Charlie Cooksey recalls his summer stay at Amsterdam’s Avani Museum Quarter, which coincided with the city’s 750th anniversary.
You’re never short of options when it comes to choosing where to stay in Amsterdam. In fact, the sheer number of choices can often feel overwhelming. So you can only imagine my delight at striking gold with the Avani Museum Quarter this summer. From the moment I arrived at the fairly new hotel in the Dutch capital, I knew this trip would be out of the ordinary.
This visit was particularly special as it coincided with Amsterdam celebrating its 750th anniversary. The city has never looked more magnificent, and the Avani Museum Quarter in Amsterdam was the perfect base for experiencing this historic milestone.
The location alone was perfect. I was just 500 metres from the museum trifecta – Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam.
Having this incredible triple dose of art and culture wasn’t all that made the stay and exploring worthwhile. P.C. Hooftstraat’s elegant shops were just beyond, and across the canal, the bohemian charm of De Pijp beckoned with its eclectic restaurants and inviting terrace bars. Everything that makes Amsterdam magical was within easy reach.
The building itself is a beautifully refurbished mid-century gem sitting right on the canal. Walking in, I was immediately struck by how the design paid homage to the Stedelijk Museum’s collection, blending avant-garde touches with traditional elements.
The gleaming glass façade incorporated Amsterdam’s signature brick, giving it a distinctly local feel. Inside, the clean lines and functional furniture created a sense of calm, whilst mirrors and polished surfaces seemed to bring the city’s tranquil canals indoors.
What really captivated me were the artistic details everywhere I looked. The geometric patterns and bold block colours in the carpets, tiles and soft furnishings drew inspiration from 20th-century masters like Piet Mondriaan, Anni Albers, Gunta Stolzl and Sophie Taeuber. It felt like staying inside a work of art.
My room was a 1960s-inspired haven, decorated in warm terracotta, mustard yellow and deep browns that echoed Amsterdam’s muted tones. It was the perfect retreat after long days exploring the city.
What made this trip even more memorable was the opportunity to explore other Minor Hotels properties across the city. One afternoon, I had lunch at the Anantara in the central square, which was a fantastic experience. The location couldn’t have been better, right in the heart of the action.
But the absolute highlight of the entire trip was dinner at Selva, a spectacular Latin American restaurant on the rooftop of NHOW Amsterdam. The hotel’s name is a playful nod to NH Collection, Minor’s global hotel brand named after its Spanish origins.
I arrived just before sunset, grabbed drinks at the bar, then settled in for what turned out to be an unforgettable meal. The food was outstanding, the atmosphere electric, and the company brilliant. I was travelling with some wonderful journalists from Dubai and Abu Dhabi, which added to the experience.
Throughout the trip, I was fortunate to spend time with Jens, the Belgian General Manager of Avani, who was incredibly hospitable and accompanied us as we explored the city. We also had tour guides whose knowledge of Amsterdam was simply extraordinary. I’d point to a random building and they’d launch into its complete history without missing a beat.
This wasn’t just about staying in a hotel. I explored parts of Amsterdam I’d never seen before, learned about the intricate canal system and how it was built, delved into the Netherlands’ colonial history, and discovered countless hidden stories of this remarkable city.
The combination of experiencing Minor’s properties whilst really understanding Amsterdam’s 750-year heritage made this trip truly special.
Amsterdam is undeniably beautiful, and staying at the Avani Museum Quarter put me right at the heart of everything that makes it extraordinary. It was more than accommodation; it was an experience that enhanced every moment of my visit.
Opening rates start from € 195 per room, per night, based on two people sharing and breakfast included. For more information and to book, please visit avanihotels.com, email museumquarter@avani-hotels.com or call +31 (20) 5738200.
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