A different Amsterdam – historical heaven at Hotel 717

Amsterdam. The very mention of the Dutch capital conjures so many different images for many different people, a vast majority will no doubt involve illicit substances or other unsavoury activities. However, this view of Amsterdam is only a small part of what makes it one of the most illustrious cities of Europe. Amsterdam has one of the highest standards of living in the World (13th) as well as being home to the oldest stock exchange as well a series of historical and cultural sights that you cannot find anywhere else. One of the top financial centres of Europe and the cultural capital of Holland, Amsterdam still is home to much of the legacy of Holland’s trade history. It can provide all the sights and luxuries to anyone looking beyond the cafés and De Wallen. Staying at Hotel 717 is the perfect beginning for anyone looking to capture that Dutch period feeling whilst staying in Amsterdam. The hotel is part of a 19th Century historic building overlooking the canals of the city. Much of the décor has been recreated to conjure the images of 19th Century high living, whilst feeling unmistakably Dutch. The hotel’s location in the centre of Amsterdam positions it ideally so that during your visit you can see the wonders of Van Gogh Museum and the Anne Frank house with ease whilst taking in the rich surroundings as you travel the beautiful streets. If you are inclined towards some of the finest painting to be found Rijksmuseum is one of the places you simply must see; housing works by Rembrandt, Van der Helst and Vermeer. For a little something more commonly associated with Holland there is also the Van Gogh museum located near by, one of the most-visited museums in the city. But it is Amsterdam’s network of canals around the city centre make for some of the most interesting sight-seeing during your stay. If you want for a finer experience on the water in Amsterdam, the award-winning Canals Dinner Cruise delivers gastronomic greatness and the finest views in the city. A four course meal topped of with plenty of fine wine and the most spectacular effect of the shimmering reflections from lights on the gentling rippling waters below. Departing from the historic and cultural somewhat, the hotel is situated to the nearby shopping district of central Amsterdam. Combing the stunning period architecture of the buildings seamlessly with the cut-edge and some of the most sophisticated shopping experiences. These tight winding streets of De Negen Straatjes are home to the small one-of-a-kind boutiques and niche shops which you can’t find anyway else where as the Pieter Cornelisz Hooftstraat brings the familiar names like Chanel, Gucci and Cartier when you just want to treat yourself. The concentration of prestigious shops and surroundings has made Amsterdam the capital for fashion in the country as well as one of the best-known destinations in Europe. If you want to get away from the city centre for some quality quiet-time, the tulip fields, which Holland is best-known for create some of the most visually arresting sights in the country; the vibrant shades of the lease beautiful flowers growing in vast fields. What’s more, from the city centre you can be picked up by private car and whisked to Keukenhof Gardens by-passing the queues for the much-sought after tickets. Jared Morgan is Head of Communications at Booked.net. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.