best bed: De L’Europe, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

She may be the Grande Dame but there is nothing stuffy about  the iconic  De L’Europe. The hotel is build right along the original embankment wall of the Amstel River in the centre of the historic district, walking distance to just about everything wonderful the city has to offer. It has canals on three sides and wonderful views of 17^thand 18^th century merchant houses. Beyond charming! Like the area, the hotel comes with a lot of history. It is now owned by  Heineken. Yes, the beer company, no there is not a tap in each room.  An inn was first built here in 1638 by Mr. Jordan. It was a hit, he expanded in 1652. The next 200 ish years had ups and downs but it was always a place to stay. The older section of the current hotel was built in 1896. It was renowned for having central heating, an elevator; a bathroom and toilet on every floor. Things have come along way. By the 70’s the hotel was noted for having color TVs with remote controls, air conditioning and hairdryers in all bathrooms. In the 80’s the hotel expanded, adding two neighboring buildings. These ‘new’ rooms are a bit more modern in décor. I stayed in the more traditional old wing, loving it’s character and views . I had hoped for a balcony room but sadly they were all taken but my junior suite had 3 large windows all of which opened. A meal at Bord’eau Restaurant is a must! The food was creative and delicious, the service formal yet friendly, the views grand, the wine list extensive. Totally deserving of it Michelin star!  Make sure to take the stairs at least once, they are magnificent!

Number of Rooms: 111

Sweet Suite: The Penthouse Suite, not  because it is huge, up to 6 bedrooms, but because of its amazing marble bathroom and private riverside terrace.

Favorite Thing: The art connection with the Rijksmuseum… the hotel has an exclusive partnership with the museum to use copies of some of their most famous paintings as part of the décor throughout the hotel. I loves the blow ups of details that are in the rooms. Hunter and I had fun finding the original of “our” painting  at the museum.

Near By: Museum Quarter, Flower Market, Anne Frank House, Concertgebouw concert Hall, Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, Hermitage Museum

Amenities: Clef d’Or concierge, Michelin starred Bord’eau Restaurant, spa, fitness centre, pool, sauna, heated bathroom floors, in room iPad, Nespresso, Freddy’s Bar (named after Freddie Heineken), Marie’s Brasserie, afternoon tea in the garden

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http://www.deleurope.com