1. Historic location, fresh interpretation
The hip hotel, which spans five venerable canal houses on the ritzy Herengracht, is the product of a collaboration between design agencies Nicemakers and Humbert & Poyet, hospitality developer Ennismore and Soho House. Throughout the building, you’ll find locals and tourists alike perched languidly on well-worn leather sofas in a cool, airy and relaxed setting. Here, ladies lunch, workers take to communal tables with their laptops and travellers can be seen pondering their next excursions, while the staff casually mingle and lend a hand with a smile.
2. Fido is always welcome
Book one of the hotel’s more spacious rooms so that your dog can enjoy all the perks of life on the road. Upon check-in, your furry friend will receive a welcome kit that includes a fluffy dog bed, bowls, treats, toys and an Amsterdam guide that offers the scoop on pet-friendly cafés, tried-and-tested dog-sitters and the best grooming services in the city. A spare collar and leash together with a pet-specific first aid kit round off the fine list of pooch perks.
3. Home away from home
The hotel’s design-driven rooms resemble a much-coveted apartment that’s equal parts laid-back and luxe, with minimalist décor alongside leather finishes. Since the rooms are shaped out of old canal houses, each is unique, while still including signature comforts that The Hoxton is known for: think accent shelves of classic literature, signed pieces by local artists and healthy grab-and-go breakfasts left on your doorstep.
4. A gathering place
You don’t need to head out to the quaint cobblestoned streets of the Dutch capital to get a taste of local culture – some of the most interesting conversations and events around food, music and fashion make their way into the hotel through The Hoxton’s slate of events. Look forward to the coolest pop-up boutiques, masterclasses and discussions by innovative locals. Past events have included a green beauty market and talks by local design agency Workwhile.
5. Tuck in
Sprawled across two storeys in a loft-like space, the hotel’s brasserie-style restaurant Lotti’s has white brick walls and a central spiral staircase that exude homely comfort. Plenty of natural light flows in through the windows to illuminate the establishment, and you’ll get to enjoy sweeping views of the romantic canal too. The food is vibrant yet refined, offering the opportunity to try the best of local specialities such as Dutch cheeses with sweet and sticky apple syrup, bitterballen (deep-fried beef gravy balls) as well as a nightcap of the Dutch juniper-flavoured spirit jenever, a predecessor of gin.
Singapore Airlines flies to Amsterdam daily. To book a flight, visit singaporeair.com
SEE ALSO: Essential guide to Amsterdam, the Netherlands
This article was originally published in the November 2019 issue of SilverKris magazine