Blakes Hotel, Amsterdam
Amsterdam's intoxicating blend of the old and the new, and the tranquil and the riotous has captivated visitors for centuries. A unique destination that's easily digested in a long weekend, Amsterdam is characterised by atmospheric canals lined with elegant town houses and world-class museums such as the legendary Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum and Stedelijk, all usefully located on one of Amsterdam's central streets. After feasting your eyes on the city's wonderful collection of Flemish architecture and wandering through its unpolluted, cobbled boulevards and squares – the city's residents prefer to scoot about by cycle rather than car – there are plenty of options for relaxation. Enjoy an authentic Dutch wheat beer in a traditional bar or pop into a quaint café in the picturesque district of De Jordan, one of the city's prettiest neighbourhoods.
Blakes, sister hotel to the hotel of the same name in London's South Kensington, is one of Amsterdam's most illustrious addresses. Featuring the ground-breaking interior designs of legendary hotelier Anouska Hempel, Blakes offers a romantic and intimate ambience, characterised by tasteful furnishings and exquisite Eastern inspired cuisine at the hotel's beautifully designed restaurant. Exclusive but welcoming, and original yet in keeping with traditional Dutch style, Blakes reflects the many faces of one of Europe's most exciting cities.
Hotel Information
Featuring inspired interior design from celebrated hotelier Anouska Hempel, Blakes Amsterdam is located on the site of a 17th century theatre in the heart of the city, alongside one of Amsterdam's most famous canals, Keizersgracht. Enjoying easy access to some of the city's major sights, including the attractive Museum Quarter, home to the Rijksmuseum and the Anne Frank House. Also nearby are the quaint district of De Jordan and the famous 9 Little Streets, home to some of Amsterdam's most exclusive boutiques. Comprising an intimate 41 bedrooms, one of the most wonderful aspects of this hotel is its romantic and exclusive ambience. Rooms feature a breathtakingly original approach to interior design, while the hotel's serene and elegant restaurant offers the chance to enjoy exquisite fusion cuisine and the highest standards of service.
Room Information
Blakes Amsterdam offers just 41 rooms which are grouped together by colour. There are two suites, the Loft Rooms and the Garden Rooms, as well as a further selection of rooms, each decorated in truly original and tasteful style.
The Loft Rooms feature muted tones and natural furnishings while the Garden Rooms are, as the name suggests, inspired by the hues of a charming country garden. The Manhattan rooms feature opulent furnishings and drapes, while La Camona rooms are decked out in warm russet and brown tones to offer a cosy but luxurious option. Klassbols offers a regency feel, with furnishings featuring bold and striking designs, while lovers of all things Oriental will love the Kimono rooms which offer a tranquil and calming eastern inspired feel. Black and white rooms are the ultimate in monochrome chic, and furnishings are offset by striking chrome accessories.
Dining Experience
Hempel hotels have established a reputation for offering an exquisite dining experience which draws heavily on influences from the East. Expect to enjoy dishes which fuse flavours from the Med with spices and fragrances from Thailand , a concept which the hotel's chef describes as 'an architectural cuisine of striking Zen harmony'. Lunch, dinner and afternoon tea can be taken at the hotel – Blakes restaurant and the Long Gallery are open for lunch and dinner from Monday to Saturday. On Sundays guests can enjoy brunch or traditional high tea in the Long Gallery.
Typical menus might include Lapsang Tea Smoked Beef, Chili Seared Langoustines and Green Tea Chocolate Leaves with Sake Sorbet. A room service menu is also available.
Hotel Facilities
Annabel's is a private dining room which can accommodate dinner parties for up to 12 people. There are also meeting facilities available at the hotel, while the courtyard offers the perfect place to enjoy intimate cocktails.