antiques and there are hand-painted tiles in the en-suite bathrooms. Some have TVs but none have telephones. Guests are assured a warm welcome and, with no dining room at the 300-year-old building, breakfasts are served on fine china in the guestrooms. As there are only 11 bedrooms, it is vital to book in advance.
Reguliersgracht 31
Tel: (020) 623 1329.
Price: From €110.
Van Ostade
It would be difficult to miss this hotel, because the outside walls are decorated with bicycles. The best way for one to see Amsterdam is, without doubt, by bicycle and so where better to stay in town than the two-wheel-friendly Van Ostade hotel? Situated in the lively De Pijp district, yet only ten minutes by tram from the city centre, this clean, basic bed and breakfast hires out bicycles for just €5 a day. On arrival, guests receive maps showing the city’s main cycle routes and the young, friendly staff can also provide advice on how to discover hidden Amsterdam. Rooms are light, airy and simple, although not all are en suite. There is a relaxing communal area and Internet access is available in the breakfast room. Children are also welcome. Credit cards not accepted.
Van Ostadestraat 123
Tel: (020) 679 3452. Fax: (020) 671 5213.
E-mail: info@bicyclehotel.com
Website: www.bicyclehotel.com
Price: From €65 (including breakfast).
Blakes Hotel
Blakes is the Amsterdam branch of the Anouska Hempel-designed Blakes of London. Located in the trendy Jordaan district, this small boutique hotel is one of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World and is the epitome of style and sophistication. It is housed in a former 17th-century theatre, which, in its heyday, premiered plays by Holland’s ‘Shakespeare’, Joost van den Vondel, and staged concerts conducted by the great Italian composer, Antonio Vivaldi. Today, the minimalist East-meets-West designer decor of the 26 guest rooms – including every imaginable mod con from modem points and voice-mail to CD players and fax machines – combined with an intimate courtyard garden, spectacular canal views, young, efficient staff and a top-notch French-meets-Asian restaurant, ensures an exclusive and luxurious stay. Business services are available upon request and there are conference facilities for up to 30 people.
Keizersgracht 384
Tel: (020) 530 2010. Fax: (020) 530 2030.
E-mail: blakes@slh.com
Website: www.slh.com/blakes
Price: From €370.
Hotel Seven One Seven
This ultra stylish boutique hotel is situated in an excellent location, right on the edge of the Prinsengracht canal. Hotel Seven One Seven only has eight units (rooms and suites), with all of them boasting large beds, Bang & Olusen DVDs, as well as CD players, modem connections and fresh Dutch flowers. There are two patios where guests can take breakfast during the summer months. ‘The Library’ is a small and cosy conference venue that can house up to half a dozen delegates. On entering the hotel, it is soon apparent that it is owned by a designer – in this case Dutchman Kees can der Valk – with lush fabrics and ornate touches all part of a decor scheme that oozes class and understated sophistication.
Prinsengracht 717
Tel: (020) 427 0717. Fax: (020) 423 0717.
E-mail: info@717hotel.nl
Website: www.717hotel.nl
Price: From €375 (including breakfast).
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General
