Spring has sprung, which means we have two Bank Holidays just around the corner. I'm heading to Stockholm for the first (check back in a few weeks for an update on that little jaunt...), but I'm as yet undecided as to what to do with the second at the end of May. With a slew of new hotel openings in recent weeks, it looks like a toss up between Barcelona and Amsterdam.
The latest addition to the Barcelona hotel scene if the Monument Hotel (picture top left and top right), a member of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts LVX Collection. This new five-star palace hotel housed in a restored neo-gothic building is conveniently located on the Passeo de Gracia, Barcelona’s shopping mecca. With 84 immaculately designed guestrooms and suites with balconies offering views over this magnificent city, it's a dream location for a chic weekend away.
Resplendent with an in-house florist, wellness centre with an impressive list of treatments and a state-of-the-art fitness centre it's the ultimate five star city retreat. Other highlights include a florist, wellness You'd be a fool to miss out on the hotel’s two-Michelin starred Restaurante Lasarte, run by seven-Michelin-starred chef Martin Berasategui; what are you waiting for?
www.preferredhotels.com
Also on my agenda this year has to be Amsterdam and with the opening of the new Generator Amsterdam (pictured bottom left and bottom right) there's really no excuse to put it off any longer. Following the opening of Generator Paris last year, Amsterdam is the second in the portfolio (ahead of Stockholm and Rome later this year) from the brand that transforms hostels to design-forward hospitality experiences.
Situated in the trendy East Amsterdam neighbourhood, adjacent to the newly-renovated Oosterpark. The historical brick building dates from 1908 and as the University of Amsterdam’s former science department, it's the only upscale hostel in the city. With prices €18 for shared dorms, €70 for private rooms or €100 for luxury suites, it's the ideal affordable accommodation. The hostel boasts a café, open daily for all mealtimes for grab and go items and locally-sourced dishes. There's a laid-back lounge, a library in which to unwind and enjoy some R&R, a standalone speakeasy-like bar located in the building’s former boiler room and - my favourite part - a luxury Sky Suite Apartment with views of Oosterpark includes two bedrooms, a kitchen, a living room, and a TV. With tailored programming such as a Coffee Lab, beer tastings, coffee masterclasses, Vanmoof bikes, movie screenings and meeting and work spaces it's worth far more than it's affordable price tag.
www.generatorhostels.com
So which will it be - any recommendations? I'll keep you posted on where I end up!
