Blog Post
Our Couple's Getaway To Amsterdam
Clare Fisher • May 16, 2019
Staying At Pestana Amsterdam Riverside
Why Amsterdam?
One of the reasons why I absolutely love Amsterdam for a couple's getaway, is the short flight time from the UK. For us a couple's getaway means time away from the children, meaning we don't usually have longer than an extended weekend, so with just over a one hour flight time, Amsterdam is perfect! While it is a great family destination, it certainly has the draw for adults.
Amsterdam is filled with quirky and elegant, restaurants, bars and coffee shops. It is known for it's incredible shopping, historic sights, tasty food, beautiful canals and bikes!
Pestana Amsterdam Riverside
We arrived into Amsterdam on train from Cologne, where we had spent the previous day and night. We arrived at a fairly unsocial hour, following a cancelled train and as a result, landed at an unfamiliar station. We were hungry and tired, so after checking the distance of the hotel from our location in Amsterdam, we decided to jump in a taxi. Generally, we avoid taxi's where possible, but when we do use them, we try to use Uber where possible. With Uber we have never been overcharged and generally, you will get a really good price. If you are looking for a cheaper option and are arriving into Schiphol Airport at a good time, the airport is 16km away from the hotel, which you can reach via train, bus or tram. Check out the various timetables and prices online.
The first thing you will notice about Pestana Amsterdam Riverside
, is the amazing location right on the Amstel river and the beautiful buildings and clock tower, which make up the hotel. When you walk into the old Municipal Building to check in, you will be greeted with contemporary decor but stunning original details and features. You are spoiled for choice with different types of rooms at this 5 star hotel, so make sure you have a good browse on their website, to see which takes your fancy the most! Whether you choose the River House Studios, rooms and suites in the old building, the Archives or the building's new wing, you are in for a treat!
The second we saw the cute open plan bedroom and romantic bathtub, overlooking the lounge area in the Mezzanine Suite, we knew it would be perfect for our little couple getaway. The room feels so light and big, with huge windows that open out to a side view of the river, it's a non smoking room, has two flat screen tv's, including one that you can watch from the bed or bathtub and has all of the other facilities you would expect with a hotel of this class. As you know, the wifi can be a serious annoyance of ours in some hotels, but we are so happy to report, that the connection at Pestana Amsterdam Riverside, is super fast and we didn't have any problems.
If you do want to return to this suite with a little one, Pestana Amsterdam Riverside, offer free accommodation for children up to 3 years old, when they share their parents' room, up to a maximum of 1 children.
Leisure Facilities
The number and variety of leisure facilitiesat Pestana Amsterdam Riverside, was a big draw-card for us, when choosing somewhere to stay. It's always appealing to us, whether we are alone as a couple, wanting to unwind together, have some alone time or even when we travel with the children and want to break the day up for them, after walking and sightseeing, we always appreciate and enjoy leisure facilities.
We have found it quite unusual, to have so many quality and complimentary leisure services as guests, in any City and we were pleasantly surprised to find them quiet and very clean, with a relaxed ambience. We were both able to enjoy own favorite activities, before joining each other to enjoy the steam room and sauna. Although we didn't book any spa treatments this time around, they do have a range of treatments available.
The Area and Things To Do
Pestana Amsterdam Riverside, is located in the 'De Pijp' district. The perfect location if you're looking to be close enough to Amsterdam's best bits, that you don't have to walk too much, but far away enough, that you can enjoy the peace and quiet of this riverside area. If you don't want to head into the heart of Amsterdam every day or evening, be sure to check out some of the many restaurants and coffee shops in the area, just a few short minutes from the hotel. This is also the area where you will find the 'Heineken Experience', where you can learn about it's rich brewing history.
'Arc.' the restaurantat Pestana Amsterdam Riverside, which is under supervision of famous chef 'Peter Lute', is where you can enjoy breakfast, a good coffee, drink and/or a great meal, with an intimate and inviting atmosphere. When you walk to the elevator which takes you to your room, you will walk above the open plan 'patio garden' area of the restaurant and it did indeed look so inviting, that we took a look, to see if we could get a reservation. The restaurant is very popular and was fully booked for the evening we inquired for, so book as early as possible if you want to guarantee a place. They do also have a bar menu available, in a different area, if you're looking for something a bit more relaxed or informal.
Make sure you don't miss out on the true Dutch experience, of riding a bike through the city and its canals, known as 'The Venice Of The North.' When you stay at Pestana Amsterdam Riverside, you can reserve a bike directly from the hotel reception, which is so convenient! We took the bikes out every day and sometimes, didn't get back until 10pm. It is so much fun and safe! Amsterdam has its own infrastructure for bikes and they take priority over everything. You can park your bike up anywhere, but remember to take a note of where! It is easy to get forget, with so many similar looking corners and canals, and the hundreds of other bikes, that all look the same. It's only a ten minute ride from the hotel to some of the tourist hot spots but we still found it useful to use 'maps' on our phone to help navigate.
Amsterdam is famous for various different foods that you can sample throughout your stay. Be sure to grab yourself a cone of chips to share (or not ha) from Manneken Pis and top them with one of over 30 sauces you can choose from OR Oorlog french fries from Vlaams Friteshuis Vleminckx. Here are some other treats to look out for! Sweet treats like a stroopwafel or poffertjes, herring or cod from one of the many fish booths around town, or something savoury like bitterballen or Dutch cheese!
When you're not cycling or walking, you can jump on one of the many canal tours, relax in one of the beautiful parks, or visit one of the famous different types of museums. Don't forget to check out the flowers at the popular flower market, visit some of the historic buildings like Amsterdam Palace or even jump on one of the horse and carriages just outside, for a little tour. If you do decide to visit the 'Red Light District', don't be too alarmed to see ladies stood in the red lit door way's, dressed in their best, even in the middle of the day. Just remember to be respectful and don't take any photos. These streets really do come to life at night though and the atmosphere in the bar's are amazing! Don't feel you can't enjoy this part of the City, if some of the unique and seductive bits, are not your cup of tea. You can choose what you want, or do want to partake in.
We have some amazing memories from here. We really let our hair down and it was the perfect place for our little couple getaway! We definitely be back as a couple but we also can't wait to go back with the children! Thanks so much to Pestana for the most perfect stay and cute little fragrant gift on departure! Click here, to check out some of Pestana Amsterdam Riverside's current deals!
We do not earn money when you click the links above. We were paid by Pestana Amsterdam Riverside, to put together a video and other social media content, during a complimentary stay with them. We were asked to give an honest review and put together some helpful information for anyone interested in staying there. If you enjoyed this, or it has been useful to you, please let us know :) Thank you!
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