There are few places in the world that are as gorgeous as the Netherlands in Spring, and Amsterdam is just one small jewel of the country. This canal city is a dream for all who visit!
I got a chance to explore this beautiful place when the weather was perfect for all the canal walking I did. Soaking up all of the sights and sounds – while dodging the crazy amount of bikes – and getting incredibly spoiled with the most luxurious stay in Amsterdam at the Banks Mansion was definitely the way to take on Amsterdam head on!
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a premier destination for all kinds of travelers. This gorgeous city is charming and oh so easy to navigate. But what makes this Dutch city truly magnificent is that it is so rich in different kind of experiences for everyone no matter the interest: history, architecture, culture, vice, and even food! The gabled canal houses are all so unique, the blooming flowers all over the city, the easy-going lifestyle make it such a popular place to spend a few days. It’s also a city that can spoil you with utter decadence!
A luxurious stay in Amsterdam at the Banks Mansion
Located in the famous canal ring on Herengracht, this 4 star boutique hotel was everything and more for my first night in the city. Part of the Carlton Hotel Collection, the Banks Mansion packs in so much charm with the quality standards one can expect with their brand. As you can imagine, traveling is exhausting especially adjusting to time changes and running on fumes after a 12 hour flight. The staff at the Banks Mansion not only welcomed with a smile, they offered me a sweet traditional gift of my choice, any of the all-inclusive beverages available in the lobby, and an upgrade to their best room – the Suite with two beautiful views of the canals.
The Suite
As a solo female traveller, very rarely do I get to stay in such beautiful places due to my frugal tendencies and the lack of a travel partner to split the cost. My luxurious stay in Amsterdam at the Banks Mansion spoiled me for the rest of my trip. The Suite had the coziest common area with a couch, a chair, a desk, and tons of glorious windows to let in the incredible spring breeze (and for viewing the canals)! The comfiest bed just called my name but I always push myself to get adjusted quickly to the time change so no naps for me until later that evening. I love how they provided a bottle of wine, a robe, and some slippers for me to relax. The best part was the rainfall shower and the truly amazing bathtub which I forgot to take a photo of but you better believe I used both during my stay! My travel weary body felt suddenly rejuvenated and excited for my first time in the city!
The Full-Service Perk
Perhaps one of the coolest aspects of my stay at the Banks Mansion was that all of the drinks and snacks were included in the stay! I had a few decanters of hard liquors in my room which I didn’t try since I really don’t drink much, but I did take advantage of the sparkling water which is my favorite! But I cannot forget the Nespresso machine, the fruit bowl, and the chocolates – all so perfect for my stay. Downstairs in the lobby, there is a full service bar where you can grab something on the go or just stay awhile and mingle with the other guests in the lobby. Each night between 5-7pm, they serve local Dutch and French cheeses. I took advantage of that perk since I am a hardcore cheese-lover! I also got to try my first (and last) gin & tonic. Again, as I am not much of a drinker, I preferred to drink the infused or sparkling water!
The next morning for breakfast, which is included in the full-service of the hotel, there were all types of yummy pastries, fresh-squeezed orange juice, coffee/espresso, and on-request omelets!
This boutique hotel may be part of a larger brand, but the special touches and the friendly staff make the Banks Mansion feel more inclusive and intimate. I cannot recommend it more if you are planning to visit anytime soon and want a luxurious stay in Amsterdam! It’s definitely worth the splurge and is an experience in it of itself.
xx,
Sami
Thank you to The Banks Mansion for hosting me during my stay. As always, thoughts and opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
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The cool aunt. Plant novice who loves to travel to cool places, eat unadventurous food, and take pretty photos.
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I had no idea this hotel was so cool inside. Glad I now know and can add it to my list of good Amsterdam ones for friends and family visiting 🙂
It would be such a great place for your family and friends! The staff are seriously the friendliest!