Depending on how long you’ve been reading my blog for, you
might remember my last trip to Amsterdam. A lots changed in three years, but
Amsterdam hasn’t much. It’s still the beautiful, inviting city I remember. Today
I bring you, in my opinion, a real asset to Amsterdam. I’ve got that fuzzy
feeling when I have a real gem to tell you, for Canal House really is that.
Last week I headed to Amsterdam for a slightly different
style trip than I usually take. I’d gone with Dan (this is a very rare thing
and one to grab onto) as he had a conference out there and I thought I’d join
him as we decided to trial the “Digital Nomad” mantra, as this is something we
are looking to do in a few years’ time. Take a year out of London to go
traveling but still work.
I had tons of work to do, as well as a telephone interview,
so instead of my usual city explorer, I spent my working day in the hotel. So
of course choosing the right hotel was incredibly important as no one wants to
be stuck in a loud, depressing place the whole trip.
Well, I was more than happy to have Canal House as my base. Set
in heart of the fashionable Jordaan district, Canal House used to be an older
17th century merchants house, but now is a 23 bedroom boutique
hotel.
The design of the hotel is a sort of luxe gothic vibe. Think
deep, blackened wood, plush purples and velvet fabrics, which is my sort of
interiors. It oozes class, old school glamour but still with an approachable
vibe.
Which is one of the key points of the hotel. I can’t stress
enough how friendly and helpful the staff were. It’s funny actually as my top
three hotels based on staff helpfulness are all coincidentally Small LuxuryHotels Of The World, hotels. Somehow I don’t think that is a coincidence, as if you read my post on Small Luxury Hotels Of The World, you’ll know there is a 700 question criteria to
meet to be an accepted as a hotel.
As soon as I arrived the receptionist was genuinely so happy
to welcome us to her hotel and no question too small was a problem. Throughout
my stay anyone I passed in the corridor would ask how I was and flash me one of
those real smiles. At night they leave a little card telling you what the next day’s
weather is going to be, with a little handwrote “Have a good nights sleep”. Too
cute.
The rooms standard are ranked “Good” “Better” “Great” “Exceptional”
“Outstanding” “Best”, which I went for “Great”. I honestly can’t rave enough
about Canal House. My room really was great. I loved the period features of the
beams and how they had been incorporated into the design. At first Dan did
think it was a little odd to have the bathroom in the bedroom, although I have
noticed this becoming more and more of a thing in Europe. However even he of
famously high standards grew to love the, in my opinion, pretty awesome
bathroom.
But most importantly, let’s talk about the bed. Oh sweet
Lord, the bed was AMAZING. Honestly, Canal House provided the comfiest bed I
have ever slept on. Seriously, on the second day of Dan’s conference, he
actually hit the off button on his alarm as the bed was so comfy. Oops.
I pitched my time working, between the dining room and the outside garden. If being a digital nomad means this can be my office, then seriously sign me up now!
My little hideaway. But seriously, how beautiful is the terrace? I bet it would look gorgeous in winter too. Can you tell I'm getting excited about the prospect of winter-y things... mainly hot chocolate and ice skating to be honest.
But fear not, I wasn't completely alone during the day. I made friends with the hotel cat. Two gingers just hanging out.
On our first morning, we discovered breakfast. Breakfast is a sweet affair. A continental buffet of pasties, breads, meats and cheeses await.
If you want something a little more fancy you can order off
the a la carte, which when Dutch pancakes were on offer, well, come on, it would be
rude not to have them when in the Netherlands!
Canal House really was everything I could have asked for in a hotel, and I can not recommend it enough. It's a real gem in Amsterdam. And speaking of Amsterdam I've got a little snapshot post coming up of my time I did manage to get away from the laptop.
A huge thank you to Canal House for hosting me for the duration of my trip on a complimentary basis.

That hotel looks amazing! I live 300 km away from Amsterdam but I've only been once. This has to change... if only for those croissants on the picture and that super comfy bed!
ReplyDeletexx,
E.
www.theslowpace.com
I don't stay in hotels in Amsterdam all that much, having family there and all, but I sometimes do and will keep this one in mind. Love it.
ReplyDelete:O this looks incredible! Kinda sad I didn't see this sooner - I'm going to Amsterdam in 3 weeks and have already got everything booked. Hopefully I can sneak into the beautiful garden or something :)
ReplyDeleteBecca xx | The Après Gal
What a gorgeous hotel, I love all the rich dark colours! I read the Miniaturist recently and imagined the house in that to be all shadowy and opulent like the hotel. Love the garden and the hideaway, not too bad a place to be stuck working! xxx
ReplyDeleteLucy @ La Lingua | Life, Travel, Italy
This place is absolutely beautiful! What a dream to have a home similar to such location.
ReplyDeletexo,
Aïchatou Bella
www.stilettosandstandards.com
Wow! what a beautiful hotel, The rooms are really amazing well maintained, I love the outdoor sitting area with full of greenery. Soon i ll there to enjoy all the stuff in Amsterdam.
ReplyDeleteKim - www.condorny.com