I have to show this fab place I stayed at in Amsterdam last week called Hotel Arena suggested to me by a friend. It was in this old gorgeous building, a former hostel I was told, along a canal. It had the best lounge and restaurant downstairs…. but the room, oh the room! I loved it! It was fun to be in such a massive space all alone — I felt like jumping up and down on the bed! Here is my lovely room by day…
As I threw open the big windows and listened to Usher’s OMG (hey, I couldn’t play my music so I put on MTV), I fell backwards into my delightfully soft bed… I truly felt OMG being in such a fun room. The bathroom was this giant black glass cube with an open shower (meaning no walls) and a giant bathtub. It made me want an open bathroom and a massive shower just like it, I loved the concept.
I loved the clean design of the room, the soaring ceilings and old windows, wood floors, and the beyond lovely gold shimmery bedding and pillows from Mrs.Me. I have to buy some Mrs. Me bedding for my new bedroom — I kept thinking that while I was at this hotel as I loved it so much. The combination of gold on the bed and gray curtains was such a great combination because it added warmth to the room at night. Between the lighting and bedding, the room became very warm and the walls appeared to be a creamy white at night but by day, the white walls looked very crisp white due to the natural lighting combined with the gray drapes and white furniture which cooled the room down. I thought the design was very clever! I photographed it at night to show you what I mean… See how creamy the whites look now? And how romantic?
I will request this exact room again when I return in the Fall — it’s only 40 minutes by plane or 4 hours by rail, so I’ll definitely go back to hang out only next time I’m bringing my honey! Hotel Arena was definitely a place to bring a special someone. :) Hubba hubba. It had that “vibe” in the hotel, you know? I saw this 70+ year old couple with gray hair, slumped over, emerging from a room one morning — he had the biggest smile and twinkle in his eye and she shyly looked at me like she had just been a very naughty girl. It was so adorable, I loved seeing their cute little sparkle and resolved at that moment — when I am 70, I am staying at sexy hotels with my husband too! :)
So yes, after working and shopping this room was a lovely place to relax and enjoy the beautiful canal views. Ah, Amsterdam. I’ll be back to see you again soon….
(images: holly becker for decor8)
August 10th, 2010 at 12:43 pm
When I worked at the Amsterdam Tourist Office, this hotel was one I recommended whoeheartedly to anyone who asked….gorgeous, isn’t it? :-)
It was an orphanage before it was a youth hostel, and it’s been renovated with such a respectful but innovative eye.
Lynn´s last [type] ..to all other graces
August 10th, 2010 at 1:11 pm
This one is a great hotel room, so different from other soulless hotels.
August 10th, 2010 at 1:53 pm
Okay, before I endup writing too much on each entry, I just leave one here. All the entries are great. I just start dreaming when I see all the photos and asked myself, why isn’t it just around the corner where I live? Anyway, good to have you to show us everything. Thanks a lot. Come around soon. ines
August 10th, 2010 at 5:04 pm
Wow, this place looks great! We’re looking into taking a trip to Amsterdam next year and this place is right up our alley!
Valeria´s last [type] ..Large Wooden Ampersand Giveaway!
August 10th, 2010 at 5:54 pm
this place is very beautiful. i love the colors.
August 10th, 2010 at 6:35 pm
hey, I stayed there too a year ago, I picked it precisely because of the way it looked. I had a duplex room and sleeping upstairs was really cool, you should try a room like that next time. I loved the bathroom so much that I used the black subway tile idea in my bathroom renovation. The staricases were amazing as well, all that wood carving!!
August 10th, 2010 at 8:03 pm
That is such a cool place! I want to stay there too!
Jacilyn´s last [type] ..happy
August 11th, 2010 at 5:23 am
love it! just did my bathroom in white and grey. this is going on my list next time i’m in ams!
Sigrid´s last [type] ..Every
August 11th, 2010 at 1:59 pm
Oh my gosh – why did I not see this hotel when I was planning my trip?! I would have loved to stay there… Great post! Will remember this for future trips…
Zoe ♥
Zoe´s last [type] ..Thoughts today…
August 11th, 2010 at 6:36 pm
this post made me smile wide. the room is gorgeous, but your descriptions of your personal experience made the post. :)
Kaitlyn´s last [type] ..summer in the city
August 12th, 2010 at 12:01 am
the rug is beautiful, but how on earth could you keep it clean?? <3 gina
Gina´s last [type] ..closet break in
August 16th, 2010 at 1:46 pm
Hi, we just got back from amsterdam. We were at the Citizen M hotel, it’s a really cool place to stay at, design poking at you from every corner :)
October 4th, 2010 at 11:50 am
We’ve stayed at the Lloyd Hotel last week and it’s the third time in a row, so we better visit the Arena Hotel next time. We actually don’t have to sleep in Amsterdam at all, because we live so near by, but staying in ‘sexy hotels’ is so cool! Love that story about the couple…
Ingrid Jansen´s last [type] ..indian summer