Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht opens its doors in the cultural heart of the city (Netherlands)
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Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht opens its doors in the cultural heart of the city (Netherlands)
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Category: Europe - Netherlands - Industry economy -
Hotel opening
This is a press release selected by our editorial committee and published online for free on 2012-10-30
Opening marks entry of Hyatt brand into the Netherlands and introduces Andaz brand in continental Europe
Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced today the opening of Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht, the first Hyatt hotel in the Netherlands and the ninth addition to the Andaz brand. Currently represented in world-class cities such as London, New York and Shanghai, Andaz is making its mark in the cultural heart of vibrant Amsterdam, signifying the first step in the expansion of the brand into continental Europe.
“We are pleased to introduce the Andaz brand to a city that is synonymous with style and character, two elements that are core to the Andaz ethos,” said Peter Norman, Senior Vice President – Acquisitions and Development for Hyatt International – Europe, Africa, Middle East. “The opening of Andaz Amsterdam marks a significant growth milestone not only for Andaz but for Hyatt overall as the first Hyatt hotel in the Netherlands. As we celebrate this expansion into Europe, we look forward to the future growth of the brand in the next several years with developments in other new markets, including Maui, Hawaii; Delhi and Jaipur, India; and Costa Rica, among others.”
Welcome to Andaz
Reflecting its energetic and distinctive surroundings, Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht is devoted to providing highly personalized, uncomplicated service in an atmosphere that authentically embraces the best of Amsterdam. Andaz’s signature service includes a hassle-free check-in process; an Andaz Host uses a computerized tablet to check guests into their rooms while offering them a complimentary glass of wine in the Andaz Lounge. Guests will also enjoy complimentary Internet access, local phone calls, non-alcoholic beverages, and locally sourced snacks in the minibar, including the Dutch brands “Just Nuts” and “Lovechock” chocolate.
More than a Hotel
Set on the Prinsengracht (the site of the former Public Library), a part of the iconic ring of canals that was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2010, Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht is centrally located in the bustling heart of the city. Surrounded by the creative scene and dynamic spirit of the Jordaan district, as well as the adjacent “Nine Streets,” the hotel is located in a charming neighborhood filled with Amsterdam’s main art galleries, unique specialty shops, trendy fashion boutiques, and stylish restaurants, all of which nourish the city’s free-spirited, rich and diverse cultural character.
“I am truly honored to be standing behind Andaz as we welcome the brand to Amsterdam, a unique city that truly reflects what the brand is all about,” said Toni Hinterstoisser, general manager of Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht. “The Andaz DNA seamlessly aligns with the rich cultural character of Amsterdam – it is vibrant, yet relaxed and reflects the contagious spirit of the neighborhood. We are proud to be part of such an exciting new addition to the city and look forward to opening our doors to culturally-savvy travelers from around the world.”
Based on the premise that the hotel should beat with the same heart as the city, the unique flavors of Amsterdam are embedded in the property’s adventurous design concept brought to life through the vision of local and legendary interior and product designer, Marcel Wanders. Reflecting a modern view of Dutch history and local culture, guests can delve into a piece of Amsterdam wherever they turn, whether it is through the artistic wallpaper in the guestrooms, the books on the shelves, or the innovative food and beverage offerings at Bluespoon, Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht’s specialty restaurant.
Throughout the hotel, Wanders played with various sources of inspiration, integrating the heritage of the hotel surroundings (including the Golden Age, Dutch Delft blue, tulips and the color orange), the knowledge of the books once housed at the former Public Library, and connecting polarities. The latter refers to the city of Amsterdam as a cultural “melting pot,” representing two individual, non-related elements that are stitched together to form a new logical whole.
Part of the hotel’s overall design concept incorporates a unique video art collection that represents a diversion from “regular” art. The 40 unique works from various emerging and established local and international video artists, such as Ryan Gander, Erwin Olaf and Mark Titchner, make Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht the hotel with the largest video art collection in the world. Depending on the work’s level of intensity and outspokenness, selections from the video art collection are showcased in different areas of the hotel — in the public areas of the ground floor, in the hallways throughout the various floors, or through a special video channel available on the televisions in the guestrooms. The largest display screen for the presentation of video footage is located in the Lounge and is comprised of nine 60-inch televisions.
Stay Experience
Guests will experience personal style, comfort and sophistication in one of the hotel’s 117 guestrooms or one of its five suites. Due to the unique 1970s-style structure of the monumental former Public Library, Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht offers a total of 15 different room types. With room sizes ranging from 24 to 36 square meters (258 to 387 square feet) and suites measuring between 55 and 141 square meters (592 to 1,517 square feet), the hotel is home to some of the largest guestrooms in compact Amsterdam. This is reinforced by the open plan layout of the rooms that allows for maximum space and natural light. Even the bathrooms feature an open structure (with closed shower and toilet) and include a multi-functional vanity centerpiece made from 150 kilograms (330 lbs.) of concrete.
In line with the overall design concept of the hotel, the artistic and stylishly designed rooms reflect a view of Dutch history and feature small custom details to create an inspiring environment. Striking elements include the hand-painted washbasin in Marcel Wanders’ signature “One Minute Delft Blue” style, the oversized book-shaped work desk, and unique wallpaper that is visible in both the room and on the walls of the washroom. The specially designed, comfortable reading chair, a full-length mirror, and a walk-in closet complete the rooms.
Depending on the location of the room, guests will enjoy impeccable views, either of the imaginative observatory, the creatively-landscaped garden, or the iconic Prinsengracht, a UNESCO protected canal.
Local “Flavor”
The social heart and soul of Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht is located on the ground floor of the hotel, where the restaurant, bar, lounge and library are seamlessly intertwined. Each space is distinct on its own, but together, they create a vibrant, exciting, and open space that is unique in its design concept.
Facing the hotel’s landscaped garden, including the Chef’s own herb garden, Bluespoon Restaurant showcases an inventive western seaboard cuisine, serving seasonal farm-to-table food. Actively involving farmers, producers and artisanal purveyors, only the very best ingredients are used, which are sourced from an area that covers the Netherlands’ north through to the northern coastal beaches of France. Chef Julien Piguet and his team bring together an authentic and local taste, leaving the food in its most basic state and extracting its true flavors in a simple and refreshing manner. Guests can indulge in their passion for the local cuisine, while also experiencing the team of talented chefs at work in the modern, open kitchen as they use traditional and innovative cooking methods, such as curing and smoking.
For the best view and bespoke dining experience, guests can sit in the heart of the open kitchen at the Chef’s Table and enjoy dinner in typical family style by sharing a series of small casserole dishes. In addition, the signature restaurant offers a semi-private dining area and comfortable booth seating that offers a view of the Lounge and Observatorium.
In the style of a typical Amsterdam café, the Bluespoon Bar exudes an intimate and “speakeasy” atmosphere surrounded by elegance. The bar is a perfect place for guests to sample distinctive Dutch beverages and bar food, or to take a seat at the large communal bar table where the action and entertainment is brought tableside through professional bartenders who serve hand-crafted cocktails from three different eras — pre-Prohibition, Prohibition, and post-Prohibition — carrying illusory names, such as “One Minute Delft Blue” and “Lucky Librarian.”
Amenities and Services
Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht offers the Studio, a dynamic meeting space that is unique to Andaz hotels. The three different Studio spaces at Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht encompass all of the characteristics necessary to engage and energize guests in a home-like ambiance. With more than 400 square meters (4,305 square feet) of flexible space, everything from a boardroom meeting to a large cocktail reception can be accommodated.
The hotel also features a fully equipped, 24-hour gym and signature urban spa. The locally inspired spa experience is designed to enhance the health and lifestyle of guests with high-impact, results-oriented treatments that are crafted specifically for each individual. Plus, the spa’s treatment products have pure, natural fragrances that reflect an original and organic feel.
About Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht
Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht is opening its doors on the site of the former Public Library on the Prinsengracht – the “Prince’s Canal.” Marvelously located in the cultural heart of Amsterdam, the hotel is surrounded by the creative scene and dynamic character of the lively Jordaan district and adjacent “Nine Streets.” The new 122-room (including five suites) hotel is within close walking distance of the city’s major attractions, as well as prime retail and business districts. Reflecting its energetic and distinctive surroundings, Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht is devoted to providing highly-personalized, uncomplicated service in an atmosphere that authentically embraces the best of Amsterdam. Notable features are the in-house restaurant and bar, Bluespoon, 400 square meters (4,305 square feet) of meeting space, a signature spa with sauna, steam and treatment rooms, and a fully-equipped, 24-hour gym. Every space is uniquely designed by Dutch architect and renowned designer, Marcel Wanders, reflecting a modern and adventurous view of Dutch history and local culture. Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht is offering a series of local cultural events through the Andaz Salon, kicking off with the Amsterdam Art Weekend in December. The hotel is dedicated to creating a stage and motivating creative minds to come together, share their passions, work and play.
About Andaz
Global in scale while local in perspective, Andaz delivers an innovative hospitality experience and attentive, uncomplicated service designed to accommodate guests’ personal preferences. Hotels in this collection reflect the unique cultural scenes and spirit of the surrounding neighborhood and are dedicated to creating natural and vibrant living spaces where travelers can indulge their own personal sense of comfort and style. Nine Andaz hotels are currently open: United States — Andaz 5th Avenue and Andaz Wall Street in New York, Andaz San Diego, Andaz West Hollywood, Andaz Napa in California and Andaz Savannah; Europe — Andaz Liverpool Street in London and Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht; China — Andaz Shanghai.
Andaz has created the Andaz Salon, a series of local cultural events and partners with up-and-coming leaders in areas such as music, fashion, food, and film. Andaz Salon provides a way for like-minded individuals to share their passions, become inspired, and connect with up-and-coming cultural insiders who share their world, their interests, and knowledge of their industry. The Andaz Salon allows guests and locals to learn something new, spark their personal creativity, explore their own talents, and fuel their passion for life.
From art exhibits, to wine and cheese immersions, to local music performances by emerging artists, to runway shows, Andaz Salons stimulate creativity and help local talent come alive. For a list of past and future Andaz Salon events, please visit andazsalon.com.
About Hyatt Hotels Corporation
Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company with a proud heritage of making guests feel more than welcome. Thousands of members of the Hyatt family strive to make a difference in the lives of the guests they encounter every day by providing authentic hospitality. The Company's subsidiaries manage, franchise, own and develop hotels and resorts under the Hyatt, Park Hyatt, Andaz, Grand Hyatt, Hyatt Regency, Hyatt Place and Hyatt House. Hyatt House is changing its brand identity from Hyatt Summerfield Suites. Hyatt Residential Group, Inc., a Hyatt Hotels Corporation subsidiary, develops, operates, markets or licenses Hyatt ResidencesTM and Hyatt Residence ClubTM. As of June 30, 2012, the Company's worldwide portfolio consisted of 492 properties in 45 countries.
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