Hotelvak checks in: Avani Museum Quarter Amsterdam

Avani Museum Quarter Amsterdam

Intro Minor Hotels, the global hospitality group with more than 540 hotels in 56 countries, introduces Avani Hotels & Resorts in the Netherlands. The renovated 163-room Avani Museum Quarter Amsterdam shines with its contemporary décor. Its proximity to the Rijksmuseum and canal views make this hotel a fine base for both business and leisure travellers. To experience what this new hotel has to offer, HOTELVAK stays for a night.

The Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, the bustling P.C. Hooftstraat and the trendy de Pijp district are all a stone's throw away from the hotel, which - when it comes to interiors - has taken inspiration from the Stedelijk Museum, also located nearby. Terms like avant-garde aesthetics with rationalist architecture are bandied about when it comes to the atmospheric colourful décor that catches the eye immediately upon entering. 

"Good afternoon," sounds from the mouth of the friendly receptionist. "Oh, you are Dutch," he remarks when we hand over our passports for check-in. "That's not very common here," he apologises. We understand. Next to him, two Swiss diplomats order a taxi and behind us, airline crew wait to be handed the room key. "Enjoy your stay," he concludes in Dutch. On our key card is written, 'Key to the good life'. We will see.

Wall-to-wall views

"Wow," our mouths fall open. As soon as we open the room door, we immediately have a magnificent view of the nearby canal and the stately monumental buildings along the water. There is a comfortable chair in front of the wall-to-wall panelled window, so we enjoy this living postcard extra. 

The room does not disappoint anyway. Here, too, we see the fresh colours and modern furniture we already saw in the lobby. Besides handy things like a Nespresso machine, clothes steamer and a Bluetooth speaker, there is something else in the room that you don't often see in a hotel: a yoga mat. That will be a good start to the day tomorrow morning. For a more extensive workout, the AvaniFit gym is available 24 hours a day. In the bathroom, compact but fully equipped, find, as befits a Green Key certified hotel, eco products.  

Pizza or Grab-and-Go?

On the ground floor, the open-plan lobby shares space with The Pantry, Avani's signature grab-and-go concept. The spacious shop has everything for a pleasant stay. Think cans of drinks, bottles of wine, pre-packaged (healthy) snacks, soup, pre-cut cheese and sausages and all kinds of candy bars. Before taking a seat at one of the set tables, we play one of the games waiting for guests in the cupboard and have a drink by the fireplace. We, due to heavy rain, do not feel like leaving the hotel. A pizza with a nice glass of wine at the hotel is on the menu, ending with a big slice of tiramisu. The lady who runs grab-and-go is a jack of all trades, as she fulfils her role as hostess/servant with verve. 

Once back in the room, we hang the familiar 'Do Not Disturb' sign on the door, but that too is slightly different. The pictured napping bear lets us know that we have begun hibernation. 

Healthy again

It's a good thing there is breakfast ready until late, because getting up from the lovely bed is difficult. Once in the breakfast room, we regret not having joined earlier: what a choice! A large buffet with the option of ordering dishes from the menu as well. We can't resist the smashed avocado and freshly fried eggs. 

Thus, with a well-filled stomach and after a good experience, we checked out, on to the Night Watch.