Everyone knows about all of the things that make Amsterdam such a great city to visit, but not many are aware of the rich history that put the city, and the Netherlands on the map as a must-visit destination.
It all started in the 17th century when, through military achievements, newly introduced trades and art, as well as several significant inventions by Dutch scientists, the country entered its Golden Age. During this age, Amsterdam became the most important commercial and industrial city in the world, with thousands of people moving to the capital.
As part of the city’s growth pla ns for its expansion began, the famous canals were built for the wealthy noblemen and merchants to make homes near the ports of the city. One of those noblemen was Isaac Foucquier, who became famous with his marble trades along the Mediterranean coast, and was the first owner of what is now The Noblemen Hotel. In his honour, the hotel has kept the original marble he used when building his home – just one of the many historical remarks that can be found in the hotel, preserving the history of its city.
Hotel
Since its first owner, the building has become home to many notable people who inspired not just the hotel’s name, but its full essence. Many of the rooms are themed around their namesakes and can be linked to people living along the same canal during the Golden Age. The hotel’s 13 uniquely designed rooms each carry the history and design signifying the noblemen that it’s named after.
The hotel’s luxury amenities and interior make it the perfect luxury escape. Walking through the hotel feels a little bit like stepping back in time, where everything has been preserved so carefully. The staircase, which links all the rooms, is more than 400 years old and, as was pointed out to me, that makes is older than the United States of America.
The hotel is situated on the Leidsegracht canal, which even though it is in close proximity of the bustling city centre, it feels far removed from the noise of the sleepless city.
Room
The Albertus Seba is one of the signature rooms on offer, its namesake being a famous Dutch pharmacist, zoologist and collector residing along the same canal in the 17th century. His collection of exotic plants, taxidermy and marine species was so abundant that one of his cabinets was sold to Peter the Great, the then tsar of Russia, and was exhibited in Russia’s first museum.
The spirit of Seba’s work carries throughout the elegant room. As you enter, it’s hard to miss the cabinets filled with what used to be medical bottles, linking to Seba’s pharmacists’ days, as well as the large butterflies and jellyfish taxonomy perched on top of them. Each cabinet is a small museum of its own, filled with seashells, remains of exotic plants and insects preserved in their original forms. The collection of this room is certainly fascinating, but there is also another feature that grabs the attention from the get-go, and that is the freestanding copper bathtub.
The room also features bedside lamps resembling seashells, lampshades in the shape of butterfly wings, king-sized bed, marble bathroom, and everyone’s favourite, Aesop toiletries.
Food
Although the hotel does not have its own restaurant, the most important meal of the day is taken care of and delivered directly to your room. You can pre-order your favourites and pick your breakfast time, so that you can enjoy your meal in the comfort of your room, or even in bed. Be sure to try some of the famous Dutch pancakes for breakfast.
The hotel also partners with few of the high-end restaurants in the neighbourhood, so the staff will be able to help with any recommendations or reservations.
Spa
Relaxation takes priority to food at The Noblemen, so don’t be put off by the lack of restaurant, as they have made up for this with a beautifully luxurious spa. Though a cosy one, the spa offers enough to keep you busy after an afternoon of exploring. The facility features a sauna, Turkish Hammam, bathtub and multi-jet shower.
To do
Being situated in the heart of the city centre makes it extremely easy to get your cultural kick in. if you are unsure of which museums to visit, grab yourself one of the iamsterdam city cards, which gives you access to plethora of museums, attractions, canal cruses and even public transport.
A must-visit is the famous Rijksmuseum Museum, or if you’d like to remain in the spirit of the hotel, then visit the Amsterdam’s Hortus Botanicu (Botanical Garden), the NEMO Science Museum, or any of the 70 museums included with the pass. The card is available for use of 24 to 120 hours, ensured to suit the duration of anyone’s stay.
Factbox
Minimum stay is two nights, with signature rooms starting from £420 per night.
Address: Hotel The Noblemen, Leidsegracht 14, 1016 CK, Amsterdam
Phone: 020 215 6131
Email: info@hotelthenoblemen.com
Website: hotelthenoblemen.com
