HOTEL
By Tom Otley Hyatt Regency Amsterdam
OPEN SINCE APRIL, THIS IS HYATT’S THIRD PROPERTY in the Netherlands, the others being the Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht and Hyatt Place Amsterdam Airport. In the residential Plantage district, it’s a short walk from the Weesperplein metro station (three stops to Centraal station, which connects to the airport). It is also close to several mainline train stations, including Muiderpoort and Amstel.
ROOMS: The hotel’s 211 rooms, which include 15 suites, range in size from 23sqm up to 126sqm. The categories are Standard (23-30sqm), View (30sqm), Regency Club (30-40sqm) and then various types of suite. Rooms offer either a king-size bed or twin beds, and all come with good showers (both rain and power- showerheads). Designs are clean and modern, saved from anonymity by eye-catching floral artwork on the walls and brighter colours for the armchairs. There’s an attractive, useful oval workdesk with a lamp, and the lighting is easy to operate and to switch off last thing at night.
Sarphatistraat 104 • Tel: +31 (0)20 554 1234 •
amsterdam.regency.hyatt.com
Club room and suite guests have access to the second-floor Club lounge, which has views along Roetersstraat – a simple breakfast is served here as well as drinks and snacks in the evening. RESTAURANTS & BARS: Mama Makan is an Indonesian-style bar and restaurant, with head chef Paul Verheul offering a fusion of traditional Dutch café fare and Indonesian specialities. It is delicious, if pricey. The bar is a kind of wraparound area extending from the restaurant around the reception and then through to the lobby. It’s an open work and leisure space, serving everything from cocktails to Javanese coffee. There is also a terrace at the rear of the hotel and a
HOTEL
Intercontinental New York Barclay
111 East 48th Street • Tel: +1 212 755 5900 •
intercontinentalnybarclay.com
FIRST OPENED IN 1926, AND OPERATED BY INTERCONTINENTAL since the 1970s, this was one of the original railroad hotels, built near Grand Central station. It closed for a US$180 million renovation in 2014, reopening 20 months later in April last year. The 16-floor building was originally designed in ‘neo-Federal, American Colonial’ style.
ROOMS: The 702 rooms, which include 33 suites, have been revamped to be ‘reminiscent of a classic Park Avenue home’, while adding modern touches. In a largely pale grey palette, many feature murals inspired by 19th-century Hudson River School landscapes, while others have fireplaces. They range from entry-level Superior (from 24sqm) to the 250sqm Harold S Vanderbilt Penthouse with its fabulous terrace looking on to the Chrysler Building. Included as standard are comfy king- or queen-sized beds, 42in TVs, a work space, tea and coffee, ironing boards, safes, minibars and bottled water on arrival. Standard wifi costs US$15 (plus taxes) per day, or high-speed is US$20 (IHG Rewards members get free wifi). Bathrooms have a mixture of walk-in showers only, showers over baths, or separate tubs and showers. The shower power could have done with being a bit stronger. Suite guests receive toiletries by Caswell-Massey; otherwise it’s Intercontinental’s standard Agraria products. The Club Intercontinental lounge (access incurs an charge on top of the room rate) is tucked away to the left of the lobby
and open 6.30am-8pm. It’s a large space and was quiet when I dropped in. It serves a buffet breakfast, refreshments, afternoon tea, evening cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. RESTAURANTS & BARS: Considering the size of the property, it was surprising to find there is only one modestly sized bar and restaurant, the Gin Parlour. However, I imagine that is a reflection of the breadth of choice outside the hotel. Inspired by Dutch and English gin bars of the 1920s, it serves 88 varieties of gin and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. MEETINGS & EVENTS: The property has 1,400 sqm of event space, including the impressive 460 sqm Grand Ballroom, which holds 450 people theatre-style. A second ballroom accommodates 350 and would be suitable for a reception. LEISURE: On the third floor is a good-sized 24-hour gym with Technogym kit. VERDICT: The refurbishment has reinvigorated this historic hotel, adding contemporary touches while maintaining its classic feel. Comfortable and well-equipped for business travellers, in a convenient Midtown location.
24-hour ‘market’ (a fridge) where you can purchase drinks and bakery items. MEETING & EVENTS: Meeting facilities are accessed by a separate street entrance. The spaces total more than 500sqm, most have natural light and are located on the ground floor. The largest is a 190sqm ballroom with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the canal. LEISURE: There is a 24-hour fitness centre on the ground floor looking towards the rear of the hotel and the canal. VERDICT: A lovely addition to Amsterdam’s fast-expanding hotel scene. It’s a little way out for sightseeing but for business facilities and top-class service, the Hyatt Regency is a great place to stay.
By Michelle Harbi
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