50 the review
Checking out... S TAY: NH BARBIZON PALACE – Amsterdam
BY JO AUSTIN THE BACKGROUND: Part of Spanish- based NH hotel chain which operates modern and moderately-priced hotels throughout Europe, Latin America and Africa, the Barbizon is one of 13 NH properties in Amsterdam and features 274 rooms and the Michelin-starred Restaurant Vermeer. THE LOCATION: The Barbizon Palace has one of the best locations in town. Arriving by train from Schiphol Airport late at night at Grand Central Station, the welcoming neon signage of the hotel stands out and it is just a short stroll across the tramlines. Access into town by foot or tram is straightforward. The drawback of being so central is the noise of rowdy revellers, which perhaps was amplifi ed being a Saturday night? Complimentary earplugs by my bed should have given me a clue. THE ROOM: Tucked away at the end
THE VERDICT
of a long corridor, my quaint timber beamed room refl ected the building’s 17th century history. Well-appointed but a little dark, my room featured a king- sized double bed, desk, TV, mini bar, tea and coffee-making facilities, wardrobe with full length mirror and armchair. My best view of Amsterdam’s rooftops and gargoyles was from the bright marble bathroom with shower over the bath.
KEY FACILITIES: Business centre, excellent concierge with luggage storage; 13th century St Olof’s chapel for weddings. RESTAURANTS/BARS: Michelin-starred Vermeer, Hudson’s Restaurant, Bar Mar- Dique and modern breakfast buffet.
nh-hotels.com Prins Hendrikkade, 59-72 1012AD, Amsterdam, Holland Reservations: 020 3499 5197.
S TAY: SOLAMAR, A KIMPTON HOTEL - San Diego, California
BY ALAN ORBELL THE BACKGROUND: One of two Kimpton hotels in San Diego, this well- established hotel offers 235 boutique- style rooms/suites. THE LOCATION: The hotel is perfectly positioned for the Gaslamp Quarter, an area that is stuffed full of great restaurants, bars and small shops and also close to San Diego’s Pacifi c waterfront area with its hotels,
attractions – including the USS Midway, a decommissioned aircraft carrier and the most visited ship museum in the world – and the cobblestoned Seaport Village which recreates a century-old California harbour. THE ROOM: A bright and airy 420 sq ft Spa Corner Guest Room with an exceptionally comfortable king bed and a spacious bathroom with oversized Fuji soak tub, walk-in shower and Gilchrist & Soames toiletries. Key features include a fl at-screen TV,
DVD player, writing desk, easy chair, safe, fully stocked mini bar – with organic snacks and drinks – and terry cloth animal print robes. There is also a pillow menu and yoga mat. KEY FACILITIES: In the shape of a capital H, the middle section boasts a rooftop pool with a bar and cabanas. The Kimpton happy hour is daily at 17.00 when free wine, craft beer and
THE VERDICT
snacks are available. A free-to-use computer terminal is just off the lobby and there’s a 24-hour Fitness Room. RESTAURANT/BARS: Jsix is a street level ‘seasonal American restaurant’ serving ‘fresh, organic and local produce’. LOUNGEsix by the rooftop pool offers fresh fruit cocktails and ‘savoury seasonal bites’.
hotelsolamar.com; Solamar, 435 6th Avenue, San Diego, CA92101, USA: 001 877 230 0300
A great example of Kimpton’s boutique-style properties which effortlessly combine efficiency with a friendly and contemporary feel. Well positioned in San Diego’s vibrant 16.5 block Gaslamp Quarter and just a 10-minute stroll to the city’s beautiful waterfront it’s the perfect place for a San Diego leisure or business stay of any length. Warmly recommended. RATES: From $210 for a standard room and from $210 to $590 for a King Spa Corner room.
A well-priced and friendly hotel with welcoming staff and an easy-going, international atmosphere. Ideal hotel for a short break within easy reach of shops, museums and tourist attractions. I loved the breakfast buffet where everytying is signed in Dutch and English. Try a ‘Gebakken broodje’ if you enjoy fresh bakery. RATES: Lead-in rates in Amsterdam’s NH Barbizon Palace are from £129.
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