We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article. What do you look for when choosing your European city break? Is it all about the food? Rome and San Sebastian spring to mind. Berlin, Barcelona. Crisps, olives and maybe a bruschetta or two sat between our sunglasses on the table.
Paris , anyone? Better still, I've found just the place to soak up the city's history, de-stress with a massage after a tough day of running to and from your restaurant reservations , get your hair done and have the best sleep of your life. You're welcome. Typically, choosing somewhere central can mean compromising on character and personality of the hotel, unless you want to empty your savings account. I let out a little gasp when I saw the view from my room, where tall windows frame a quintessential Amsterdam scene, soundtracked with the tinkle of bike bells as cyclists fly past each other in each direction and small boats tour excited visitors along the canal system.
Speaking of beds, they were big white pillowy clouds of comfort that I resented having to leave, I'd happily have spent an hour in that ludicrously capacious shower and, on each deliciously adorable writing desk, there's a mini bicycle repair kit to take round the city with you. A nice Dutch touch. We visited during Pride weekend and when the day came around, chaos ensued in the best way. An otherwise quiet street was alive with joy and anticipation, with boats parading along with synchronised dancers dressed in drag.
The hotel, despite being a haven for the cultured and the classy, embraced the noise and merriment with open arms, with all the staff sharing their excitement — a testament to the hotel's welcoming ethos. The establishment's famed restaurant, Jansz. Seasonal, fresh and full of intriguing flavours and sexy small plates that aren't too small, for me this is crucial , the food here was some of the best I've had in this delightful city.
Order the oysters to start and make sure you get the crispy potatoes on the side of whatever main you go for. I typically trust thelistamsterdam on Instagram for local food reccos and I've not yet been disappointed.
