Andaz Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Amsterdam is the perfect city for an active city trip with the family. Especially older children will enjoy this vibrant metropolis with its unique, largely seventeenth-century city centre. And the hotel Andaz Amsterdam where we stay, is ideally located to serve as a base.

Andaz is the "lifestyle label" of Hyatt Hotels. This is the first establishment of the international hotel chain hotel in the Netherlands and the ninth addition to its special label. The Andaz is certainly a special addition: it has a stunning, extra-ordinary design. And it is beautifully situated on the Prinsengracht. This canal named after the Prince of Orange, is the fourth of the four main canals belonging to the canal belt. It will make everyone's heart beat faster.

When we enter the building, our breath catches. The hotel has a special artistic atmosphere. Once a nondescript public library building, the Andaz has been transformed into a fantastical dream-world. The aim to provide an imaginative, creative and playful environment and they do! The hotel references the Golden Age, Dutch Delft Blue and the city's vibrant, creative history and economy. The visual impact is somewhat mind blowing and it takes us a few minutes to take it all in: oversized welcoming bells, passion red Tulip Chairs, from hell to heaven wallpaper, carpets and walls with ancient nautical maps, a romantic secretive garden, and a mesmerizing Observatory are just some of its memorable icons. The idea is that the staying guests leave as real ‘Amsterdammers’. No, not in arrogance and liberal drug use, but in feeling. This all sprang from the creative brain of Marcel Wanders: Dutch industrial designer and co-founder and art director of the design label Moooi. Wanders also has his own design studio, where he works for various international furniture brands.

In the middle of the lobby is the "observatory": a kind of light lock with drawings on the wall in Delft blue of sea voyages from the Golden Age combined with special fixtures. The lounge is a combination of Wanders' designs with antiques. While we wait for our room to be available, we order what appears to be the best cappuccino and apple pie we have ever eaten. That's just a good start!

When we are taken to our room we are again deeply impressed. The design motif is unmistakably continued here with lots of painted wallpaper and décor. All furniture, textiles, carpets and wallpapers are custom designed and every piece tells a story. A perfect detail is the bathroom where we are overwhelmed by where we are. It surrounds us with tiles that give us snippets of Amsterdam’s history, fun facts and quotes form famous people. It gives us an unique feeling; like walking into an art gallery. But one where you can safely take your subtle children with you, because despite all the beautiful objects, the hotel is remarkably child friendly. No one is surprised by some kids running around although it is still a five-star hotel. But ofcourse some consideration for the other guests is appreciated.

To come back to our room: for families we heartily recommend the Twin Bed Garden View rooms. At 27 square meters, it is not a suite, but it still offers enough space for up to four people. The location with a view of the "secret" inner garden ensures sufficient peace and privacy. Like all rooms it features a large tulip-inspired reading chair and open plan bathroom concept. Traveling with a larger family? For some extra space this room can be connected to a King Bed Garden View Deluxe room.

If money is not an object simply go for the ‘Prinsengracht Suite’. Your children and spouse will pay you homage for this until the day you die. Do not look back on your credit card statement and just indulge in this 141-square-meter, top-floor penthouse. This one-bedroom suite features a king bed room with spinning television & sofa, living room overlooking the hotel’s lobby, dining table, kitchenette with pantry and library/study. Also you’ll find an oversized bathroom featuring a Marcel Wanders soap bar bathtub and walk-in rain shower, guest toilet and the pièce de résistance. The largest hotel terrace overlooks the canals of Amsterdam. You might invite some guests on this penthouse terrace complete with relaxed outdoor seating and views over the city’s rooftops. This Suite could be configured into a two-bedroom suite since it is connected to a 2 Twin Beds Garden View Room.

Being smack in the middle of the city you are spoiled with diner options. But if you choice to dine in the hotel you will not be disappointed. Our dinner at the Bluespoon restaurant was amazing; the food is off high quality and very well prepared and served beautifully. The modern Dutch cuisine was very surprising. It is fun to see the chefs cook in front of you. After you've tucked the kids in bed why not head for the Bluespoon Bar? The bar is dark and intimate, and also resembles the many brown cafes in the Jordaan city district with those lamps that your granny also had. Guests and locals are welcome. The large table encourages interaction. Sample some of the innovative, handcrafted cocktails, which profile local ingredients and take you on a sustainable no-waste journey that doesn't compromise on flavor, but rather elevates it. You can watch the world go by on the canal outside or disappear into a cozy corner.

Like any family we have different interests. No matter how much we love beautiful design and good foods, especially our kids certainly love other activities as well. The hotel is only steps away from the trendy Nine Streets & charming Jordaan neighbourhood. This quaint neighbourhood is bursting with boutique shops, eateries and galleries. Also within walking distance to many Amsterdam attractions, you can spend your time museum-hopping, marvelling at Van Gogh’s paintings and touring the Anne Frank House. When in Amsterdam we always try to visit the famous Rijksmuseum; the national museum of the Netherlands. They tell the story of 800 years of Dutch history. In addition they organize several exhibitions per year from their own collection and with (inter) national loans. It’s stunning museum with excellent paintings and artworks. Dine on Dutch delicacies at charming outdoor street markets and take in the city from the iconic Canal Rings.

Ofcourse the Artis Zoo has to be seen again, just as the adventurous NEMO Science Museum; an interactive informal learning environment in which our kids (and we!) love to come into contact with science and technology. On our way we enjoy a nice dinner at the Kanteen 25; perfect for children.

Of course with all the activities available in Amsterdam there is no real need to venture any further, but still, when you’re in for a real unique experience, drive or take the 30 minute train ride to Utrecht. From there take a tram or taxi to the City Skydive: the ultimate indoor skydiving centre in the Netherlands. We experienced an unforgettable free fall in the World's first centre with two wind tunnels which give you the experience of flying mid-air.