Nieuw Amsterdam

Even though this post is overdue (and highly anticipated I'm sure!) I'm still so excited to tell you about my December trip to Amsterdam!  The last time I was in Amsterdam was 2007 and on a student budget.  The city has been a destination on the rise with lots of new hotel openings, the Rijksmuseum reopening, and lots of new river cruises departing from the port - so it was high time for me to get back and check it out! The fact that my best friend Grace is living there was also a motivating factor :)  So I bought my ticket, packed my bags for a cold week in Northern Europe in December, and I was off! 

Twins Reunited! View from SKYLOUNGE Amsterdam.

My reunion with Amsterdam was everything I imagined and more! Personally, I found the city so warm (friendly, not the temps in December), easy to stroll and enjoy, and simply picturesque with the canals, bridges, and iconic architecture.  Professionally, I was blown away by the new hotel options there. The great news is, I loved every one, but in a different way and for a different traveler. So if Amsterdam is on your list, there is a perfect hotel for you there!

I was reminded how accessible and walkable the city is... we walked everywhere! Amsterdam's tram system is tourist-friendly when you need it, and of course you could rent a bike to get around, but beware of getting run over by the locals. The Dutch are expert commuters on bicycles and they are not very fond of slow tourists fumbling on bikes in their way (DC friends: think about how you feel when tourists stand on the left side of the metro escalator!!).  You'll see moms riding their bike with a baby on their back, another child in a front carrier, two grocery bags... and texting!

Quintessential Canal View!

Now what do you do there?  Amsterdam's largest and most important museum is the Rijksmuseum,

which was closed for 10 years for renovations and reopened in 2013. This is a must-see and you should save at least a long half-day, even if you are not a museum person.  Not only can you see so many of the famous Dutch Masters' pieces, but the building itself is an incredible sight to see, inside and out.  Nearby you have the Van Gogh Museum, as well as a smaller museum of modern art, the Stedelijk that is worth a visit. You could spend days on Museumplein taking in all the art!

Of course the Anne Frank House is another must-see in Amsterdam, and do get your tickets in advance as lines can be prohibitive.  Another fun find (particularly for the ladies) is the Tassen Museum of Bags and Purses near the Rembrantplein where you can learn about the history of women through their accessories - so interesting!

After (and in between) your sightseeing, you'll certainly need to rest your legs and sit down in one of Amsterdam's cafes or traditional brown bars for a cold one.  In Amsterdam, most bars just have one beer on tap (usually Heineken or Amstel of course) so you just order a "bier" and they'll serve you their house draft.  And of course you need some munchies, so order a plate of bitterballen, delicious little fritters to soak up that beer.  Try Cafe Hoppe, where the beer is poured from copper pipes, making it the perfect temperature when served!

Now while there are so many fantastic tried-and-true hotels in Amsterdam, I'm going to focus on the 3 newest additions!

Christmas at Conservatorium

The Conservatorium is a hotel destination - I never wanted to leave!  It is located right next to Museumplein, a wonderful location.  It was a former music school (hence the name) and has been transformed into a contemporary hotel, while keeping some of the original touches to create a charming design hotel.  There is original tilework on the walls in the hallways, the doors are grand at 16' or higher.  The lobby and lounge and casual restaurant are all located in what used to be an outdoor courtyard, but has been enclosed in glass to make it a double-story indoor atrium.  So you have a real sense of bringing the outside in, with greenery and lots of light - this feels so nice in Amsterdam when the weather can be gray much of the time!  The rooms are fairly contemporary European - clean lines and neutral colors.  The top suites are inspired! The architect used much of the original building like exposed beams and brick with an incredible design result.  Have a cocktail at Tunes Bar, which pays homage to all the famous musicians who have called this institution home.

WA Amsterdam Canal Boat View

Another new favorite is the Waldorf Astoria.  It is not far from Rembrandtplein (and right by that purse museum I was telling you about).  The neighborhood is wonderful with lots of restaurants - from traditional corner bars to ethnic food to contemporary spots.  In Waldorf Astoria fashion, the hotel offers luxury with the comforts of home - very homey-feeling bedrooms with touches of Dutchy blue.  It is worth it to go for the canal view room - you'll open your window to a quintessential Amsterdam photo-op. The hotel offers bikes for guests, as well as a hotel canal boat, which makes for a very special arrival transfer, or a nice evening cruise to see the canals all lit up.

Delft done right at the Andaz

The Andaz Amsterdam is another gem! The location right on Prinsengracht cannot be beat.  You are an easy walk to Dam Square and right within The Nine Streets (best boutique shopping ever).  The hotel is a total design win.  The elevator atrium above the lobby is all in delft (sounds kitschy - it's not).  The rooms have funky wall artwork by one of The Netherlands top artists, inspired by the resources of the country, and the hotel boasts contemporary video art throughout. 

So the moral of the story is: if you have never been to Amsterdam, you must go.  And if you haven't been to Amsterdam in 2+ years, you must go back!