Month: July 2018

Hilton Amsterdam Airport – Schiphol

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Hotelchain: Hilton
Location: Amsterdam airport Schiphol – The Netherlands
Classification: 4 star hotel de luxe
Official website: amsterdamairportschiphol.hilton.com

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Directly connected to Schiphol Airport, the brand new Hilton Schiphol truly has everything you would expect from a luxurious airport hotel. When I stayed at this Hilton, it only opened 2,5 years ago. This hotel is huge and has 433 comfortable rooms. When I entered the hotel, I was blown away by the gorgeous lobby. The open-plan atrium is the center of the hotel with a very cozy yet trendy bar and sitting areas. Do visit the lobby at night and look up to the sky, all the small lights look like stars, it is just stunning! By the way, the outfits of the staff members are fun and reminded me immediately that this is Amsterdam 🙂

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Check-in went smoothly and the staff made me feel at ease in seconds. Everything I needed to know has been explained in a very professional, not too formal way.

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My room was on the top floor and as soon as the elevator door opened, I was “wowed” again by the beautiful and spectacular atrium. Ok, time to check out my room… Rooms at the Hilton Schiphol are very nicely decorated in a contemporary style: strong lines, smooth forms and minimal accessories — with room for rule breaking. I loved the funny shaped garbage bin! Each bathroom has a huge walk-in shower, single sink and toilet. My room had a view of the airport which was fun! Bed was great, nota bene…

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I had access to the executive lounge and this was one of the best executive lounges I have experienced. Most lounges I have been to, were not that cozy and offered not many advantages. The lounge at the Hilton Schiphol definitely is worth the upgrade! Complimentary soft drinks and snacks throughout the day, alcoholic beverages (including some spirits) and light bites at night… Perfect! On top of that, I appreciated the tranquil atmosphere, comfortable décor and friendliness of the staff.

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After some drinks and snacks, it was time for a work out. The Hilton Schiphol has a full fitness center and spa area. I used the spa area the next day and tell me … is there a better way to start your day in a jacuzzi? The spa area is worth a visit! Besides the jacuzzi, there’s a sauna and steam room as well which can be used at no additional charge. I can imagine that – after a long flight – you will feel reborn after your visit to this spa! Before heading to bed, I thoroughly enjoyed a relaxing massage. The therapist did an excellent job and provided the perfect pressure on my body as I requested. While listening to relaxing music, this definitely was the perfect way to end my day at Hilton Schiphol.

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One of the highlights at Hilton Schiphol is definitely their signature Bowery Restaurant. This is the place to enjoy a delicious meal in a trendy environment. We were welcomed by the most friendly and accommodating staff dressed up in a lovely Dutch way, loved it! They have several different kind of kitchens such as grill and Asian dishes. There’s something for just anyone! The open style kitchen is a bonus, I always love the fact that a kitchen has nothing to hide and watching the chefs preparing the food, is entertaining!

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I must admit that the food was heavenly! Let me share some of my favorite dishes: the oysters we started with were out of this world accompanied with some delicious champagne (of course!). The Dutch lamb with king bolete, polenta, radish and lamb gravy was great as was the Cod accompanied with Dutch langoustine, asparagus, potato and lobster foam… sounds delicious huh? Well, it was 😊 The unbaked cheese cake with strawberry, pistachio and rose wine was the perfect way to end this unforgettable night! Thumbs up, Browery Restaurant! Loved every second at this place! Non-hotel guests are also invited and enjoy complimentary parking arrangements!

The next morning I had breakfast at Bowery Restaurant. The buffet style breakfast was great with excellent choices of both hot and cold dishes. A buffet is also available at the executive lounge.

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The Hilton Schiphol is very conveniently located at the airport of Amsterdam Schiphol. The hotel is directly connected with the airport with a covered walkway and it only takes 5 minutes by foot to the main terminal. Highly recommended!

 

Pestana Amsterdam Riverside

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Hotelchain: Pestana hotels
Location: Amsterdam – The Netherlands
Classification: 5 star hotel
Official website: pestana.com/…/pestana-amsterdam-riverside

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Pestana Amsterdam Riverside is one the newest five star hotels in the heart of Amsterdam. You really can’t beat the location, the hotel is located on one of the most stunning places in Amsterdam, near the Amstel. The historic building is gorgeous and is considered as a national monument. It used to be a suburban town hall. Once you enter Pestana Amsterdam Riverside, you enter a top notch hotel with great interior designer elements and attention to details whether I’m writing about service or rooms.

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The lobby area is beautiful and gives an excellent first impression. It felt like an ultra luxurious boutique lobby with high ceilings and white interior designer elements. Welcome staff is attentive to your entrance and departure and always willing to provide a hand or transport assistance. Our room keys were handed in seconds while they explained everything we needed to know in a very friendly and accommodating way.

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Pestana Amsterdam Riverside has 154 luxuriously appointed rooms in different categories. We stayed in an executive room which I liked very much. For Amsterdam standards, the room had a great size and I could spend a whole day in the room without leaving. No bright colors nor shoddy elements … Every room at Pestana Amsterdam Riverside is tastefully decorated with high quality materials. I loved the bed! It felt like sleeping on a cloud… Our room had everything I’d expect from a five star hotel including high quality toiletries, a Nespresso coffee machine and a luxurious bathroom with excellent (rain)shower.

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Did you know that Pestana Amsterdam Riverside has several apartments with the same contemporary décors and features? Those apartments are perfect for families and friends when visiting beautiful Amsterdam!

For me, one of the key features of Pestana Amsterdam Riverside is the spa area. This is the perfect spot to relax and unwind. The indoor pool is pretty large for a city hotel (3m x 12,5m) and water temperature was just perfect for me (not too cold, nor too hot). On top of that, there’s a traditional sauna and steam room. The whole place is immaculately clean and staff was very kind and informative. Do note that several treatments can be booked here. The gym is well equipped with all the latest technology facilities.

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Another highlight of Pestana Amsterdam Riverside is ARC. This fine dining restaurant with leading Chef Peter Lute blew me away! The unique and young décor of the hotel is very appealing. Again, they did an incredible job decorating the place in a very minimalistic yet stylish way. Food was out of this world, each dish was divine and tasted fantastic! The amuse they served was just delicious and each dish that followed looked like pictures. The first cours – Cod accompanied with pear, kaffir lime and purslane was excellent. Incredible how the chef combines unique products… I loved the smokey entrecote (thin loin) with portobello, bear leak foam and rose hip as a main course. As usual, there’s always room for dessert: they served us forest fruit and pansy sorbet, tarragon and fennel… Loved each bite! As the weather was sweet, we had dinner at the wonderful terrace. Can’t say enough good things about ARC. Make sure to book your table before arrival as it is usually pretty busy here (no wonder why!!).

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After a great peaceful night, we were hungry again and couldn’t wait to explore breakfast. After our wonderful experience at ARC the night before, our expectations were high and I’m happy to write they were met in a every single way. The buffet style breakfast is large and offers a great selection of fresh ingredients, breads, pastries and fruit.

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It would be simple to say the defining factor was having the spa and fine dining restaurant available, but that would not do justice to the other elements which I found of the highest standard. To recap – the location is superb. Service is unbeatable and food is outstanding. This definitely is one of my favorite picks in Amsterdam! Amenities at Pestana Amsterdam Riverside truly are impeccable! Loved it!

Stanhope Brussels

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Hotelchain: Thon hotels
Location: Brussels – Belgium
Classification: 5 star hotel
Official website: thonhotels.be/…gie/brussel/stanhope-hotel

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OK, let me tell you a little secret: if you are looking for a hidden gem right in the middle of Brussels… Stop looking! I found it for you! Stanhope hotel is the place to stay at! This five star hotel is located within walking distance of several cultural highlights in Brussels. By the way, the Stanhope hotel was the first five star hotel in Brussels and still is an up to date hotel while they kept the original elements of the building. When I entered the hotel, it felt like entering a palace…

The lobby are is bright and spacious. I could spend hours here, reading a book or browsing on my iPad. It is such a relaxing area where guests can enjoy a drink in the authentic library bar. Check-in was a breeze and I was warmly welcomed with a smile. I was so ready to explore this hotel! J

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Firstly I was wowed by the elevator which looks like a mini library with several books showing names of former workers who used to work at the Stanhope hotel. And this is just one of the special touches at the Stanhope hotel. After every corner a new surprise is waiting. It truly is a magical place with a lot of history. Some parts of the hotel are classified.

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I stayed in a gorgeous room. Actually, the most luxurious hotel room I stayed at in Brussels. It was decorated by interior designer Pieter Porters with the motto “more is more”. The room itself felt more like a small fancy New York apartment to me. The adjoining dressing room was very convenient. Other five star amenities: Nespresso coffee machine, bathrobes and good quality toiletries. They seriously think about the environment protection here and the hotel is awarded with both the eco-dynamic enterprise and Green Key label. They encourage guests to reduce waste and energy consumption which is great!

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Later that night we had dinner at their signature restaurant Brighton, labeled by Michelin with 3 red forks. It is like going back in time, the décor is classy and sophisticated. The three course menu was delicious! As a starter I had the Roma tomatoes and mozzarella ‘di buffala’ with a coulis of pesto with rocket salad. The grilled lamb chops that followed were to die for! Service was flawless! The overall quality of the food was great and I definitely recommend you to have dinner here. You won’t be sorry!

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The next morning, I worked out at the intimate fitness center. Although not too large, it has high quality equipment which is ideal to start your day! There’s a sauna as well. Great for relaxing after a busy day.

And then I was totally ready to enjoy the most wonderful breakfast. Breakfast at the Stanhope hotel is not just an ordinary breakfast, it is an impressive buffet with several cold and hot items. I appreciated the pleasant and relaxing atmosphere. It was the perfect start of the day! Again, products were of a great quality and I noticed the fact that there were no individual portions to avoid food and plastic waste. If the weather permits, you can even sit outside peacefully!

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The Stanhope hotel has amazed me and not only for its gorgeous rooms. There is so much more to do in this hotel. Also, several up to date meeting rooms are available. Most rooms look different from each other but all of them are decorated in a very nice and comfortable way! Five stars all the way!