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For centuries, Amsterdam has been a center of culture and creativity, and there's nothing like a visit to the Dutch capital to get inspired to make your own masterpieces. If you're in need of a quick artistic getaway, click on over to the Starpicks site. The Sheraton Amsterdam Airport Hotel and Conference Center is one of this week's participating Starpicks properties, with last-minute rates of at least 20% off regular rates for stays during the next two weekends, so it won't take much dough to walk in the footsteps of history's greatest painters. The hotel is convenient to the airport, naturally, but it's also just a 20-minute train ride to the city center. Take in the Dutch Masters at the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh Museum. Try your luck at the Holland Casino, or shop till you drop at Schiphol Plaza shopping center. Whatever you decide to do, you'll have a hearty meal waiting for you at Voyager Restaurant, and a well-made cocktail at the Cascade Bar. There, you can start to think about your next Starpicks adventure.
Recently in Amsterdam Category
Starpick the Sheraton Amsterdam Airport Hotel and Conference Center
Tuesday May 6, 2008
MoreAn Unusual Pop-Up Cinema in Amsterdam
Friday February 15, 2008
I like to go to the movies by myself. It makes me feel glamorous. Solo travelers to Amsterdam with similar predilections might want to check out Cinema41, the "pop-up movie theatre with just one seat." The tiny spot offers a selection of semi-recent art films like Michel Gondry's The Science of Sleep, and David Lynch's Lost Highway. Located in a neighborhood called Bijltjespad, about a ten minute taxi ride from the Hotel Pulitzer, Cinema41 is run by Studio Golfstromen. The team of a city planner and political science student creates "experiences" in neglected spaces. CInema41 is located in what looks like a housing complex closet, painted with wide red stripes. For three euros you get to watch the film of your choice on a 13-inch TV. Hmm. So why not just stay in and watch satellite TV on a much bigger screen from the comfort of your hotel room? Some would say, "for the free popcorn and Coke that comes with admission," but I'd proclaim, "for the unusual experience!"
Those seeking a more normal movie-going option can venture over to a 1912 theater called The Movies. It's the oldest cinema in the Netherlands and just about a mile from your hotel. A more modern alternative is Pathe De Munt which shows a mix of flicks on over a dozen screens. Just make sure your choice isn't overdubbed into Dutch.
Home Cooking Away from Home in Amsterdam
Friday September 21, 2007
There's nothing quite like a family dinner at home. But what if you're nowhere near your family — out on the road in another country, spending the night in a hotel (albeit a very nice one)?
If that hotel is in Amsterdam (the Sheraton Amsterdam Airport Hotel and Conference Center, for instance), you can have that nice family dinner — with a local family. For €49.98, Dine with the Dutch matches you up with a pre-screened Amsterdammer, who will play host for the evening, inviting you into his/her/their home for a meal and great conversation about the city and Dutch life in general. Hosts of various backgrounds are available, from taxi drivers to artists. Depending on the person, the evening might include a neighborhood tour and maybe even a boatride on one of the canals.
The service isn't just for lonely souls; couples and families are just as welcome. Children ages 8 to 16 are just €25 and children under 8 are free. (Dine with the Dutch is open to groups of up to 15 people, although obviously that would be a less intimate affair.)
Been-Seen points out similar programs in Paris and Wales, and I'm sure a little research (which I plan to do, just for you) will turn up more in other countries. Stay tuned...
Starpick the Hotel Pulitzer, Amsterdam
Thursday August 30, 2007
Sometimes it's worth taking a trip just to have one perfect experience. A person might travel to Amsterdam, for example, just for the opportunity to gaze at some of the exquisite paintings and etchings of legendary artist Rembrandt van Rijn at the Rembrandt House Museum. Since the Hotel Pulitzer, A Luxury Collection Hotel (pictured) is one of this week's participating Starpicks properties, an impulsive, art-inspired trip to Amsterdam is definitely doable. With last-minute rates of at least 20% - 30% off regular rates for stays over the next two weekends, it won't take much to find yourself in one of Europe's most striking capitals, walking along cobblestoned streets, sipping coffee at charming sidewalk cafes, and gazing upon some of the greatest works of art of the past 500 years. And after taking in so much beauty, you'll appreciate the intricate details of the Hotel Pulitzer, which is comprised of 25 restored 17th and 18th century canal houses. Enjoy an evening cocktail at Pulitzers bar or an expertly-prepared meal at Pulitzers restaurant. Browse through exhibitions at the hotel's own art gallery, which is located in the beautiful gardens. You could be having an artistic experience in Amsterdam in no time, so visit Starpicks today and start traveling.
Stylish Laundry Days in Amsterdam
Friday July 27, 2007
Growing some long, limber, fashion legs, Amsterdam, best known for its tulips, Van Gogh museum and cannabis coffee shops, is sneaking in alongside Paris and London as a European fashion capital. But mainstream it is not. Dismissing the stuffy, cut-throat aspects of the more established industry events, The Amsterdam International Fashion Week, now in its seventh season, focuses instead on fresh, young design aesthetics in an event that combines "creativity with commerce."
Though the week, which takes place July 21 – 30, is mostly for the trade, with shows open to industry pros only, any and all fashionistas in town are invited to attend Laundry Days, a collection of exhibits, screenings, seminars and parties that occur at nearly 100 galleries and indie boutiques that line the cities hippest streets. Tdctrade.com quotes event organizer James Veenhoff, calling it “an alternative venue for serious branding, where leading Dutch designers like Emily Hermans, Ilja Visser, and Daryl Van Wouw will all show collections.
Arrive at Laundry Days events in true top model fashion via the Hotel Pulitzer’s 1909 saloon cruiser available for private charter. Between catwalk viewings and launch parties, sneak a peek at the hotel’s art gallery before settling into your room in one of 25 restored 17th and 18th century canal houses. And if you can’t leave home without your ultimate accessory, please note that the hotel allows pets.
A Family Tour of Amsterdam
Wednesday June 6, 2007
Contrary to what some might think, Amsterdam is actually an excellent destination for family travelers. The Baltimore Sun points out that its beautiful architecture, meandering canals, and excellent museums make it an ideal place to wander with the family from one adventure to another. A ride through green Vondelpark is a great way to get started. Rent some bikes and roll through this serene oasis, which is Amsterdam's largest park and home to an open-air theater, where free concerts are performed during the summer. Nearby, you'll find the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam, Holland's National Museum of Art and History, which contains classic Dutch paintings such as Rembrandt's The Night Watch, and is currently running an intriguing exhibit entitled Low Life in the Golden Age. Don't worry, it's not too bawdy for the kids. If you can't get enough fine art, the Rembrandt House Museum tells the fascinating story of this famous artist's life and work. The eclectic Jordaan district is a great place to tuck into a cup of coffee or hot chocolate in a charming cafe to think about your next move. Guests at the Hotel Pulitzer, a member of Starwood's Luxury Collection, will find no end to the fun and good times in this classic European city.
[image via the Baltimore Sun]
Amsterdam Pub Guide
Monday August 28, 2006
In addition to the seat of International Law at The Hague the Dutch are also known for throwing a pretty swingin' party. And there's more to Dutch beer and breweries than the multinational Heineken and Amstel brands (which, once upon a time used to be two separate breweries local to Amsterdam). Adventurous visitors to Amsterdam's Hotel Pulitzer or Le Méridien Apollo might want to have a look at this Amsterdam pub guide online, which although not visually stunning is extremely thorough. It's got the real deal from veteran European pub enthusiast Ron Pattinson. Though you shouldn't necessarily believe everything you read on the Web, it will give you a good place to start planning a night out, whether you're looking for a taxi jaunt over to one of the hip new bars in Nieuwezijd to mingle with the beautiful people or prefer to pub-crawl one of the city quarters on foot like a real native.
Amsterdam, Rembrandt and the Hotel Pulitzer
Thursday February 23, 2006
Right now, Amsterdam’s going ga-ga over Rembrandt’s birthday. It’s the 400th anniversary of the artist’s birth. As the massive renovations at the Rijksmuseum near completion, the museum is planning five different Rembrandt-themed exhibitions to celebrate in 2006, most of which are unveiling works that haven’t been available for public viewing in years. Opening on February 24th at the adjacent Van Gogh Museum is the self-explanatory Rembrandt & Caravaggio. The Starwood Luxury Collection’s Hotel Pulitzer is getting in on the action as well. The Rembrandt 400 Package includes a deluxe room in the Pulitzer (an interesting property in it’s own rightmade up of 25 connected canal houses and mansions), 2 Rijksmuseum tickets and Rembrandt-associated books and goodies for € 275/night.
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