|
|
East Meet West at Blakes Amsterdam
Read Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.comTo read this entire feature FREE with photos cut and paste this link:http://www.jetsettersmagazine.com/archive/jetezine/hotels/holland/amsterdam/blakes/blakes.htmlDont forget to take an umbrella," calls a cheerful concierge at Blakes Amsterdam.Its autumn in Amsterdam, the air is crisp, and we are peering out the front door of the hotel, contemplating a sky filled with low, gray clouds. In a stand next to the door are a number of large umbrellas, all black in keeping with Blakes black and white Asian dcor. They are complimentary for Blakes guests, a practical reminder of the personal service for which this upscale boutique hotel is known.Amsterdam is a city of as many bicycles as people. In Blakes hand-laid herringbone brick entry courtyard is a stable of bicycles. These are available for guests to use to tour the city; you can feel right at home cycling with the residents along picturesque canal streets.Upon our arrival at Blakes we received a refreshing fruit juice welcome. Monique, one of several attractive young men and women in tailored black suits in the reception area, asked, "Do you have any fruit allergies or sugar concerns?" before pouring our drinks.The striking dcor of Blakes Amsterdam has been created by London hotelier and internationally renowned designer, Anouska Hempel. The ambiance is high style, yet intimate and welcoming, an environment of luxurious escapism in an old European city noted for crowded accommodations.The design of the hotel building is an architectural makeover that respects the past and embraces the future. Blakes Amsterdam was once a dignified 17th century canal house, a landmark on one of the citys most famous tree-lined canals, Keizersgracht.Hempel has individually designed 41 guestrooms and suites to combine modern architectural elements in Zen harmony. Rich fabrics and color themes reflect touches of the Orient. As we enter our room, we are greeted by the faint smell of an exotic spice and classical Vivaldi music. Two fresh apples perch on a crisply folded linen napkin; hidden inside the napkin are a Sheffield knife and fork. Cupboards, TV, and closets are concealed behind bamboo wall panels. There seem to be pillows everywhere. Oriental-shuttered windows overlook a pretty courtyard below. The room has a cozy quietness about it that makes you instantly forget the bustling, narrow streets of the city.The bathroom reflects a delightfully modern Asian influence. When you turn on the water, it pours out of a long horizontal slit in the square black marble sink, creating the illusion of a mini zen waterfall. Towels are large and fluffy, in colors of pomegranate and charcoal, and there are two bathrobes. Taking pride on exceptional personal service, the staff at Blakes Amsterdam includes bottled water at bedside as part of its evening turn-down service.To read this entire feature FREE with photos cut and paste this link:http://www.jetsettersmagazine.com/archive/jetezine/hotels/holland/amsterdam/blakes/blakes.htmlCarolyn Proctor, Jetsetters Magazine Editor Read Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com To book travel visit Jetstreams.com at www.jetstreams.com and for Beach Resorts visit Beach Booker at www.beachbooker.com About the Author Caroloyn Proctor, Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent. Join the Travel Writers Network in the logo at www.jetsettersmagazine.com
|
|
Travel and Leisure |
Most Popular Articles |
|
|
|
Random Article 1 |
Random Article 2 |
- Alien landings in the Lake District?
by: Peter Scott News that the latest space probe has discovered a discarded Kendal Mint Cake wrapper on the surface of Mars, and, what appears to be an alien space-craft seen landing on Skiddaw and discharging small people armed with cameras, confirms once and for all that Cumbria and
|
- Hints and tips for your Peru Holiday
by: Dan Clarke Peru is a country with a rich and varied cultural and architectural heritage. Facing the Pacific, it enjoys spectacular and varied scenery, including Lake Titicaca, the worlds highest navigable lake, and has a strong Inca and pre-Inca heritage, which includes the famous
|
Random Article 3 |
Random Article 4 |
- Golden BC Canada, The Outdoor Sportsman's Paradise
Golden is a village of 10,000 population situated in the confluence of theBritish Columbia and Kicking Horse rivers in a long deep valley betweenthe Rocky and Purcell Mountain ranges in eastern BC, at an elevation of790 m [2591 ft] located at the heart of six mountainous national parks:Yoho, Banff,
|
- Will You Be a Trusted Traveler?
Editor: The following article is offered for your free use providing the Resource Box at the end is included.WILL YOU BE A TRUSTED TRAVELER?By Laura Quarantiello Tiare Publications404 wordsSecurity checkpoints have become a genuine pain for air travelers. Where once you could breeze right through th
|
|