Recently in The Netherlands Category

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.

It's time for your midwinter indoor tennis getaway. The 35th ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament takes place this month in the dynamic Dutch city of Rotterdam, and if you've got the Starpoints, you could be there among the world's biggest tennis fans, watching some of the world's best players. Five top-10 tennis stars take to the court this year, including Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Nikolay Davydenko, David Ferrer, and Andy Murray. Which among them has what it takes to win the title from defending champion Mikhail Youzhny? Wouldn't you like to see what goes down on the court from your first-rank seat during the semi-final match, Saturday, February 23, and the final match, Sunday, February 24? There's just one package available, so place your bids at Starwood's auction site, moments.com now for your chance to win a VIP ticket to one of the Netherlands' most prestigious sporting events. The package also includes a night in an Executive room at The Westin Rotterdam, an opportunity to meet the bigwigs of the tennis world at the hotel's VIP lounge, an exclusive match analysis by Stan Franker, the former Dutch coach, plus breakfast and free public transportation. Just another once in a lifetime opportunity for Starwood Preferred Guest members. Gotta love it.

The Hague is the third largest city and the seat of government of the Netherlands, though, oddly, it's not the country's official capital (that would be Amsterdam). Travelers flock to this strikingly beautiful North Sea gem of nearly 500,000 residents for its storied history, dynamic architecture, pristine beaches, and abundance of great museums and cultural activities. Fall is a great time to explore the Hague, and since the luxurious Le Méridien Hotel Des Indes is one of this week's participating Starpicks properties, consider an impulsive weekend excursion to this dynamic Dutch city. With last-minute rates of at least 20% off regular rates for stays during the next two weekends, a mini-vacation to this business capital won't break the bank. Your lesson in Dutch history begins as soon as you check in, as Le Méridien Hotel Des Indes occupies the original 17th-century residence of Baron van Brienen, the personal advisor of King William III. Its grand atrium features a magnificent chandelier, and marble columns in the lobby give the place a regal feel. Located in the city center, guests are just a short walk or taxi ride away from the city's greatest attractions, such as the Madurodam miniature city, the Mauritshuis Museum (which boasts works by Dutch masters Rembrandt and Vermeer), the trippy M.C. Escher Museum, and the Lucent Danstheater. The Hague isn't known for raucous nightlife, so you might enjoy a relaxing evening of fine cuisine and excellent wine at DesInDes, the hotel's acclaimed restaurant, lounge, and bar that has welcomed royalty, world leaders, and artists since 1881. As you enjoy the culinary creations of Michelin-starred chef Ben Hardeman, you can reflect on the beauty of your surroundings and begin to plan your next Starpicks getaway.