Sir Albert a member of Design HotelsTM is a hotel in Amsterdam that will let you sleep in a building that was once a diamond factory; its industrial past has since been buffed by warm welcoming interiors that allude to a sophisticated world traveller.
Sir Albert, a new luxury boutique hotel in Amsterdam embodies the modern aristocratic attitude. The management explains, “It’s letting you see how the other half lives; it means loving both the best of old fashioned service and the latest in design and technology; it’s about enjoying the attention of a friendly staff catering to your whims, even before you know what those whims are; come see the high life, but have an approach that’s distinctly down-to-earth. In short, it’s what the Sir Albert luxury hotel is all about!”
Set in the lively De Pijp district, the Quartier Latin of Amsterdam – a melting pot of diverse cuisines, hopping bars and a strong café culture – this aristocratic lair is more akin to a stay in a private city residence than a hotel.
Overall the atmosphere is smart and contemporary and the hotel artfully mixes the best of old fashioned service with the latest in design and technology.
City hotels are a hot commodity these days as they let you mix business with pleasure and at Sir Albert which faces one of Amsterdam’s legendary canals this convenience is a notch above the rest in this space.
The award winning firm of BK architects was at the helm of affairs at transforming the defunct diamond factory into a luxury boutique hotel, which it did so by carefully preserving the high ceilings and big windows and then infusing a chic and contemporary flair.
At the street level is the reception, the Japanese restaurant cum bar, Izakaya and a chill-out zone, the Library. This space emphasises the social, artistic and cultural dynamism of the Netherlands and is peppered with several modern details.
Technically speaking, everything needed for a state-of-art meeting is supplied at ‘The Creative Space’ and the aim is to take neighborhood integration one step further.
Here the guests may enjoy a beverage or two all through the day, check their mails or surf the net on the computer or the iPad that has been left there, lounge on trendy furniture pieces from design houses such as Maxalto, Moroso and Ceccotti and have limited edition works for company by standout Dutch designers such as Piet Hein Eek and Joy Erven.
Izakaya, the Asian Kitchen & Bar located on the premises, is a huge magnet for not only the guests of the hotel but the locals as well. Come evening, this venue becomes energised by the presence of the city’s who’s who. Izakaya literally ‘raises the bar’ when it comes to beverages as it serves a vast array of house infused cocktails using the ancient Japanese liquor Shochu. The wine cellar is home to over 300 premium wines from all over the globe, and of course, more traditional cocktails are also served to perfection.
The rooms at Sir Albert are classified under four categories, Sir Boutique, Sir Deluxe, Sir Albert Suite and the Sir Albert residence. In spite of the difference in names and configurations all the rooms share uncompromising common features, like custom designed furnishings and furniture, coffee machines by Illy, free WiFi, toiletries from the brand Dead Clean, fluffy bathrobes, views of the trendy De Pijp district and the city centre, complimentary mineral water, quality space, high power showers and hairdryers.
In the Sir Albert Suite there is a free standing soaking Phillipe Starck bathtub and in the Sir Albert residence which has of course more quality space, there are two bathrooms and a private well stocked bar.
A perfect space for meetings, photo shoots, product launches and small gatherings ‘The Creative Space’ at Sir Albert, has an innovative and informal air and caters to the locals and guests of the Dutch capital. Technically speaking, everything needed for a state-of-art meeting is supplied and the aim is to take neighbourhood integration one step further.
Sir Albert has a near faultless location as De Pijp is known to be the most cosmopolitan and vibrant districts of Amsterdam and is just brimming with fantastic cafés, restaurants, coffee shops and bars. Of course, a visit to Amsterdam wouldn’t be the same without a trip to the nearby Albert Cuypmarket, flanked by over 100 shops.
The ’Library’ emphasises the social, artistic and cultural dynamism of The Netherlands and is peppered with several modern details.
Sir Albert is also just minutes away from the plush 19th century Museum quarter (Museumplein). Unashamedly, Museum quarter is the pinnacle of sophistication and home to the three major and most important museums in Amsterdam, the Rijksmuseum, the Stedelijk Museum of Modern Art and the Van Gogh Museum making this an art lover’s paradise par excellence. Without doubt, any culture vultures will be in their element in this recently renovated quarter.
A delightful contemporary option Sir Albert is a veritable traveller’s dream run by an attractive staff. The vibe is cool and the sedate exterior of the hotel belies its exclusive and exciting feel.
Whilst checking in at Sir Albert the charming receptionists explain everything and leave you with a ‘have fun!’
And that sure becomes a promise!
Text By Mala Bajaj
Photographs Courtesy Design Hotels
Contact
web: www.designhotels.com/hotels/netherlands/amsterdam/sir-albert-hotel
