Tag Archives: Amsterdam

Things to do in Amsterdam

Posted on by

 One does not need to experiment with the drugs on offer in Amsterdam to experience the feeling of exhilaration and ecstasy generated from being in this liberal and exciting city. There is a sense of happiness that exudes from the relaxed people, the independent shops and unique character of the place. Cycling beside the canals in the sunshine, I felt completely carefree… with the beautiful scenery surrounding you, it is not unlike a scene from the Truman Show, so deliciously cheerful, especially when the sun is shining. I was enchanted by the assortment of independent shops, cafes and restaurants and the intriguing culture that Amsterdam has on offer. There is so much to discover and I felt I only got a taste when visiting for the weekend…all the more reason to return soon.

Travel

Eurostar – Though a plane ride to Amsterdam only takes 45 minutes the new Eurostar service is reasonable, easy and comfortable without the lengthy airport checks and hassles.

Food

Best for lunch – American Hotel, sit in the sunshine and sip rose while enjoying the glorious surroundings at this elegant art deco hotel.

Best for high tea – Royal afternoon tea at Intercontinental Amstel Amsterdam is extravagant and indulgent in equal measure. Pretty cakes, delicately infused teas and scrumptious sandwiches… the most civilised way to spend the afternoon.

Best for high wine – the Dylan Hotel offers a unique take on afternoon tea with a delicious selection of wine and canapés tasters all perfectly matched.

Drink

Best club – Jimmy Woo is the club of the moment, fun music and cheap beer with a psychedelic floor downstairs to dance the night away.

Best bar – the Butcher is without doubt the coolest cocktail bar in Amsterdam… so chic and exclusive you must excuse the locals for not being in the know. This secret bar can be accessed only with a reservation and password given at a surreptitious door through a restaurant kitchen. If you are lucky enough to be let in, you can experience insanely inventive concoctions and juicy mini burgers.

Best coffee – Smashing Bean, a groovy little coffee bar located among the trendy nine lanes in the Jordaan shopping area. A huge variety of freshly roasted coffees are on offer as well as an array of tempting cakes. Sit and mingle with the artists.

Shop

The 9 lanes – some of the most lovely specialist shops I have ever visited. Antiques, clothes, food and much more… each one of a kind.

Best sweet shop – Party Pills: the ultra new and super fun rainbow sweet shop that offers personalised products, perfect for presents.

Best clothes shop – There are too many to choose from, but I particularly loved Second Female which offers casual nonchalant garments at reasonable prices.

Best Nail Art! – A must try for next time. If you are a nail art addict like me visit the eccentric Trash and Ready for a mad and magical manicure.

For clothes and cake – visit The Darling where tea parties are held teaching you to personalise your clothes while munching on cupcakes. Downstairs a cute boutique sells clothes and jewellery.

See

Tuchinsky Cinema – the Netherlands’ most beautiful art deco cinema, walk past and observe this building in its full grandeur.

Flower market – Walk through this colourful bazaar, and pick up a bunch of blooming sunflowers. It smells and looks charming.

Red Light District – Look but don’t touch… a world of neon lights and crude shows. Worth seeing if only for a moment.

Van Gogh Museum – the largest collection of Van Gogh’s work in the world… gives an insight into this troubled artist’s life and his exceptional output. Try to avoid visiting at weekends and definitely book ahead to avoid horrific queues.

Hermitage Gallery – this large minimalist venue is currently exhibiting an extensive Impressionist collection, and always has something interesting on offer.

Sleep

Grand luxury – Sofitel Legend is a heavenly place to sleep and relax, located centrally, a luxurious palace.

Boutique luxury – The Dylan is the quirkiest and coolest boutique hotel, combining character with 5 star elegance and indulgence.

Do

Canal boat tour – see the city by water on one of the many boat tours. I recommend an hour long trip so you can see all Amsterdam.

Hire bicycles for the day – there are more bikes than cars in Amsterdam which makes it the best and only way to travel. Ride in the idyllic sunshine over the canals and through the quaint streets.

I fell in love with this enchanting city, now I know how close it is to London, I will be sure to return again and again.

Lunch at The American Hotel, Amsterdam

Posted on by

The American Hotel is a landmark in Amsterdam and deserves to be seen just for the striking Art Deco design. My grandfather recommended I visit this palatial building while visiting Holland so I was delighted to be offered lunch in the casual café.

The restaurant was buzzing when we arrived on a Saturday lunchtime, it was immediately obvious that this is a relaxed venue, no snootiness here despite the hotel’s long standing reputation. Busy locals drop in for a bite to eat before resuming their weekend activities. We were treated very well throughout our stay, the waiter confidently chose us an appropriate wine and chatted to us without intruding on our lunch.

The menu is simple and short, offering appealing International dishes. We ordered Caesar’s Salads to start followed by Steak Frites. It was an absolutely glorious day, despite the internet predicting heavy rain and we were extra smug sitting in the sunlight outside, sipping ice cold rose while watching the passers by. It felt like heaven, and I couldn’t have been more content.

When visiting the loo, I got a glimpse of the interior… inside the American has a decadent 1920s ambience but combined with convenient modern facilities. The décor is dated but sophisticated with large sunflowers adorning the grand rooms.

Feeling parched from the hot weather, the dry light rose was the perfect refreshing drink and accompanied our meal perfectly. I noted its origin, near my grandmother’s house in Provence, South of France. The salads were divine, well mixed selections of ingredients, crunchy iceberg lettuce, salty bacon lardons, chicken, olives, lightly toasted croutons and best of all, sunblush tomatoes which gave the salad a unique Mediterranean tang. My friend also had anchovies and poached egg on her salad which looked very pretty placed on top.

The steaks were very good value, 20 Euros each for a succulent fillet, very high quality and lean. The grilled meat arrived with frites and salad and was covered in a moreish salty sauce and delicious melting butter on top, I savoured every mouthful, but without the usual London rush I felt the luxury of time and this allowed me to enjoy the meal even more. Amsterdam is famous for their addictive chips and this is exactly what we experienced at the American, soft, crispy and lightly seasoned… dipped in mayonnaise, they were gone in a moment. The salad was a nice touch, complementary with the steak.

After a short interval we went with the waiter’s recommendation of Sorbet Sundae and Crème Brulee to share. Both were homemade, light and delicious, vibrantly flavoured and very refreshing. We were particularly recommended the delicious Mango Sorbet which tasted better than the fruit itself. The Crème Brulee was wonderful too, served in a very thin dish, cool inside with a crackling sugary warm layer on top… delicious with our short espresso coffees.

It was the perfect meal, on a perfect day in the perfect city. Next time I’d love to experience the bedrooms at the American Hotel, I’m sure they are magnificent.

More information here.

Sofitel Legend Le Grand Hotel, Amsterdam

Posted on by

The Dutch people are humble and modest… luxury is not usually their thing… but when they do indulge they exceed all expectations… a fact proved at Legend Le Grand the spectacular Sofitel Hotel in the heart of Amsterdam.

Located between two quiet canals, Legend offers envious views of the picturesque city, while offering the guests discreet and relaxing accommodation. The venue is stylish and smart but certainly not showy or ostentatious. Walking in, I was amazed by the quirky, individual design, innovative artworks and impressive sculptures occupying every corner. Above the main reception desk, a stunning swarm of white butterflies provide light. The hotel was busy, the main hall a hub of excitement and chatter when we arrived early on Friday afternoon. We were kindly escorted up to our gorgeous and very spacious suite. A huge bright and airy living room, pristine with magnificent views of the canal and street below. Our room was supplied with a Nespresso coffee machine, mini macaroons, wine and water all there for our enjoyment.

Through a small corridor, we discovered the beautiful bathroom, bedroom and wardrobes… I was speechless. The classy bathroom was immaculately designed with a TV above the bath and a pillow on one side of the tub – a genius invention! I tried to act cool, but the smart green Hermes toiletries in the bathroom were just too thrilling, I couldn’t conceal my delight. As part of the prestigious French Sofitel brand, the designer toiletries were a fitting match. I proceeded by spending ten minutes trying each product and taking numerous photos, which I won’t bore you with. Sure enough these products were better than any I have tried in a hotel before, and both of us were amazed by the soft and silky shine it gave to our hair.

The bedroom was as plush and luxurious as imagined… a soft mattress to sink into and pillows that ensure a good night’s sleep. Despite the long itinerary for must see things in Amsterdam, we couldn’t resist spending some of the evening in our room, cherishing every moment with long hot baths, lazing on the sofas watching the huge TV and drinking our way through the rich roasted coffee.

And the luxury continued outside our room, champagne in the heavenly courtyard and breakfast in the elegant acclaimed Bridges Restaurant (which by night is one of the city’s most popular fish eateries). A vibrant display of fresh fruit and pastries greeted us on Saturday morning, choosing was quite a challenge: delicious food of the highest quality, the sweetest orange juice, buttery croissants and finest, smoothest coffee. Everything you need before a day out exploring.

The hotel has wonderful facilities, the intimate Marriage Chapel is a rare and special place to exchange vows while the SoSpa downstairs will relieve you of all your worries and stress, and we were particularly impressed by the beautiful and exotic pool.

Aside from the faultless facilities, it is the staff at Legend that make the hotel such a special place… they have a rare quality of professionalism paired with friendliness and an unrivalled knowledge of the city. Before we had even stepped inside our room, we had potential plans for the whole weekend, with bookings for the hottest club, newest cocktail bar and most important sights. All of which you will find mentioned in my later post, Things to Do in Amsterdam.

When staying at Le Grand expect to see celebrities, royals and diplomats… anyone who is anyone resides at this legendary building, a hotel whose history is just as remarkable as it’s bright and promising future. A landmark of Amsterdam and a palace of luxuries, I treasured every second of my stay there.

Visit the website here for more information.

http://www.sofitel.com/gb/hotel-2783-sofitel-legend-the-grand-amsterdam/index.shtml

Dylan Hotel, Amsterdam

Posted on by

The Dylan Hotel is an idyllic refuge of quiet sophistication and extraordinary luxury located amongst the stylish nine lanes in the Jordaan district on one of Amsterdam’s most famous canals, Keizersgracht. Behind the enchanting historic façade, I discovered one of the most beautiful boutique hotels I have ever seen.

After a day of dashing about the city seeing sights and gorging on food, we were relieved and delighted to slump down at the Dylan reception desk. The staff were friendly and attentive, welcoming us and offering a stress-free personalised service. We wandered straight through to the picturesque open-air courtyard. This central area is a sanctuary of calm, the perfect place to enjoy the special High Wine, the Dylan offers in the afternoon. It was fascinating to hear of this building’s rich history and easy to observe the prominent features from the courtyard. This 17th Century landmark functioned as one of the city’s most famous theatres and has a tumultuous and intriguing story to tell. We learnt of all the Dylan’s secrets while sipping exquisite wines.

Our room was stunning and immaculate, spanning two floors – the bedroom downstairs with a rustic staircase leading up to a chic minimalist bathroom. Our luxurious duplex room provided us with a lavish retreat, in fact it was so comfortable we came home early from our night out to enjoy the facilities! The décor was striking and monochrome with ancient china urns furnishing the room giving an exotic Oriental feel. No expense is spared with innovative design and high quality materials in every aspect of the room, ensuring nothing compromises one’s comfort. The room felt intimate and yet there was plenty of space to relax especially upstairs. The Dylan offers rooms with different themes, each inspires a different mood and ambience. Free Wifi and a giant TV in the room allow one to keep in touch with the world, though it was tempting not to!

The bathroom was very impressive, a show room that looked too good to use. A huge bath, power-shower and toilet are all arranged upstairs away from the bedroom. My only criticism, would be the lack of mirror in the bathroom, aside from a tiny magnifying mirror which I found terrifyingly revealing. The bathroom has plenty of space and a mirror for convenience of teeth brushing and make-up application would be useful. We thoroughly enjoyed our hot baths, which we relished while listening to music on the Bose Ipod speakers. Slipping on the soft bathrobe and slippers I felt like I was in a spa.

I slept blissfully well in the plush master bed, the marshmallow soft duvet moulded to our bodies and ensured we slept straight through the night, which for me is incredibly rare. Breakfast is served downstairs in Vinkeles, the atmospheric destination restaurant, Michelin star awarded and renowned for its exceptional cuisine. A spectacular display of continental treats is on offer for guests to indulge in. I was happy to relax over a strong cappuccino and croissant, but found myself persuaded by the delicious homemade cereals and fresh fruit. From the hot menu, we tried the Poached egg on toast and French Toast. Though elegantly presented, I found my pancakes to be a little lacklustre, a few tiny bits of soggy cinnamon flavoured bread with maple syrup and fresh red fruits. The egg looked divine perfectly simple yet delicious.

Dragging our suitcases through the hotel, I observed a bright and refined dining room and the heavenly living room, I wished we could have stayed longer. The Dylan Hotel is an intimate and romantic hide-away, the perfect place to stay while enjoying a fairytale weekend in Amsterdam.

More information and book here.

http://dylanamsterdam.com/

THOROUGHLY MODERN MISS: High tea at the Amstel Hotel Intercontinental, Amsterdam

Posted on by

When we arrived in Amsterdam, the weather was unexpectedly lovely – hot and sunny without a cloud in the sky. So when we got off our bicycles at the Amstel Hotel (Amsterdam’s Intercontinental) for afternoon tea, we decided we’d quite like to take advantage of the sunshine we’d been missing so much in England. They sat us at a table right by the huge French windows, which opened onto the canal and we were bathed in sunlight. There probably isn’t a better way to experience afternoon tea.

We were served 4 different types of tea that afternoon; a Darjeeling, a Lung Ching, an Oolong Fancy and a China Jasmin Chung Hao. Each tea is explained in the menu; the Darjeeling being ‘the champagne of tea’; the Lung Ching a traditional Chinese green tea with a slightly bitter finish; the Oolong Fancy, a half fermented tea from Taiwan and the China Jamin Chung Hao a delicate jasmine tea that was traditionally reserved for the Imperial Court of China.

We started with two traditional Dutch sweets – a Dutch Kringle, which is a sweet, sugary puff pastry biscuit and a Hazelino with a crème of mocha, which was almost like a cross between a meringue and a macaroon, with a creamy mocha filling.

We moved on to a delicious selection of sandwiches, cakes, salads and tiny sweet treats. There was the interesting looking ‘pain surprise’ which was a hollow loaf of bread containing sandwiches filled with salmon, egg and watercress, smoked chicken and cucumber salad. Alongside this was a cake stand with a number of tempting afternoon tea snacks. On the top layer were two small salads; seared tuna for me and mozzarella for Milly. The salad was filled with ripe avocado, tomato and romaine lettuce and was crunchy and fresh. Alongside this was a ‘Tramezzinno’ with roast beef and mustard mayonnaise. We also had homemade scones, chocolate and vanilla, served with clotted cream, preserves and lemon curd. The chocolate scones were a little stodgy, but the vanilla scones were very light and served warm.

On the bottom two layers of the cake stand were some very enticing looking treats. A bon bon of Tia Maria and Nougatine, which was rather like an alcoholic Ferrero Roche; a ‘brownie lolly’- a round brownie served on the end of a little stick, which was a genius idea, since it prevented you from getting your fingers covered in the sticky, oozing chocolate. An orange cremeux on a sable with almond – a delicate orange cream with a very thin, crunchy, almond biscuit base, and a cupcake with vanilla mousse and fresh red berries. The cupcake was perfect; light in texture, whilst the berries cut through the sweet vanilla cream and gave it a good tartness.

The last thing we ate was the ‘Crème bavarois of strawberries with an infusion of roses’. This was almost like a mini cake with a creamy, strawberry topping and strawberry sauce, laced with a rose flavour. It was very sweet, perhaps overly sweet, but tasty.

Our experience at the Amstel was really enjoyable, helped along by the opulent surroundings and blazing sunshine, but the food and tea spoke for itself; a very lovely way to spend a few hours in the afternoon.

More information here.

Written by a Thoroughly Modern Miss, Jessica Hill.

THOROUGHLY MODERN MISS: High Wine at the Dylan Hotel, Amsterdam

Posted on by

There are many types of highs in Amsterdam, but I would argue, none as good as ‘High Wine’ at the Dylan Hotel. This is the Dylan’s take on afternoon tea – substituting the tea for wine and the cakes and sandwiches for mini meals. A brilliant idea for those who want something light at the end of the day.

What made this experience so special were the beautiful surroundings. The courtyard of the Dylan feels very private, hidden by four, ivy coated walls and filled with a sense of calm. It’s the perfect place to relax after a busy day wandering around Amsterdam.

We were expertly attended to by the in house sommelier, whose knowledge of the four wines he served us was excellent. Every wine that was served came with an explanation of its history and background, region, and why it was so well suited to the particular dish we happened to be eating. Each dish was small; enough for a lovely flavour experience, but not so much that we ended up feeling uncomfortably full. Around us, the tinkle of cutlery against china, and glass against table tops suggested that others were also tucking into some delicious snacks and chilled wine.

We started with a dried ‘Cecina de Leon’ beef with Cavaillon melon, pumpkin seeds and a red port vinaigrette. This was served with Weingut Bernhard Eifel Mosel 2011; a delicate and pale white wine that complemented the sweet and salty flavours of our food.

Next came a sautéed fillet of plaice with a fennel and radish salad, French fries and tartar sauce. The plaice was expertly cooked, with a crisp, flavoursome outside and juicy, flaky texture on the inside. Milly isn’t a huge fan of fish, so at the last minute, they prepared her a beautiful tiny cut of steak, seared on the outside and wonderfully pink in the middle. Again, the amount of food was just right, although on first impression the one french fry looked a little lonely on the plate, any more and it would have been overwhelming. With this dish we were served Petra Unger Kremstal Tradition weinguter Gruner Veldliner Oberfeld 2010; another lovely white wine, this time with a little more depth to it to complement the slightly richer amuse we were eating.

A roasted chicken breast with carrots, turnip and smoked mussel and brown bread sauce followed the plaice. The chicken was juicy and the vegetables had a good crunch to them. It was a lovely, flavoursome dish. With it, we drank a Spanish red – El Mago 2010 Garnacha Terra Alta (Cataluna). It was light in colour, without that punchy, deep flavour that lots of reds deliver, which ensured that the food wasn’t overwhelmed by the wine.

The last dish that we ate in this gastronomic frenzy was a beautifully delicate dessert consisting of poached aprictos, champagne, goji berries, yoghurt and Greek basil. A sweet and sour pudding experience served with Weingut Tschida Neusiedlersee Samling Auslese – a sweet dessert wine.

Overall, High Wine at the Dylan was a lovely experience and the perfect way to wind down after a long, hot day in the city.

More information here.

Written by a Thoroughly Modern Miss, Jessica Hill.

London to Amsterdam by Eurostar

Posted on by

I’m not a keen flyer, so for me the Eurostar is a heavenly way to travel.

I have always loved the short and sweet trip on this train to Paris, one of my very favourite cities. I was overjoyed when I heard the announcement of its new services further afield. In just four hours you can be transported from the centre of London to the heart of Amsterdam. Now a trip to Amsterdam seemed possible without the dreaded plane journey either side of the stay.

After hopping on at St Pancras with a Nero coffee in hand, we settled into our seats and prepared for the ride. A bit of gossiping and croissant munching and soon we were pulling into Brussels for our quick and easy changeover. The next leg of the journey was even quicker, and we appreciated the Belgian countryside while we flicked through our Amsterdam guide books planning our weekend meticulously.

It seemed bizarre to get off the train in Holland, after a journey that takes less time than London to Edinburgh and is certainly less tiring. No passport check, no waiting for luggage – within minutes we were on the streets of Amsterdam admiring our astoundingly beautiful surroundings.

To reach such a destination in Europe in a few hours just seems too good to be true. And the new Eurostar Amsterdam service brings even more possibilities… I wouldn’t be surprised if soon this magical train service extends right across in Europe.

Visit the Eurostar website here for more information and to book.

Amsterdam Services

All the best things come in small packages and Amsterdam  is no exception. With more canals than Venice , this beautifully compact city is the perfect choice for a relaxing and romantic break. One of the most enjoyable and easiest ways to get to this gem of a capital is with Eurostar. With one easy connection in Brussels passengers can arrive in the heart of Amsterdam  in just over four hours. Eurostar offers return fares to Amsterdam from just £99. Eurostar also offers connecting fares from more than 200 stations in the UK . For more information or to book, visit eurostar.com or call 08432 186 186.