East Meet West at Blakes Amsterdam
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Don't forget to take an umbrella," calls a cheerful concierge at Blakes Amsterdam.
It's 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 decor. 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 decor 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 city's 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.
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Carolyn 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