The Toren

Amsterdam

Amsterdam, a small and charming European capital attracts a tremendous number of visitors annually, who come to discover the treasures that have made the city a legend. Amsterdam has a number of different facets, which is another reason for its popularity. It is, at the same time, a city with world famous museums like the Rijksmueum with superb works by Rembrandt, among others, and an off the wall city with its numerous unique type coffee shops and its famous red light district. But Amsterdam also has its very trendy neighborhoods where tourists enjoy either walking or cycling along the many canals. This is true of Jordaan in the northwest of the city, which was originally a quarter, built in the 17^th century for workers and craftsmen who came to the city to participate in the construction of its canals. At the time, the houses were fairly modest and totally lacking in charm. Today, the Jordaan is no longer the working class neighborhood it once was, but one that welcomes artists, students and intellectuals who like the very special atmosphere and the lovely houses covered with flowers along the canals. It’s here that one finds the trendiest vintage boutiques as well as art galleries, antique shops, organic food stores and a number of cafes to relax in after having visited the tallest church in Amsterdam, the Westerkerk (West Church).

Four stars and exceptional service

Located on the famous Keisergracht, adjacent to the Jordaan quarter, The Toren is one of the jewels of the “Venice of the North”, as Amsterdam is often called. This four-star hotel located in a 17^th century Huguenot house has a charm all its own. Renovated in 2007, the hotel has been rejuvenated thanks to the work of decorator Wim Van de Oodeweetering, who responded to the owner’s, the Toren family’s desire that the building combine the modern with classical charm.

The 38 rooms and suites, with a view of either the canal or the garden, are decorated in an original manner that create a warm and elegant atmosphere, regardless of whether one opts for a single room or the garden cottage duplex. Large chandeliers adorn the ceilings, and the walls have lovely paintings. The velvet and silk of the curtains and the cushions are exceptional, the beds sensational and the equipment high tech. The simplest bathrooms are in the center of the room whereas the more luxurious accommodations have Jacuzzis for two people and a unique lighting system. All of the common areas charm visitors by their refined opulence consisting of Baroque mirrors and superb tapestries.

And to complete this totally upscale service, the hotel has decided to associate itself with the famous restaurant, Christophe, recognized by the prestigious Michelin Guide, which prepares the evening meal that can be served in one’s room, in the hotel’s salon or by having the hotel reserve a table at the Christophe restaurant. Finally, one has to pay tribute to the impeccable service of the hotel staff, which is ready to respond to a guest’s slightest request with courtesy and kindness.

Before becoming a hotel, the building was home to a rich Huguenot family from France, and more importantly to Abraham Kuiper, a very well known Dutch politician, who became prime minister in 1901 and turned it into a university.