Month: January 2019

Taschenbergpalais Kempinski Dresden

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Hotelchain: Kempinski
Location: Dresden – Germany
Classification: 5 star Superior hotel
Official website: kempinski.com/…en/hotel-taschenbergpalais

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Taschenbergpalais Kempinski Dresden is one of the most luxurious five star hotel in gorgeous Dresden. I truly was blown away by the top notch service and overall quality. From the beginning to the last second, everything felt right here. This Kempinski is currently rated as one the best hotels in Dresden and I can easily see why…

The hotel building is just stunning and was built in 1705 as a palace for countess Anna Constanze von Hoym. The building was completely destroyed during the second world war and was rebuilt. The traditional lobby area is enormous and ultra luxurious. I almost couldn’t believe my eyes when entering this hotel. It did feel like entering a palace … They did keep some of the original constructions such as the grand staircase which is absolutely gorgeous.

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Staff was very kind and made us feel welcome. What I liked here was the personal check-in. My key was handed in just seconds. Very professional. Usual hotel services were explained in a very kind way. As usual at any Kempinski hotel, the red lady – this time it was Isabelle – guided me to my room and explained everything I needed to know.

Each room at Taschenbergpalais Kempinski Dresden is luxuriously appointed and has everything I could wish for. The rooms, even the ‘standard’ rooms are very large with very high ceilings and a classy interior. The Superior Room I stayed had the most comfortable couches and oversized working desk. The bed was one of the best beds I have ever slept in! It was enormous and the bed linen were of an excellent quality. Our room even had a large balcony offering stunning views over the old town of Dresden.

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Bathroom was very large featuring a bath tub, very large separate shower and double sinks. Some very nice details I appreciated in particular were the small candle in the bathroom and bath salt amenities.

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The personal approach here is of a high level. Each staff member I met was very kind and professional. You never feel uncomfortable here while staff is serving you. It feels very naturally which means the service level is of an unseen level.

In the afternoon I was pleased to experience the spa facilities at Taschenbergpalais Kempinski Dresden. After all those good previous services, I realized that this experience would be one of kind as well. And it definitely was! I was escorted to the beautiful treatment room where the excellent therapist made me feel in heaven as she was massaging my body. The aromatic Ayurveda massage was excellent and what I requested before the treatment (medium pressure, etc.) was exactly done. As they described this treatment themselves, this traditional Indian full body massage brings total relaxation and purifies the body for an entire well-being feeling. After this 60’ massage, I thoroughly enjoyed my energizing tea and realized I felt like reborn!

I was ready to explore more of this gorgeous spa center. A few months ago (November 2018) they opened their completely modernized pool area. It looks brand new and gave me this exclusive feeling. I must highlight the cozy lounge suites next to pool which are excellent for relaxing and some me-time. Loved it! Several types of saunas are available as well. Loved the steam room and relaxation area.

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Dinner was served at Palais Bistro where guests can enjoy a traditional French cuisine. This restaurant is designed in a very nice way. It was like dining in a French Bistro. We started with some delicious cocktails followed by a nice dinner. As a main course I ordered the Lacombe pork cutlet with came with shallot butter, beef marrow and bacon wrapped green beans. The lyonnaise potatoes were just great. For the dessert, I highly recommend the Pecan Sundae: 2 scoops of espresso of espresso brittle ice cream and 1 scoop of vanilla ice cream, sliced bananas and some delicious pecan brownie pieces. On top of that, they added whipped cream, roasted pecan nuts and caramel sauce. It was heavenly!

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Breakfast at Taschenbergpalais Kempinski Dresden is served at Restaurant Intermezzo. The buffet breakfast has something to offer for anyone! I really liked their freshly baked waffles which tasted excellent! Thumbs up!

Taschenbergpalais Kempinski Dresden is one of a kind! This gorgeous grand hotel has a prime location and offers high quality accommodation and services! Highly recommended!

Van der Valk Hotel Amsterdam – Amstel

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Hotelchain: Van der Valk
Location: Amsterdam – Netherlands
Classification: 4 star hotel
Official website: vandervalkamsterdam.com

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Located in a very interesting spot in Amsterdam East, Van der Valk Hotel Amsterdam Amstel is a brand new four star hotel. This Van der Valk hotel opened its doors in October 2018 and is a great asset for Amsterdam. Let me first tell you something about the location. Although it is not located in the center of Amsterdam, the center is reachable within 10 minutes as the metrostation Overamstel is only a few minutes away from the hotel and will take you to the city center in just minutes. I liked the area where the hotel is located and because of its height, the hotel offers stunning views over the Amstel and Amsterdam. Very nice!

When I entered the hotel I was wowed by the stunning lobby area. It just looks amazing… A contemporary designed place where it is great to hang out, enjoying a drink and making new friends. I just love the place, it is all about connectivity in a friendly and luxurious environment. I immediately noticed that Van der Valk Hotel Amsterdam Amstel is a pretty large hotel with 206 rooms.

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After a friendly and efficient check-in, I was ready to explore the room. Actually, I didn’t stay at one of their stunning bedrooms, I got the honor to explore and experience their recently opened Penthouse Suite. I was amazed by how beautifully decorated this suite is. The Penthouse Suite at Van der Valk Amsterdam Amstel is extremely large with sitting and dining area and each inch is absolutely stunning! The comfortable lounger was great for relaxing and surfing on my iPad, the large designer desk was excellent for doing some work and the best was among the most comfortable bed I have slept in. I must also highlight the panoramic view over Amsterdam. For an ultra luxurious, decadent and romantic getaway, this definitely is the suite you should book!

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Marble open bathroom both has a huge jacuzzi bathtub and separate shower.

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One of the highlights at Van der Valk Hotel Amsterdam Amstel is their wellness area ‘De Tropen’. This gorgeous spa center is the place to relax and unwind! It offers a traditional Finish sauna, a steam room and infrared sauna. The best feature however is the gorgeous heated outdoor pool. The whole area is well designed and maintained in a very good way. Thumbs up!

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At night I had dinner at Bar Moqum and I must say that the food and service were excellent! It is not just an ordinary hotel bar… I noticed several non hotel guests enjoying a delicious meal here. The menu is varied, from meat to fish, from healthy options to let’s say less healthy but yummy choices, it’s all there and prepared in an excellent way! As a main course I ordered the curry. It came with steamed rice and I enjoyed each bite. As a dessert I tried the Dame Blance which was prepared just the way I like it: the best vanilla ice cream and hot chocolate sauce… mmmmmmm …

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Restaurant Amstelle is their fine dining restaurant which looked pretty amazing. Although I did not eat there myself – based on the pictures and opinions of others – the food must be pretty good!

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After all the eating and drinking, I was happy to find out that there’s a full sized fitness center ADAM.

Breakfast is served at Buffet restaurant ‘t IJ. As usual at any Van der Valk Hotel, the buffet style breakfast offers something for anyone. I particularly liked the smoothies and pancakes! They were so yummie! Do note that this restaurant is also open for lunch and dinner. At night, there’s a large buffet with all kinds of dishes and live cooking. I heard their pizzas are pretty delicious!

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Van der Valk Hotel Amsterdam Amstel is a top notch four star property which I thoroughly enjoyed. Staff was very professional and kind, interior has been nicely designed and wellness area is among the best I have experienced in Amsterdam! It is not one of those formal luxury hotels, I felt at ease and was treated in a very kind yet professional way. Can’t wait to return!

Radisson Blu Astrid

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Hotelchain: Radisson Blu
Location: Antwerp – Belgium
Classification: 4 star superior hotel
Official website: radissonblu.com/nl/astridhotel-antwerp

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Radisson Blu Astrid is a great four superior star hotel in the center of Antwerp. You can’t beat the location, you are in the middle of it all. The world famous Central Station of Antwerp is right across the hotel. The main shopping area is only a few minutes away! This is a very convenient location to explore all the major attractions Antwerp has to offer!

The exceptional iconic façade of the hotel is just gorgeous and has been designed by Michael Graves, a famous American architect. Once inside, I was surprised that the hotel has been renovated recently and is totally up to date. It looks like a new hotel. The reception staff was friendly and everything we needed to know about the hotel and its facilities were explained in a very kind way.

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The rooms at Radisson Blu Astrid are of a four star level and offer all the comfort you’d need for an upmost comfortable stay including a Nespresso coffee machine. Again, they are recently renovated and I appreciated the contemporary design and overall lay out. The room I stayed in had a full view over the central station. Just beautiful!

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Bathroom was comfortable and featured a bath tub. Bathrobes were provided. I must also highlight the good quality toiletries. They even provide a deep sleep pillow spray which worked pretty well.

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On the first floor, a full spa center is available. Radisson Blu Astrid offers an indoor heated swimming pool, sauna and steam room. Right next to the pool area is a large fitness facility. The place was very well maintained and towels are provided.

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I love the large bar Made right next to the check in area. Several cozy sitting areas can be found here with plush sofas and amazing drinks at affordable prices! This is the perfect spot to chat with friends and have a great time! They have the best cocktails there, be sure to check out the HAVN gin, a local gin. I’m sure you will love it as much as I did! It was great to find out that a lot of local people were enjoying themselves in the hotel as well. It is the place where local people and guests merge!

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Their Made in Antwerp restaurant offers delightful dishes with a lot of healthy options. Decoration is wonderful and trendy. Very nice!

At night, we thoroughly enjoyed a wonderful dinner here. The chef definitely knows how to combine ingredients, flavors were amazing! As a starter, the shrimp croquettes with pork bacon were delicious. The Belgian Blue Steak with pommes Anna as a main course was outstanding! And we always have some room for dessert, the signature hazelnut éclair was one of the best I have had in my life! I must mention that each plate was beautifully presented! Service was easy going yet professional – Top!

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Restaurant Windows of Antwerp is the place where they serve breakfast. The large buffet consists of several cheeses, meat, etc. Most of you know I love eggs and they do know how to prepare the eggs just the way I prefer! Thumbs up! Each morning guests can enjoy fresh orange juice which was a bonus!

Besides of Made and Windows of Antwerp, there’s also a Starbucks located in the hotel. Always nice to grab a nice coffee.

Radisson Blu Astrid is a perfect hotel to stay at when visiting Antwerp! Each time I entered the hotel, I felt like coming home which is quite unique! Can’t wait to return to this beautiful place with the most convenient location and accommodating staff.