Archives for “hotel” tag

It’s not a hotel; it’s not a bar. It’s a great place where locals, travellers and other strangers are gathering. Hotel not Hotel is not a random hotel; it’s more like a creative living room with surprising rooms such as a tram cart or you can have a sleepover at the ‘crisis free zone’.

The bar is small and simple, however what makes the bar unique is that every single item in the bar is designed by the unique brand Collaboration-O, which is founded by a group of designers from Eindhoven, the South of The Netherlands.

Start your weekend at this beautiful and unique bar before you are heading to town. On a Friday afternoon, you are more than welcome at their FRĘMÏBÔ, where their stunning bartenders and staff will spoil you with one of the best Gin & Tonics in town.

More into wine? My favourite: Salentein Chardonnay! If you are at the bar anyway, order a nice cheese- and meat platter or one of their tapas sized snacks, just feel comfy and relax…

Good to know: in the summer this spot has a lovely terrace with a late afternoon sun, which makes you feel like staying here all day (and night).

Hotel de Goudfazant isn’t actually a hotel, it’s an ever-trendy, slightly rugged restaurant that’s slowly cemented itself to be one of the most trusty sources for honest, informal but quality food in the city. 

De Goudfazant was one of the first to acknowledge that Amsterdam Noord is indeed the hottest part of town. Separated from the Centre by the IJ, the North used to be ignored by everyone on the other side (including me, I’m ashamed to admit). But take every chance you can to visit the North during your stay. It’s glowing.

De Goudfazant was also among the first of the now plenty of restaurants housed in repurposed old factory or school buildings (like Rijsel (by far the best food in town, in an old school), Old School (name says it all), Cafe-Restaurant Amsterdam (all-time favorite in an ancient water pump factory) and De Goudfazant’s own little youngest sibling Cafe Modern, also in Amsterdam Noord, in what was once a bank, safe intact. De Goudfazant’s big open space (with that awesome bottle chandelier!) used to be a garage.

The front part of the restaurant is lined with rows of white-decked tables and cute red chairs, and it’s always packed. Don’t come here for a quiet dinner for two, but do please bring your whole family and enjoy their reasonably priced French-style food.