The College Hotel

The Venice of the North

Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is known throughout the world for its canals in the center of the city, the result of the meeting of two rivers, the Lj and the Amstel. Tourists enjoy discovering the city on foot or on bicycles since the two-wheeler is king here, and not only for tourists. It’s one of the favorite means of transportation for local inhabitants as well. Thanks in part to the 400 kilometers of bicycle paths, which make traffic much more pleasant, although it’s not uncommon, during rush hour, to be stuck in a bicycle traffic jam! There are no honking horns here or revving car motors, just the ding dong of warning bells on the handlebars of the bicycles.

Since 2010, the canals of Amsterdam, often called the Venice of the North, have been classified as UNESCO world heritages, and while strolling along one of the main canals, the Singel, tourists can visit the famous flower market with thousands of different flower and plant species, which make excellent gifts and vacation souvenirs.

For an afternoon snack, the traditional fish kiosks sell delicious sandwiches with herring, salmon or shrimp which can be eaten on the spot before leaving to discover some more of the city. In the evening, the Rembrandtplein is the place to go for its innumerable restaurants and bars and their lively atmosphere.

A cozy vacation in an historic building

Ideally located near the city’s most beautiful museums, The College Hotel receives its guests in a superb late 19^th century building. As its name indicates, the building, was originally a school, and is now one of the most popular hotels in Amsterdam for tourists in search of a luxurious place to stay, with highly qualified personnel and without any artificial pomp.

The 40 rooms and suites are spacious and inundated with natural light. The walls are in warm tones and the furniture made exclusively for the hotel. There are large beds, design lamps, dark colored furniture, velvet sofas and marble bathrooms. A massage service in one’s room is available upon simple request, and for those who want to continue their daily exercise routine even on vacation, the Vondel Park, just a few steps away, is ideal for morning jogging.

For visiting the city, guests have access to bicycles and scooters provided by the hotel. The garden and the terrace designed by Tamara Aramat, are delightful places for enjoying moments of peace under the blue sky. The salon is cozy and warm, as is the superb lounge bar with its London like atmosphere and black lacquered furniture; a very popular spot for guests to relax over a cup of tea or a cocktail in front of the fireplace, before heading for the magnificent restaurant a few meters away, located in what was once the school gymnasium. Entirely renovated, with an immense open kitchen, the restaurant can take up to 65 diners and specializes in an updated version of Dutch cuisine, under the supervision of Chef Wilko Hoogendoorn.

In recent years, the College has become more than just a hotel, since it now receives dozens of hotel management students who integrate with, and learn from the professional staff as part of their on the job training in this mythical establishment. Most of the guests appreciate this initiative as it makes the hotel a place for exchanges and communication with the accent on youth.