Amsterdam is one of the most thrilling cities anywhere and pretty much has it all. From the liberal lifestyle to rich cultural arts, the foodie scene, and an incredible nightlife. Any time of day Amsterdam locals are seen enjoying life, walking through city parks or as part of the ubiquitous horde of bike riders going to and fro with pedal power.
The canals that crisscross the city and merchant houses that line the narrow streets give it a personality and beauty unlike any other city. One hotel that makes the perfect platform to enjoy all that this vibrant city has to offer is the Banks Mansion.
Amsterdam is an action-packed city with so much to so and see and The Banks Mansion just happens to be located in the middle of it all. During the day the city’s rich history and culture is on the menu with visits to the works of their most famous painters at the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh Museum.
From there guest will go to one of Amsterdam’s most famous and moving locations, the Anne Frank Museum. Amsterdam is also one of Europe’s most chic and cosmopolitan cities with some to-die-for shopping in the nearby ‘de Jordaan’ and ‘de Pijp’ neighbourhood.
At night, not many cities can compare with the party scene in Amsterdam. So whatever you’re looking for from rock to reggae to lounge and house, all of the music genres are there to be enjoyed at the perfect pub, lounge, or nightclub to meet your fancy.
The hotel is mainly staffed by locals who love their city. All are eager to find out the guest’s interests and point them in the right direction or to arrange the day’s activities or a night long outing.
Much like Amsterdam, this is a hotel with a fun and spunky attitude. Banks Mansion is situated in the centre of Amsterdam, just a stone’s throw from the Herengracht canal’s prestigious Gouden Bocht (or ‘Golden Bend’). This is a 4 star boutique hotel with an uber friendly staff always ready to assist with personalised service.
In the lobby you’ll find The Living or living room with a warm and welcoming fireplace next to a comfy sitting area where the hotel’s guests stop for coffee before running out or to have a complimentary cocktail and snack at night.
One of the many cool things about the hotel is the complimentary open bar and appetizers. Yes, that’s correct, free booze. In fact as you enter your room you’ll be surprised with the complementary decanters of whiskey, cognac and gin that you’ll find glass ready in your room.
The design of the hotel is refreshingly authentic. At first glance most will draw comparisons to the Art Deco or a retro style but it is really based on the Amsterdam School and famous architects Berlage and Frank Lloyd Wright and referred to as the Dutch Berlage style. It’s tastefully artistic with colourful stained glass windows, decorative carpets with bold prints, and natural wood finishes.
The concept of the hotel is to create an environment where guests feel at ease with many of the creature comforts they have at home. The hotel and staff really does go beyond to add the many services that the occasional traveller or road warrior is delightfully surprised to see.
Every evening guests are offered Dutch and French cheeses from the Cheese Trolley from Amsterdam’s famous Albert Cuyp market. The quaintness of the hotel and their particular focus on giving passionate and personal services to each guests really does make a difference.
The rooms are exquisite, with all the amenities that guests would need for a week or weekend in Amsterdam. The rooms are comfortable with lovely art deco style furnishings and many have a French balcony overlooking the bustling city life or canal view below. The hotel was built in the 17th century and has those lovely large windows letting plenty of natural light in as well. In the room are the complimentary decanters of whiskey, cognac and gin as well as all the amenities necessary for a comfortable night’s stay.
The hotel strives to give that home away from home feel to it and comes pretty close. The morning begins with copious amounts of friendly goedemorgens and smiles from the staff in The Kitchen which is their dining space. It really is a homey feel with the country kitchen décor and a live cooking area where guest can order eggs and omelettes to their choosing. The full breakfast offers a comprehensive buffet of local and international dishes.
If it’s your first time or your 50th, Amsterdam is always an exciting city. The Banks Mansion offers a refreshing approach for your visit to this magical city with local personalised service, complimentary cocktails and extras and the little things that make a hotel stay special. For you next stay in Amsterdam, the Banks Mansion is a great option as a base to explore all that amazing Amsterdam has to offer.
Address: Herengracht 519-525, 1017 BV Amsterdam, Netherlands
