A Weekend in Amsterdam at the InterContinental Amstel Hotel

Where? Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Exactly? The InterContinental Amstel Hotel

When? August 2016

Why? Amsterdam is one of my favourite cities, with beautiful architecture, scenic waterways and of course flowers and blooms everywhere, it’s the perfect European city break destination, not to mention fantastic Instagram fodder.

So when the lovely guys at the InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam asked me to stay and review their luxury hotel for the weekend, I jumped at the chance. I tried out the IHG Reward’s club European Weekend food and drink city break package, which included dinner at the Amstel Brasserie over looking the Amstel River.

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The InterContinental Amstel is the oldest luxury hotel in Amsterdam. It opened its opulent doors in 1867, so this year the hotel is celebrating it’s 150th anniversary. Featuring stunning architecture, a 15 metre indoor pool and a Michelin starred restaurant overlooking the Amstel River, it’s the perfect place to stay in Amsterdam for a mini break.

Me posing in the grand hallways wearing dress by Bedouin and shoes by Aruna Seth.

Dive right in

The stunning 15 metre indoor pool with views of the Amstel River. I spent the afternoon trying out the spa circuit, featuring steam rooms, sauna and jacuzzi, followed by a lovely languid dip in the gorgeous pool.

Basking in the sun – The weather was amazing this weekend so I chilled out on the sun deck with luxury day beds and pretty city views.

Afternoon aperitif: Me hanging out in the stylish A Bar at the hotel wearing orange jumpsuit by MissPap.co.uk (in homage to the Dutch national colour).

From orange outfits to orange drinks. I stopped off at the Amstel Bar for a little al fresco Aperol Spritz tipple on the verandah.

The decor at the Amstel bar oozes old school elegance. Decadent interiors in sapphire blue tones are highlighted with touches of ruby. It’s a truly romantic spot.

Al fresco drinks at the Amstel Bar.

Time for dinner. Champagne is served.

For dinner we indulged in the 150th anniversary menu, which is a delectable 3 course meal, featuring the hotels signature dishes with wine pairings. My favourite course? It has to be the dessert!

Suite Dreams

Above – the royal suite. Below – me chilling out in the chic Dom Perignon suite at the hotel.

And so to bed! Pictured below – me wearing Boux Avenue turquoise night slip.

After a good nights sleep (the beds are super comfy by the way) I headed down to breakfast with a canal side seat. The breakfast which is included in the package offers a huge buffet of fruits, pastries, cheeses, eggs and meats. The perfect way to start the day.

Wherever you want to weekend in Europe, IHG Rewards Club’s short-break packages will make your experience unique. Choose from over 60 unique packages across Europe, from food & drink, treat yourself, family and romance. Visit ihg.com/weekends-offer

IHG Rewards Club is the world’s first and largest hotel loyalty programme. Sign-up for free to start earning points from stays at IHG properties worldwide at ihgrewardsclub.com

5 stylish things to do in Amsterdam

Visit one of the many outdoor or rooftop bars, I love Waterkant on a sunny day or catch the lift to Canvas Bar rooftop pictured above. Go shopping on the 9 Streets and sit in a picturesque cafe by the canal side and watch life go by. Hang out in the trendy Haarlemmerstraat area, it’s Amsterdam’s hipster area filled with cool bars, cafes, boutiques and furniture shops. Visit the EYE in the north of the Amsterdam. Get the free ferry across the water, grab a coffee at the Film Institute and marvel in the futuristic architecture of this chilled out space. Pijp – head to the pretty area of Pijp in the evening, it’s where locals go to drink and hang out in the bustling street bars and cafes. (Pictured below)

The easiest way to get around Amsterdam is by bike, so hire one for the weekend and wander around town at your leisure.

Below – picturesque street and canal views in the 9 streets area.

So it’s goodbye from Amsterdam, next stop New York…