The Conservatorium, Amsterdam
Oct 2, 2011, 1:41 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 8
The Conservatorium, Amsterdam
This will be one of 2011's hottest openings alongside the reopening of Amsterdam's two major art institutions earlier next year - the Stedelijk Museum and the Rijksmuseum. Set in the 19th-century former Sweelinck music conservatorium, it boasts stunningly modern interiors by Milanese award-winning interior designer Piero Lissoni.
http://www.travel8ing.com/2011/09/co...amsterdam.html
http://www.travel8ing.com/2011/09/co...amsterdam.html
Aug 15, 2012, 5:52 pm
#2
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: France
Posts: 971
We just spent 3 days at Conservatorium hotel in Amsterdam. We arrived from Paris with the Thalys. Journey was awful (terrible service and Amsterdam Grand Central Station is a joke) but it's only 15 minutes by taxi to the hotel (and it costs about 15 Eur).
We had booked a Corner suite and we were upgraded to a Conservatorium suite (1 level). Decor is dark & minimalist, we just loved it. There is a big walk-in closet, large living area ( but no dining table even if it was big enough to have one), and double doors to access the bedroom ( study area in the bedroom). The suite was facing a quiet side street and noise insulation was perfect. Air con control is separate for living area & bedroom. The bathroom was gorgeous with separate loo, double shower, 2 vanities and a big bathtub. Stone from the floor to the walls including the door, the design is great. They just need to add hangers for towels, and to rethink some odd details (why hairdryer is in the walk-in closet at the entrance instead of the bathroom?).
Products are from l'Occitane. All curtains are electric and lighting controls are a bit complicated to understand. Last strange point: there are 2 phones in the bedroom but none in the living area.
Service was perfect. Staff is smiling, efficient. Check-in was fast, room-service also quick with good quality products. Concierge gave us good advice for restaurant.
The gym is located at basement (just under the restaurant) but there is still some natural light. The attendant was a nice young guy willing to help during work-out session. We didn't try the Spa but we went to the swimming pool (20m + jaccuzi). We had forgotten our swimwear but it was possible to buy one at 35 Eur.
Breakfast was ok, nothing special (buffet style except for eggs/ hot dishes).
It is not as central as de l'Europe, but the location close to top luxury boutiques and a few steps away from Van Gogh museum is excellent. Thank you to Gallivanters for the perfect advice!^
(Reservation was made through Amex and included 3pm late check-out and fast line entry tickets to VG museum.)
We had booked a Corner suite and we were upgraded to a Conservatorium suite (1 level). Decor is dark & minimalist, we just loved it. There is a big walk-in closet, large living area ( but no dining table even if it was big enough to have one), and double doors to access the bedroom ( study area in the bedroom). The suite was facing a quiet side street and noise insulation was perfect. Air con control is separate for living area & bedroom. The bathroom was gorgeous with separate loo, double shower, 2 vanities and a big bathtub. Stone from the floor to the walls including the door, the design is great. They just need to add hangers for towels, and to rethink some odd details (why hairdryer is in the walk-in closet at the entrance instead of the bathroom?).
Products are from l'Occitane. All curtains are electric and lighting controls are a bit complicated to understand. Last strange point: there are 2 phones in the bedroom but none in the living area.
Service was perfect. Staff is smiling, efficient. Check-in was fast, room-service also quick with good quality products. Concierge gave us good advice for restaurant.
The gym is located at basement (just under the restaurant) but there is still some natural light. The attendant was a nice young guy willing to help during work-out session. We didn't try the Spa but we went to the swimming pool (20m + jaccuzi). We had forgotten our swimwear but it was possible to buy one at 35 Eur.
Breakfast was ok, nothing special (buffet style except for eggs/ hot dishes).
It is not as central as de l'Europe, but the location close to top luxury boutiques and a few steps away from Van Gogh museum is excellent. Thank you to Gallivanters for the perfect advice!^
(Reservation was made through Amex and included 3pm late check-out and fast line entry tickets to VG museum.)
Aug 17, 2012, 10:47 am
#3
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Here there and everywhere
Posts: 6,303
We just spent 3 days at Conservatorium hotel in Amsterdam. We arrived from Paris with the Thalys. Journey was awful (terrible service and Amsterdam Grand Central Station is a joke) but it's only 15 minutes by taxi to the hotel (and it costs about 15 Eur).
We had booked a Corner suite and we were upgraded to a Conservatorium suite (1 level). Decor is dark & minimalist, we just loved it. There is a big walk-in closet, large living area ( but no dining table even if it was big enough to have one), and double doors to access the bedroom ( study area in the bedroom). The suite was facing a quiet side street and noise insulation was perfect. Air con control is separate for living area & bedroom. The bathroom was gorgeous with separate loo, double shower, 2 vanities and a big bathtub. Stone from the floor to the walls including the door, the design is great. They just need to add hangers for towels, and to rethink some odd details (why hairdryer is in the walk-in closet at the entrance instead of the bathroom?).
Products are from l'Occitane. All curtains are electric and lighting controls are a bit complicated to understand. Last strange point: there are 2 phones in the bedroom but none in the living area.
Service was perfect. Staff is smiling, efficient. Check-in was fast, room-service also quick with good quality products. Concierge gave us good advice for restaurant.
The gym is located at basement (just under the restaurant) but there is still some natural light. The attendant was a nice young guy willing to help during work-out session. We didn't try the Spa but we went to the swimming pool (20m + jaccuzi). We had forgotten our swimwear but it was possible to buy one at 35 Eur.
Breakfast was ok, nothing special (buffet style except for eggs/ hot dishes).
It is not as central as de l'Europe, but the location close to top luxury boutiques and a few steps away from Van Gogh museum is excellent. Thank you to Gallivanters for the perfect advice!^
(Reservation was made through Amex and included 3pm late check-out and fast line entry tickets to VG museum.)
We had booked a Corner suite and we were upgraded to a Conservatorium suite (1 level). Decor is dark & minimalist, we just loved it. There is a big walk-in closet, large living area ( but no dining table even if it was big enough to have one), and double doors to access the bedroom ( study area in the bedroom). The suite was facing a quiet side street and noise insulation was perfect. Air con control is separate for living area & bedroom. The bathroom was gorgeous with separate loo, double shower, 2 vanities and a big bathtub. Stone from the floor to the walls including the door, the design is great. They just need to add hangers for towels, and to rethink some odd details (why hairdryer is in the walk-in closet at the entrance instead of the bathroom?).
Products are from l'Occitane. All curtains are electric and lighting controls are a bit complicated to understand. Last strange point: there are 2 phones in the bedroom but none in the living area.
Service was perfect. Staff is smiling, efficient. Check-in was fast, room-service also quick with good quality products. Concierge gave us good advice for restaurant.
The gym is located at basement (just under the restaurant) but there is still some natural light. The attendant was a nice young guy willing to help during work-out session. We didn't try the Spa but we went to the swimming pool (20m + jaccuzi). We had forgotten our swimwear but it was possible to buy one at 35 Eur.
Breakfast was ok, nothing special (buffet style except for eggs/ hot dishes).
It is not as central as de l'Europe, but the location close to top luxury boutiques and a few steps away from Van Gogh museum is excellent. Thank you to Gallivanters for the perfect advice!^
(Reservation was made through Amex and included 3pm late check-out and fast line entry tickets to VG museum.)
Aug 17, 2012, 12:32 pm
#5
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: France
Posts: 971
There are some work in progress so it shall improve. But I found it was very difficult to find information & orientation signs are not clear. There is no waiting area like I'm used to with the Eurostar in St. Pancras & in Gare du Nord. In fact to find our way we had to ask to police guys, we were completely lost. 
Aug 17, 2012, 12:48 pm
#6
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Between AMS and BRU
Posts: 8,852
Sure, there is some work in progress... But maybe you need to invest in some glases ;-) there are signs everywhere directing you to all platforms and exits.
Navigating this station is hardly a challenge.
And you wait for the train on the platform, that's how it's done everywhere in the Netherlands (and in most places). Not exactly luxury I know, but the platforms are covered and it just a train you know. Did you expect a lounge for a train that leaves every 30 minutes?
Navigating this station is hardly a challenge.
And you wait for the train on the platform, that's how it's done everywhere in the Netherlands (and in most places). Not exactly luxury I know, but the platforms are covered and it just a train you know. Did you expect a lounge for a train that leaves every 30 minutes?
Aug 17, 2012, 3:22 pm
#7
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: France
Posts: 971
Sure, there is some work in progress... But maybe you need to invest in some glases ;-) there are signs everywhere directing you to all platforms and exits.
Navigating this station is hardly a challenge.
And you wait for the train on the platform, that's how it's done everywhere in the Netherlands (and in most places). Not exactly luxury I know, but the platforms are covered and it just a train you know. Did you expect a lounge for a train that leaves every 30 minutes?
Navigating this station is hardly a challenge.
And you wait for the train on the platform, that's how it's done everywhere in the Netherlands (and in most places). Not exactly luxury I know, but the platforms are covered and it just a train you know. Did you expect a lounge for a train that leaves every 30 minutes?
Aug 18, 2012, 3:40 am
#8
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Between AMS and BRU
Posts: 8,852
That seems smart.... it will take you about twice the time of the train. But well, you will at least wait in a lounge (or in a long que when traveling during the holidays) 
Sorry, but I really don't get why you are complaining about something this trivial. Even if you had to ask for directions, is this something that bothers you this much?
Sorry, but I really don't get why you are complaining about something this trivial. Even if you had to ask for directions, is this something that bothers you this much?
Aug 18, 2012, 4:04 am
#9
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: France
Posts: 971
I shall give additional details to explain why I did not appreciate Thalys & Grand Central Station.
1) Usually I do not like trains & train stations. There is no rational reason, I know it may seems odd. So whenever I have to take a train I begin to get nervous and (as a result?
) bad things happen most often.
2) Thalys was 1h late on the way back.
3) Dinner was not served without prior notice (and no food anymore when I tried restaurant coach).
4) There was a young child crying most of the time (except when his father played Teletubbies on his iPad without headset).
5) Thalys employee on board was extremely rude and unprofessionnal.
I hope it helps to understand why I prefer the plane whenever equivalent train journey is 3h or more.
But I still loved Amsterdam & the Conservatory hotel!^
1) Usually I do not like trains & train stations. There is no rational reason, I know it may seems odd. So whenever I have to take a train I begin to get nervous and (as a result?
) bad things happen most often.2) Thalys was 1h late on the way back.
3) Dinner was not served without prior notice (and no food anymore when I tried restaurant coach).
4) There was a young child crying most of the time (except when his father played Teletubbies on his iPad without headset).
5) Thalys employee on board was extremely rude and unprofessionnal.
I hope it helps to understand why I prefer the plane whenever equivalent train journey is 3h or more.
But I still loved Amsterdam & the Conservatory hotel!^
Aug 18, 2012, 5:12 am
#10
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Between AMS and BRU
Posts: 8,852
That surely explains why you didn't like taking the Thalys. Everybody has his preferences and after commuting to work by train for 10 years, the Dutch trains are not my favorites too. Especially in summer without airco and during the holidays when everything is filled to capacity.
The problem is that traveling by plane isn't that different.
You could also think about driving. It's very easy to use one of the Park and Ride places that are near the highway and travel the last section by subway. If you don't have too much luggage that could be a good way to travel.
Since I work in Amsterdam I probably won't be staying at the Conservatory, but it looks very nice.
The problem is that traveling by plane isn't that different.
You could also think about driving. It's very easy to use one of the Park and Ride places that are near the highway and travel the last section by subway. If you don't have too much luggage that could be a good way to travel.
Since I work in Amsterdam I probably won't be staying at the Conservatory, but it looks very nice.
Aug 18, 2012, 5:49 am
#11
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: PARIS (France)
Programs: AF/KLM Club 2000 | InterContinental Diamond RA |AMEX Plat | Visa Infinite |Hertz President's Circle
Posts: 10,942
I shall give additional details to explain why I did not appreciate Thalys & Grand Central Station.
1) Usually I do not like trains & train stations. There is no rational reason, I know it may seems odd. So whenever I have to take a train I begin to get nervous and (as a result?) bad things happen most often.
1) Usually I do not like trains & train stations. There is no rational reason, I know it may seems odd. So whenever I have to take a train I begin to get nervous and (as a result?
) bad things happen most often.Still, I like Thalys (but just take it to Brussels).
Aug 18, 2012, 6:00 am
#12
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: PARIS (France)
Programs: AF/KLM Club 2000 | InterContinental Diamond RA |AMEX Plat | Visa Infinite |Hertz President's Circle
Posts: 10,942
I love Piero Lissoni work (Mamilla hotel, ...), including very smart Boffi bath Paris showroom.
Piero Lissoni has a true talent to give a time dimension into a new place, by mixing contemporary design and warm elements. He has a true intelligence des lieux.
Piero Lissoni has a true talent to give a time dimension into a new place, by mixing contemporary design and warm elements. He has a true intelligence des lieux.
Aug 18, 2012, 7:21 am
#13
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: my heart is on the shores of the north Italian lakes
Programs: LX Senator Lifetime, Relais&Chateaux Club5C, ex ! "Amanjunkie", ex LHW LC, hate chain hotels
Posts: 2,515
Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (Linux; U; Android 2.3.6; en-gb; GT-S6102 Build/GINGERBREAD) AppleWebKit/533.1 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/4.0 Mobile Safari/533.1)
Amsterdam station is filthy and makes me feel unsafe - and I love train stations. The good thing is the many friendly police officers around - I needed them once while thretened by one of these scaring middle eastern taxi drivers.
Will be at the Canal house soon and walk till there. No apparent rules for taxis, far worse than any third world city.
Amsterdam station is filthy and makes me feel unsafe - and I love train stations. The good thing is the many friendly police officers around - I needed them once while thretened by one of these scaring middle eastern taxi drivers.
Will be at the Canal house soon and walk till there. No apparent rules for taxis, far worse than any third world city.
Last edited by behuman; Aug 18, 2012 at 7:27 am
Aug 20, 2012, 7:36 am
#15
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Here there and everywhere
Posts: 6,303
Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (Linux; U; Android 2.3.6; en-gb; GT-S6102 Build/GINGERBREAD) AppleWebKit/533.1 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/4.0 Mobile Safari/533.1)
Amsterdam station is filthy and makes me feel unsafe - and I love train stations. The good thing is the many friendly police officers around - I needed them once while thretened by one of these scaring middle eastern taxi drivers.
Will be at the Canal house soon and walk till there. No apparent rules for taxis, far worse than any third world city.
Amsterdam station is filthy and makes me feel unsafe - and I love train stations. The good thing is the many friendly police officers around - I needed them once while thretened by one of these scaring middle eastern taxi drivers.
Will be at the Canal house soon and walk till there. No apparent rules for taxis, far worse than any third world city.
