Babylonstoren

Earlier this year, to celebrate 10 years of working together, we travelled to Mischa's home town of Cape Town in South Africa.

We were greeted by warm summer sunshine, the most amazing food and gorgeous wines. For some time now, we had heard about the beautiful wine estate of Babylonstoren, situated between Franschoek and Stellenbosch. Driving up on the long dirt road on a scorching hot Sunday afternoon, with vineyards on either side and the mountains ahead of us, we were certainly in for a treat.

The manicured and sculpted gardens, also referred to as the Versaille of Africa, welcomed us. The fertile land produces the most amazing, ripe and varied ingredients which are used in their two restaurants, The Greenhouse, which offers a more laid back and relaxed atmosphere and their fine-dining restaurant Babel.

Hours can be spent wandering through the gardens and surroundings. If you have more time, and the budget, you can also stay in the Farm Hotel, which is tailored to be your home away from home. There's also a spa where you can be pampered and rejuvenated.

The shop sells the most beautiful local produced - think artisan breads baked right on the premises, meat, cheese, fruit and vegetables. Not to mention their own label wines, books and other beautiful items.

The only way to best appreciate this magnificent part of the world is not by reading the written word, but by experiencing it trough photos and images, or better yet, by going and visiting it for yourself.

For more information, visit Babylonstoren.


Morgan & Mees

Morgan & Mees is a brand new hotel and restaurant situated in a completely renovated historical building in Amsterdam West. The interior matches the characteristics of the monumental building, but with a modern twist. With an elegant timeless look and an eye for detail Morgan & Mees is a stylised hotel for international travellers and locals.

The bar, restaurant and hotel are tastefully designed, classical, yet modern at the same time.

The restaurant menu is brasserie inspired with very accessible dishes. In the evenings, the bar is really popular and even standing space is hard to find.

In the short time they've been open, Morgan & Mees has gained quite a following and they are certainly a valuable addition to the area.

For more information, please visit Morgan & Mees.


Hotel JL No76

A vibrant place where you feel at home!

At the centre of Amsterdam’s museum and fashion district, situated immediately behind PC Hooftstraat, this is where the magic begins. Hotel JL Nº76 - open since 2011 - welcomes both business and leisure travellers in a warm and friendly boutique atmosphere. Imagine a fountain of colours, copious prints and a contemporary art collection, handpicked by the owner Arjen van den Hof. This hotel and its city garden speak with their own voice. Each of the 39 fully-equipped rooms is a showcase. They are all furnished with COCO-Mat beds and contain unique wallpaper designed by renowned Dutch artist Barbara Broekman. Guests can visit the honesty bar to have a drink whenever they wish and feast on the attractive dishes at Restaurant JAN. Hotel JL Nº76 is a vibrant place where you will feel at home.

For more information please visit: Hotel JL No76


Hotel De Hallen

Sleep and eat in a former tram depot!

Vondel Hotels' sixth hospitality project is Hotel De Hallen, which opened in April 2014. The new hotel is situated in one of Amsterdam’s finest industrial heritage sites. The blue steel and rusty highlights of this former tram depot become an inspiration to each and every one of the guests. Imagine spacious surroundings with an abundance of plants, brought to perfection with modern and vintage furniture and design and decorated with a selection of contemporary art, handpicked by the owner Arjen van Den Hof. The modern facilities and quality of service are outstanding. Hotel De Hallen is a must see, the perfect place for a nice stay in Amsterdam and for social and corporate events. The former tram depot has been restored preserving the original elements and formed into a hotel with 55 rooms, a beautiful lobby, meeting room in boardroom set up, bar, terrace and restaurant Remise47. In this restaurant with French/International cuisine guests and locals enjoy classic and modern signature dishes, matching wines and surprising cocktails. The fashion and museum districts, Amsterdam’s breath-taking canals and the Jordaan district are all within walking distance.

Hotel De Hallen is part of a former tram depot that dates back to 1902 and is situated in Amsterdam West. Along with architect Andre van Stigt, they tried to keep elements of the former depot visible to give an industrial touch to the look and feel for the hotel. In addition to the hotel, the 2,700-square-metre De Hallen project includes a library, cinema, boutiques and covered food market.

For more information please visit: Hotel de Hallen


Faralda NDSM Crane Hotel Amsterdam

The exclusive Faralda NDSM Crane Hotel Amsterdam is located at the top of a former industrial monumental crane in one of the city’s most creative neighbourhoods. Located directly on the water in the heart of Amsterdam, the surrounding area has a vibrancy and energy uniquely its own.

The Faralda NDSM Crane Hotel fits perfectly in this Amsterdam creative hotspot. Not only does it offer a unique and exclusive experience for its guests – including a jacuzzi located on the roof – it will also host the Faralda Production Company. In cooperation with Dutchview, Faralda facilitates film, TV, music, media and festival events.

The iconic 50-metre high crane was recently dismantled and has undergone a major renovation. It returned this year to start it's second life as a brand new luxury hotspot in Amsterdam.

The top of the crane houses 3 high‐end contemporary design suites. An international team is responsible for the in‐ & exterior design. A jacuzzi is situated on top in the open air, 50 meters high (with splendid views of the city and the IJ river). High above the city, the crane slowly turns in the wind. Guests will experience an exceptional night.

There is even the possibility to Bungee Jump. You can enjoy the amazing view, but you will thrown you down after half an hour! You can bring up to one extra person for recording a video. The spectacular rope jump has a swing of at least 90 metres and a free fall of tens of metres.

There is private car park, a private pier and boat service. If arriving with a Private Jet at Schiphol Airport Amsterdam, part of our service, VIP transport from Schiphol Oost can be arranged by the Faralda Crane Hotel Amsterdam (20 minutes).

For more information please visit The Faralda NDSM Crane Hotel Amsterdam

 


Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht

Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht in the former Public Library on the Prinsengracht – the “Prince’s Canal.” Marvelously located in the cultural heart of Amsterdam, the hotel is surrounded by the creative scene and dynamic character of the lively Jordaan district and adjacent “Nine Streets.” The new 122-room (including five suites) hotel is within close walking distance of the city’s major attractions, as well as prime retail and business districts. Reflecting its energetic and distinctive surroundings, Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht is devoted to providing highly personalized, uncomplicated service in an atmosphere that authentically embraces the best of Amsterdam. Notable features are the in-house restaurant and bar, Bluespoon, 400 square meters (4,305 square feet) of meeting space, a signature spa with sauna, steam and treatment rooms, and a fully equipped 24-hour gym. Every space is uniquely designed by Dutch architect and renowned designer, Marcel Wanders, reflecting a modern and adventurous view of Dutch history and local culture.

For more information, visit amsterdam.prinsengracht.andaz.com, or call +31 20 523 1234.


Bed & Breakfast 180 Graden

Bed & Breakfast 180 Graden is a luxury, private apartment situated right in the center of Amsterdam’s historical district, the Jordan area, on one of the most beautiful canals, the “Egelantiersgracht”.

This stylish 75 m2 apartment on the third and fourth floor looks out over the canal and the “Westertoren”. It offers the comfort of a hotel and the independence of a private apartment with it’s own living room, small terrace and luxurious kitchen with dining table.

You will find all the amenities you would expect, including dishwasher, tumble dryer, washing machine, cooker and SMEG fridge.

The fridge is stocked with lovely organic homemade food from farmers markets around the Amsterdam region. The gorgeous breakfast with homemade jams, freshly baked croissants, fruit and granola has become famous the world over.

For more information please visit 180 Graden.


Conservatorium Hotel

The Conservatorium hotel is a high-end luxury lifestyle hotel offering guests a unique access to the best of the local culture alongside amenities, service and design that compete at the highest level on a global stage.

Originally founded in 1275, present-day Amsterdam is bursting with history and rife with countless museums and galleries. The city is undergoing a palpable arts-led renaissance that is feeding both local and international resurgent appetites for travel to Amsterdam.

A destination for world-class food and drink venues

All dining venues at The Conservatorium hotel are under the helm of celebrated Dutch-chef, Schilo van Coevorden, whose style of food has continuously evolved throughout the years, adapting and adopting traditions from all over the world while retaining the virtues of simplicity and focus on locality and seasonality. Guests, local residents, and visitors are able to soak in the first morning sunlight with the finest coffee, teas, and cakes from The Lounge where they can absorb the daily news from the comfort of the various plush oversized sofas located in the elegant glassed Atrium space. Set to become a cornerstone for both social gatherings and informal business meetings, The Atrium also boasts an informal Brasserie offering classic and light all-day dining including salads, sandwiches, and seasonal plat du jour.

In addition to The Brasserie, the hotel’s specialty restaurant — located on the first floor and overlooking The Atrium and the Paulus Potterstraat (home of the Van Gogh and Stedelijk museums) – offers local dishes from regionally sourced ingredients while magnificent open-plan kitchens enchant the restaurant’s guests. For drinks, Tunes Bar by Schilo is the ultimate watering hole in the city for sophisticated mixology, with an internationally inspired drinks list, a separate elevated smoking lounge, chic décor, DJ, and gourmet tapas style food.

Amterdam’s vibrant center

Ideally located in the heart of the city’s major museums cluster (Museumplein) and the Royal Concertgebouw, and parallel to the prestigious designer-fashion district of P.C. Hooftstraat and Van Baerlestraat, The Conservatorium hotel offers unrivalled proximity to all of the capital’s cultural destinations. While nestled in “Oud Zuid” (The Old South), art lovers will be delighted by the proximity of world-class offerings from such venerated arts institutions as the Rijksmuseum, the Stedelijk, and the Van Gogh Museum. For those seeking bohemian shops, independent restaurants and cafes, or a meander in the Vondelpark, the hotel is remarkably close by. It is also just a short stroll from the charming lanes of the Jordaan neighborhood. Be it on foot or by bicycle, guests of the hotel will be able to leisurely discover the gabled houses dotting the grand canals from the Dutch Golden Age of the 17th Century while simultaneously exploring the vibrant and bustling business (Zuidas) and design quarters nearby.

Piero Lissoni: The Dutch Golden Age meets Contemporary Italian Design

Hotel Conservatorium Amsterdam occupies the famous site of Amsterdam's former Sweelinck music conservatorium. Originally built at the end of the 19th Century and conceived by the renowned Dutch architect Daniel Knuttel as the Rijkspostspaarbank Building, the construction heralded an urban regeneration of the Museumplein, an area which had been left previously derelict. Knuttel was praised for his ability to fuse simplicity and functionality, and the award-winning Milan-based architect, furniture and interiors designer Piero Lissoni has embraced this tradition through the re-incarnation of this spectacular building 100 years later.

Against the backdrop of the building's incredibly rich history, the hotel has been consistently imbued with Lissoni's signature style. Known for his austere lines, demure fabrics and shades of grey that are occasionally dotted by the appearance of bright accents, Lissoni is considered one of the most prominent and exciting contemporary Italian designers. His clean designs are a hybrid of modernist and contemporary chic and contrast playfully with the on-going bath of natural daylight throughout the building's airy spaces.

Outstanding furnishing from leading manufacturers such as Cassina, Living Divani and Vitra sit prominently in all communal spaces and are complemented by Piero Lissoni’s own custom-made furniture and lighting while accent pieces such as vintage Asian rugs provide a sense of familiar comfort. According to Lissoni "The sophisticated simplicity of the hotel was conceived with the hope of creating a personal atmosphere and ambience whereby guests and visitors alike instantly feel naturally at home. This balance of beautiful design and hospitable warmth is key to all of my projects and a key facet to my collaborations with The Mamilla and The Conservatorium hotel."

Pioneering guest rooms

The Conservatorium Hotel is comprised of 129 rooms and occupies eight floors with room categories in the property ranging from superior, deluxe, grand deluxe and suites of varying sizes. Paying homage to the building’s original lofty ceilings and almost half of the rooms have been configured into stunning duplex layout with oversized functional windows and exposed structural beams. The rooms, all with natural daylight and double glazed windows, range in size from 30m2 to a spacious 170m2.

Any highlighted suites: The Van Baerle Suites - are large 65 square meter suites with 4,5 meter high ceiling. The rooms offer a large seating area and working space with free wireless internet and state-of-the-art in room entertainment. The spacious bathroom with natural day light features a solid stone oval bath, large walk-in closet, separate rainfall shower, deluxe amenities and a bathroom LCD mirror TV. The Concerto Suite - is a unique duplex suite of 90 square meter with a separate seating area. This contains a dining area which is complimented with a service area, free wireless internet, state-of-the-art in room entertainment and features natural daylight through the architectural historic windows. The very spacious bathroom has a freestanding oval stone bath tub and a separate rainfall shower as well as deluxe amenities and bathroom LCD mirror TV. The bedroom on the duplex level offers a beautiful view on the Stedelijk Museum. The I love Amsterdam Suite - is a beautiful triplex suite of 155 square meter with a view of the Amsterdam skyline. Located on the top floor, the original wooden beams and historic architecture define the space. The suite is divided in three levels with a spacious bathroom. The Penthouse - of 170 square meters features a large living room and dining room with a support pantry for special events. A large 8oinch screen to use as private cinema. Floor to ceiling windows overlooking Amsterdam and the historical Conservatorium Hotel facade.

For more information please visit conservatoriumhotel, or call +31 20 5700000.


Hotel Okura Amsterdam

Hotel Okura Amsterdam

Experience true hospitality

Hotel Okura Amsterdam is one of the finest five-star luxury hotels that you will find in The Netherlands and exclusive member of ‘The Leading Hotels of the World’. It is conveniently located in proximity of Schiphol International Airport as well as major tourist attractions. With 300 comfortable rooms, including the largest (485m2) and most luxurious suite of the Benelux Countries, the hotel offers unrivalled high-class accommodation facilities.

Ciel Bleu Restaurant

Ciel Bleu Restaurant on the 23rd floor of Hotel Okura Amsterdam is a unique destination in many ways. The spectacular view of Amsterdam is the perfect opportunity to see the city from another perspective. Forget today’s buzz and let the chef surprise you with his creations combined with extraordinary wines. Desires of international guests are the basis of Chef Onno Kokmeijer’s inspiration. He is constantly looking for the best ingredients and innovative methods of preparation. Sommelier Noël Vanwittenbergh persuades you with his knowledge of wine and surprises you with the most special and exclusive wines. The ultimate Ciel Bleu experience involves exceeding your expectations, not just with regard to food, but also with regard to service. The restaurant team cooperate flawlessly and everybody exudes a sense of fun at work. They will make sure you are comfortable and relaxed. The service is anything but formal and the interaction with guests is light-hearted and lively. The team aims to surprise you with personality, involvement and expertise.

Serre Restaurant – Inspired by Ciel Bleu

At the ground floor of Hotel Okura Amsterdam you will find an international restaurant offering a menu inspired by that of Ciel Bleu, Okura’s two-star restaurant. At Serre Restaurant, classic culinary creations are transformed into somewhat simpler dishes without loosing their essence. All day long, the most delicious food is served, from a broad selection of lunch options and specialties from all corners of the world, to gastronomic snacks and extensive dinners. In summer, you can also enjoy Serre’s delicacies on the spacious terrace on the Amstel Canal. Michelin awarded the restaurant a Bib Gourmand for its outstanding quality for moderate prices.

Yamazato Restaurant

On the ground floor of Hotel Okura Amsterdam you will find Okura’s traditional Japanese Yamazato Restaurant, a famous place for enjoying the authentic haute cuisine of Japan, kaiseki ryōri. Yamazato is renowned for its menu, which boasts more than fifty specialities, and its traditional Japanese ambiance. The 15th and 16th-century Sukiya style decor, the exquisite Japanese hospitality and the view of the Japanese garden complement the culinary arts of Executive Chef Masanori Tomikawa to perfection. Yamazato received a Michelin star in 2002 and was the first traditional Japanese restaurant to be awarded one Michelin star in Europe.

Teppanyaki Restaurant Sazanka

Experience the ancient traditions and contemporary tastes of Japanese cuisine in Teppanyaki Restaurant Sazanka. Chef Masashi Nonaka and his team will prepare the most delicious fish, meat and vegetarian dishes on a hot iron griddle at your table: à la minute cooking with Japanese precision. The contemporary Japanese interior, inspired by the elements of stone, wood, water and fire, is an oasis of tranquillity. The teppanyaki griddles are large enough for seven to ten guests and are ideal for both business and celebratory dinners.

Le Camelia

Breakfast is the most important meal. Le Camelia provides the best breakfast experience in line with Okura’s culinary reputation. The buffet selection offers an extensive variety of cereals, seeds, fruits and vegetables and many organic and healthy suggestions. The seasonal buffet is prepared with a mix of European and Asian ingredients. Le Camelia can also be rented as a private restaurant, ideal for festive celebrations and events.

Taste of Okura

Would you like to learn how to cook like a Michelin starred chef? You’ll find the perfect kitchen to do this in Hotel Okura Amsterdam. At the culinary center ‘Taste of Okura’, Okura’s chefs show how to prepare their dishes. As a result of the culinary diversity within Hotel Okura Amsterdam, there’s a variety of workshop you can choose from. In addition to a kitchen, the culinary center also has a wine room where wine and sake tastings are organized. Okura’s sommeliers help you developing a discerning taste in wine, show you how to distinguish between different grape sorts and the varieties of flavor from continent to continent and tell you all about the origin and the rituals that are associated with drinking sake. The workshops of Taste of Okura can be enjoyed individually, as a group or for business occasions.

Lobby Bar

Lobby Bar is a charming bar with a delightfully informal ambiance that makes it the perfect place to meet friends and business guests for a cup of coffee, or a drink and a snack. There are no fewer than 60 delectable cocktails to choose from. The Art Deco design style from the 1920's played an important role in the design of this bar. Typical characteristics of this style, like clean geometric lines, can be found in the carpet and armchairs.

Twenty Third Bar

Twenty Third owes its name to its location, which offers an unparalleled view over virtually all of Amsterdam. In this stylish bar on the 23rd floor of Hotel Okura Amsterdam a wide range of cocktails is served. The drinks list offers an extensive selection of wines as well as 17 different champagnes, six of which are also available per glass. All drinks were selected especially for Twenty Third by sommelier Noël Vanwittenbergh and bar manager Marc Wüst. In addition to this great variety of drinks the bar offers, various delicacies which are prepared in the adjoining Ciel Bleu Restaurant which has been awarded two Michelin stars.

For more information, visit hotelokuraamsterdam, or call +31 20 6787491.


The College Hotel

Experience the art of food

Gastronomy enthusiasts will feel right at home in the restaurant of The College Hotel. Chef Nick Schouten and his team present a cuisine with an international touch, but which originates in the Dutch kitchen.

Chef Nick Schouten makes subtle use of new techniques, but only complementary. His love for the trade, eye for presentation and use of fair and fresh products ensure a high level of cuisine. The elongated open kitchen makes lunch and dinner at The College Hotel all the more enjoyable. You can see the kitchen crew work at all times.

The College Restaurant is also perfect for a delicious lunch. Are you having a business meeting? You and your business partners will definitely be pleasantly surprised by The College Power Lunch. This 3-course lunch gives you a small taste of our delicious dishes from the dinner menu. And for the ladies we have Lady Lunch consisting of a selection of appetizers, a tasty main course and a sweet dessert tasting. All while enjoying a glass of quality wine per person. Upon departure you will receive a ladylike giveaway gift.

For more information, visit thecollegehotel, or call +31 20 5711511.