If you want to meet a cosmopolitan, fun bunch of people, may I suggest the elevators in the Mövenpick Hotel in Amsterdam. I don’t think I have ever conversed so much with other people in a lift. Usually we Brits stay silent and focus intently on the changing floor numbers. Not so in Amsterdam, where we had a very entertaining conversation with an Irish family on the way up to our room and obtained an insight into how clarinetists transport their instruments from a very obliging Belgian musician on the way down.
It’s the location of the hotel that accounts for this eclectic mix. This large, imposing 4 star hotel sits on the river IJ, next to the contemporary classical concert hall Muziekgebouw aan’t IJ and the jazz venue, Bimhuis. It is also next door to the river and sea cruise terminals. Although not quite in the centre of the city, it is 10 minutes walk (one tram stop) away from the central station so if you are using the I amsterdam card which gives you free city centre transport, it is easy to walk into the centre at the beginning of the day, and jump on a tram when exhausted at the end.
Our room at the Mövenpick was a Junior Suite on the top floor, providing superb views over the city. Spacious and with ample storage, the living area is separated from the bedroom by double doors. The best bits? Free mini-bar with soft drinks and beer, kingsize comfortable bed and a Nespresso machine. Not so good? Towels could do with updating: clean but a little tired.
Guests in Junior Suites and executive rooms have access to the Executive Lounge next door to the restaurant. Breakfast is therefore a little quieter and, best of all, free drinks and canapes are provided from 5-7pm. As you can imagine, we made sure we availed ourselves of this on both nights of our stay.
I had always wondered what a stay in a Mövenpick hotel would be like, having been familiar with their ice-cream for many years. I have to say it was a very enjoyable experience. Service was friendly and efficient, bedrooms and public areas were spacious and colourful and the vibe was relaxed. This Swiss brand knows exactly what its guests require and ensures it delivers…with sprinkles on top.
My husband and I stayed in Amsterdam courtesy of KLM and their #KLMFlylocal campaign. They provided our accommodation at the Mövenpick Hotel.
We were provided with the I amsterdam City Card by Amsterdam Marketing.
Fabulous views! Love the ice-cream comment as I also enjoy that….Sounds a great place to stay.
What an amazing view! I'd go there for that alone! 🙂
This looks like a lovely hotel and the location is excellent. I like the sound of the Executive Lounge – it can get too busy for comfort at breakfast at big hotels sometimes.
I had no idea it was a Swiss brand. There's one up here near the airport. I like to imagine that you can only eat icecream there, and you must eat lots of it! The views from your room!! Stunning!! 🙂 xx
I love bumping into random people like that, it's amazing what 'messages' they bring. That view is spectacular too, no need to go out – I could just look at that all day