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Amsterdam is the Netherlands cultural, financial and economic heartland. At one point the richest city in the world, Amsterdam was built on trade, commerce and hospitality and this philosophy continues today in the great many attractions for visitors, laid out in a city centre which has remained largely unchanged since the city's golden age in the 17th century.
Charming, romantic, and with a rich cultural history, the city is home to some wonderful five star Amsterdam hotels and each of them represent the finest way to experience one of Europe's most popular destinations.
Amsterdam is no sprawling urban metropolis like many other major European cities but has almost all of its boundless attractions contained within the historic city centre. This makes Amsterdam the perfect city break destination in which visitors can make the most of the short time available. Getting around is easy, either on foot, by tram or in the time honoured Amsterdam tradition, by bicycle. The city is very bicycle friendly and with no hills is easy to navigate. Arrival for most people is by plane to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport from which regular trains take the 20 minute journey to the city centre.
The visual appeal of Amsterdam is immediate through the historic buildings, numbering almost 7000, many of which date from the 16th and 17th centuries. What are also immediately evident are the canals, dividing the city centre into some 90 islands connected by over 1000 bridges. The scene is certainly set for romantic walks but perhaps the best way to view Amsterdam is by embarking on one of many canal cruises from which the best views of the city's architecture are afforded.
Whilst the history and culture of Amsterdam is obvious from every winding street, canal and building, for a more in depth cultural experience there are the many outstanding Amsterdam museums. The most famous of these is the Rijksmuseum. The largest and most highly regarded museum for history and art in Holland, the Rijksmuseum is home to some of the great masterpieces by the renowned Dutch masters such as Vermeer and Amsterdam's most famous son, Rembrandt. Rembrandt House, the artist's residence during Amsterdam's wealthiest period is also worth a visit.
Located near the Rijksmuseum is the Van Gogh Museum, which houses some of the 19th century artist's most famous work such as 'Sunflowers' and also work by contemporaries such as Monet. Other notable art galleries include the Stedelijk Museum, which houses an impressive modern art collection and Schutters Gallery, a free museum which houses 17th century portraits. One of the most popular visitor sights in Amsterdam is the Anne Frank House, the location where Jewish girl Anne Frank wrote her diaries while hiding from the Nazis during the Second World War.
In addition to the museums there are many other attractions in Amsterdam, from the beautiful open park areas to the shopping areas and many street markets. Then there is of course the nightlife. Like most capital cities worldwide Amsterdam has a great many cafes, bars, restaurants and clubs catering for every taste and with a reputation for tolerance of alternative lifestyles there truly is something for everyone. While the famous Coffeeshops and red light district of the city are indelibly linked with Amsterdam culture, they form just a part of the appeal of a vibrant and eclectic city.
Guests within five star Amsterdam hotels should expect the kind of luxury amenities and services any top hotel will offer. There will certainly be fine dining of the very highest standard and exquisite rooms and suites, impeccably furnished and appointed with all modern comforts and state of the art technologies which define the ultimate in luxury accommodation. Spacious luxury bathrooms will be well equipped and digital technologies in television and audio systems, internet access and business facilities will be evident too.
As the financial and commercial hub of the Netherlands, many people who come to Amsterdam have business to conduct in the city and many hotels will offer a range of business oriented facilities and services which may include workstations, meeting rooms and print, copying, courier and fax services. There will also of course be 24 hour room and concierge services to allow all guests access to the right information, products and services to make their stay as enjoyable and memorable as possible.
Where five star Amsterdam hotels may differ from those elsewhere is in the consummate style of the properties and location in one of the world's greatest historical cities. The aged elegance of Amsterdam is most evident in its luxury hotels, some of which have been developed from buildings constructed during the cities most important and wealthiest period of the 17th century. There are more modern five star Amsterdam hotels too, and what they all share in common is the convenient access to the cities most popular sights and activities.
Amsterdam is a bustling busy city and what the five star Amsterdam hotels offer is a place of calm exclusivity and refined luxury in which to draw from the outside world when required and enjoy the facilities on offer within some of the world's top hotels. All the relevant visitor information will be at hand whether for tours and excursions or tickets and restaurant reservations.
The enduring popularity of Amsterdam is evidenced by over 400 hotels in the city. Some are little more than backpacker hostels while others offer a range of features demanded from the myriad of different visitors to the city. For those who demand the very best in luxury accommodation available anywhere there are the five star Amsterdam hotels.
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