Amsterdam and Dublin
01-Jun-08
The narrow 17th-century houses that line the canals of the Dutch capital may be aesthetically straight-laced, but there aren't many European cities that are more bohemian or cosmopolitan than Amsterdam. The bicycles and trams that weave through the streets promote a gentle atmosphere, ideal for meandering between the grand squares and art museums.
Visiting clients can easily progress beyond the undeniable seediness of the red-light district and the infamous coffee shops. The spirit of modern-day Amsterdam is encapsulated more in the contemporary art of the Stedelijk Museum (www.stedelijk.nl) and the architectural redevelopment of the reborn Eastern Docklands. Outdoor life doesn't get much better than watching an open-air performance from the terrace of a cafe in Vondelpark and, for sheer exuberance, the oceans of orange seen at the annual celebration of Queen's Day ("Koninginnedag") on 30 April are hard to beat. The city essentially turns into a huge flea market, with all sorts of goods from home-baked pies to kisses for sale.
If designer brands are more the order of the day, the high-end labels are grouped around the Museum Quarter, with Gucci, Hermes and Louis Vuitton all providing temptation. For celebrity-spotting, the best place to head is the Amstel InterContinental Hotel (www.intercontinental.com), the city's ultimate word in opulence, thanks in no small part to its canalside location. Meanwhile, Hotel Pulitzer (www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury) wins the prize for the most imaginative conversion, fashioned out of 25 old canal houses, which overlook both Prinsengracht and Keizersgracht canals.
AMSTERDAM: THE FACTS
What to see
Clients can learn about one of the city's most famous residents at the Anne Frank Museum (www.annefrank.org). The work of the most famous Dutch Master of them all is housed at the Van Gogh Museum (www.vangoghmuseum.nl). The grand interior of the Concertgebouw (www.concertgebouw.nl) is home to international classical performances and has free lunchtime concerts on Wednesdays.
Client days out
Advise clients to take a canal tour in a private floating saloon (www.privateboattours.nl) or have high tea at the Amstel Hotel (www.amsterdam.intercontinental.com). A complete escape from a hectic lifestyle is possible at a new luxury spa, Koan Float (www.koan-float.com). They can take in serious amounts of bling at local diamond houses, such as Gassan (www.gassandiamonds.nl) or Coster (www.costerdiamonds.com).
Evenings out
The in-crowd currently favours the bar of the College Hotel (www.collegehotelamsterdam) for pre-dinner and pre-club drinks. For dinner, suggest the Michelin-starred Le Ciel Bleu at the Okura Hotel, or the famous SupperClub (www.supperclub.nl), which runs its own sophisticated drinks cruises. Vyne (www.vyne.nl) is a great wine bar from the owners of top-end restaurant Envy.
Getting there
Most major European and international carriers fly in to Schipol Airport.
Getting around
Clients can join the cycling legions on a bike, or take an efficient and cheap tram. Canal boats and walking are very attractive options, too.
When to go
Amsterdam shares the UK's temperate climate, though in winter the canals can freeze, presenting a magical scene.
Anything else?
International high-rollers will want to see and be seen at the Millionaire Fair - dedicated to all things super-expensive - in December (www.miljonairfair.nl).
AMSTERDAM
THE TOURIST BOARD VIEW
- How many UK visitors does Amsterdam receive?
We have a figure of 945,000 visitors annually from the UK, but this is based on hotel rooms, so it is actually much more than this.
- Which famous people have recently visited?
Kate Moss, Robbie Williams and Paris Hilton. Long-standing celebrity fans include Brad Pitt and Tim Burton.
- What are the unique selling points for luxury travellers?
Amsterdam is a big diamond city with some great world-renowned suppliers (www.amsterdamdiamond.nl). We also have a portfolio of luxury hotels such as The InterContinental Amstel Hotel, The Pulitzer, The Grand, The Dylan, The College Hotel and Grand Hotel Amrath. Everyone speaks perfect English (and usually one or more other languages), and this contributes to excellent customer service. The city isn't too large and everything is close together and on the doorstep of the good hotels.
- Which are the best restaurants?
We are lucky to have a great choice of Michelin-starred restaurants. There are two places that boast two stars: Ciel Blue Amsterdam and Ron Blaauw Ouderkerk a/d Amstel. Restaurants with one Michelin star include La Rive Amsterdam and Yamazato Amsterdam.
- Where do you recommend for designer shopping?
You can compare PC Hooftstraat (www.pchooftstraat.nl) to Sloane Square in London. Cornelis Schuytstraat has a mix of the big names and smaller designers, while De Negen Straatjes (www.de9straatjes.nl / www.theninestreets.com) has interesting boutiques and quirkier designers.
WHAT'S NEW IN AMSTERDAM
- Clients can experience the history of a local institution amid the chic design and cocktails of the newly opened House of Bols (www.houseofbols.com).
- A design hotel with a difference is the new Qbic Hotel (www.qbichotels.com). It's a variation on the pod hotel - it has no staff, being fully automated.
- Hotel de l'Europe is expanding into three neighbouring buildings, adding 24 rooms and suites by June 2009. The hotel will then undergo a renovation (www.leurope.nl)
- This year, designer boutiques have taken over some of the buildings and the Red Light Fashion Project showcases the best of new Dutch haute couture (www.redlightfashionamsterdam.nl).
- Clients can flit between one and five stars at the new Lloyd Hotel (www.lloydhotel.com), with each floor offering a different level of service.
- Jamie Oliver has established an Amsterdam branch of his London-based venture, Fifteen (www.fifteen.nl). Operating on the same concept of employing disadvantaged young people, the restaurant has become a hot ticket for trendy diners.
- Chocolate Bar (www.chocolatebar.nl) has quickly become one of the most fashionable bar/restaurants in the city. It opened last year and is already one of the trendiest spots.
- The 408-room Movenpick Hotel Amsterdam City Centre recently received a diamond award from Expedia, the world's largest online travel agent. It was selected by traveller reviews because of its "consistent and excellent level of service". www.moevenpick.amsterdam.com
BUYER'S CHOICE - Mathilda Senior, European expert, Black Tomato
THE VAN BAERLE SUITE
The College
Client fit: Fabulous for funky parents with young kids.
Why: There's no need to compromise chic luxury for family friendliness. This hotel is set in a former public school and is staffed mostly by hospitality students, meaning there is an exceptionally high staff-guest ratio. The building has been given a designer makeover. There's a huge amount of room in this suite, together with a freestanding bath and relaxing courtyard views.
From: Around £250 per night.
Contact: www.collegehotelamsterdam.com
SCHUBERT SUITE
Seven One Seven
Client fit: Perfect for romantics wanting to hide away.
Why: One of just eight luxurious rooms at this boutique, bijoux, suite-only hotel. They are all decked out with elegant furniture and Bang & Olufsen entertainment systems. This suite has authentic, high-beamed ceilings and more than 70sqm of space. The room itself and the views of Prinsengracht canal are very inspiring.
From: £537 per night.
Contact: www.717hotel.nl
THE MANHATTAN ROOM
The Dylan
Client fit: For the ultra-indulgent and lovers of tradition.
Why: There's something quite magical about the interior of this one-of-a-kind suite. You're immediately surrounded by hundreds of metres of flowing taft silk that complement the sumptuous four-poster bed. Huge thick curtains, tastefully placed foliage and classic mahogany wood panelling completes the look. It's definitely a statement of timeless quality.
From: £1,300 per night.
Contact: www.dylanamsterdam.com
www.blacktomato.co.uk
DUBLIN
MY DUBLIN - Frank Magee, chief executive, Dublin Tourism
- How many UK visitors does Dublin receive?
Dublin receives almost two million UK visitors every year. Great Britain is Dublin's biggest market, making up 43 per cent of overseas visitors.
- Which famous people have recently visited?
The Jameson Dublin International Film Festival recently drew a number of big stars. Brendan Gleeson and Colin Farrell were in town and, of course, Daniel Day-Lewis is a big fan. Dublin has always been a popular city among musicians, with local talent such as U2 and Thin Lizzy rubbing shoulders with visiting musicians.
- What are the unique selling points for luxury travellers?
Dublin's people and their innate sense of hospitality are what make Dublin a top destination.
- Where are the best restaurants?
Dublin is fast becoming a culinary capital, with a total of six Michelin-starred restaurants. Dublin Bay has a selection of excellent seafood restaurants.
- Where do you recommend for designer shopping?
Dublin's Grafton Street area is a must, with small boutiques and exclusive department stores. The Powerscourt Design Centre, Clarendon Street, is home to a number of key Irish designers. The Designer Mart at Cow's Lane, Old City Temple Bar, showcases Irish design every Saturday. Dundrum Shopping Centre is home to Harvey Nichols and House of Fraser.
WHAT'S NEW IN DUBLIN
- The Radisson SAS Royal Hotel (www.radissonsas.com), which opened last August, is a newly built deluxe hotel at the crossroads of Golden Lane and Chancery Lane. It is adjacent to Dublin Castle, within a few minutes' stroll from all the sectors of the city.
- The Westbury (a member of The Leading Hotels of the World) has been restyled and recently opened the Wilde restaurant (www.jurysdoyle.com/westbury).
- Flight Greeting is a new exclusive limousine service, which provides luxury treatment from the moment guests arrive in Dublin (www.flightgreeting.com).
- The Hilton Dublin Kilmainham opened early last year and has 120 bedrooms over five floors, with leading-edge facilities - including a brasserie restaurant, bar, and leisure facilities including a large gym and hydrotherapy pool (www.hilton.com).
- Following a multimillion-euro refurbishment, Clontarf Castle Hotel (www.clontarfcastle.ie) offers a perfect blend of boutique and uber-chic. The emphasis throughout is on luxury and glamour. Located just two miles from Dublin's city centre.
- Mint Restaurant, under chef Dylan McGrath, was recently awarded a Michelin star. It's a dining experience that combines "intense natural flavours with artistic presentation".
- Preferred Hotel Group member Portmarnoch Hotel & Golf Links is offering three nights for two with 10 per cent off, as part of a Weekend Escape offer (www.preferredhotelgroup.com).
BUYER'S CHOICE - Sheena Paton, product manager, Kuoni Travel
PENTHOUSE SUITE
The Merrion
Client fit: Perfect if you're looking for a traditional-style property: it's the epitome of Georgian Dublin.
Why: This is a fantastic two-storey suite complete with roof-top terrace and outdoor hot tub. There are two vast elegant bedrooms, each with a gorgeous Carrera marble bathroom. The views from the Penthouse are the best in Dublin, and you can see right across the city, as well as into the quiet private gardens below. The roof-top terrace even comes with its own cedarwood hot tub.
From: £2,130 per night.
Contact: www.merrionhotel.com
PRINCESS GRACE SUIT
The Shelbourne
Client fit: For princesses and those with an aristocratic nose for luxury.
Why: This classic two-bedroom suite offers fabulous views over St Stephen's Green, and was a favourite of the actress Grace Kelly. This is sheer indulgence, with luxury at every turn, from the heavenly beds to the comfy sofas in the elegant living area, to the impressive marble bathrooms. It is all designed by Frank Nicholson.
From: £1,974 per night.
Contact: www.marriott.co.uk
EXPERIENCE SUITE
The Dylan
Client fit: Young and trendy, for seeing and being seen.
Why: This suite features a divine king-size bed, as well as all modern facilities you would expect - large plasma TV, iPod docking station, hair straighteners, luxurious marble bathroom with under-floor heating and an additional plasma TV, all designed in a fun, decadent style.
From: £350 per night.
Contact: www.dylan.ie
www.kuoni.co.uk.
