That has to be an Eden Hotel

'We have to go there.'
I nod my head when I see Huub pointing to Hortus Botanicus. 

There are bustling but somehow calming noises in the background. It feels like the sounds of the city are harmoniously coming together, sort of like a symphony. A tram dings a few blocks away, cutlery is touching plates, clinking glasses, people’s different voices and languages. As the sunlight warms my face, I feel content. There’s just something about life in the big city.  

'See that table there? That will be ours later,' Huub says convinced as we walk past a full outdoor terrace of a restaurant. I shrug when I see two ladies grabbing the last table. A gentleman behind us must have overheard our conversation.
'Unfortunately, you have to reserve a table at least two weeks prior to dining,' he says whilst approaching. 'But right around the corner you’ll find one of the best restaurants in Amsterdam. Great atmosphere, wonderful service, and THE best tapas in town. A real hidden gem. My friends and I go there every Friday night.'

He quickly hands me the restaurant’s business card, and before we have a chance to thank him, he’s off. 'Sorry, I have to go to work now, but enjoy your time here. Make sure to check out that place around the corner.'
While he gives us quick smile, I put the card in my pocket. 

"A tram that dings a few blocks away, cutlery touching plates, clinking glasses. There's just something about the big city.""

We see our hotel. ‘The Lancaster Hotel Amsterdam’ reads the grandeur sign on the door. Huub points. 'Part of Eden Hotels,' he says. 'Remember that hotel in Maastricht, wasn’t that also an Eden Hotel?' I nod, and see a little twinkle in Huub’s eyes. 'I hope they also have a Nespresso machine in the rooms here, that will definitely then be my first coffee tomorrow morning.'
'And I will be asking for a yoga mat when we check-in.'

When we enter the hotel, I soak up the atmosphere. Jazz music in the background, people enjoying a drink in the hotel lobby. I smell a beautiful mix of coffee aromas and summery perfumes. Funny to see how very different this hotel is compared to the ones in Maastricht and Eindhoven.

Swiftly a happy and enthusiastic staff member approaches and welcomes us warmly. He’s wearing glasses that are slightly too big for his face, but with his curly hair and warm smile, he somehow totally gets away with it.

'Welcome! Nice to meet you. By the looks of it you are here to check-in. Let’s get that organised for you.' Miguel, as his name tag reads, takes us to a check-in desk where we can check in digitally at our own pace. I really like that about Eden.      

After receiving our room key, Miguel approaches us again. He must have noticed our flustered faces. 'I think you both could use a cold beverage. Have a seat and my colleague will be with you shortly to serve you a complimentary drink.' We sit down on one of the comfy sofas and give each other a big smile. Our weekend away has started. 

"I smell a beautiful mix of coffee aromas and summery perfumes. Funny to see how very different this hotel is compared to the ones in Maastricht and Eindhoven"

We witness Miguel energetically welcoming another couple. Their accompanying pooch is immediately served some fresh water.  

While Huub leans back, I’m exploring the hotel app and read about Eden’s sustainability practices. 'I’m starting to get hungry. Shall we give that restaurant a call?' says Huub.

While I try to find the restaurant’s card in my pocket, I recognise the face of the waiter serving our beers. 'Hey, great to see you here! Well, let's immediately organise that table for you then for tonight.' Huub and I look at each other in surprise. 

'And I have a lot of other local tips for you to explore too.' Roy quickly gets a colourful flyer for us. 'This city guide features a great number of local things to do and see, all curated by my colleagues and me. Just scan the QR code and it loads directly onto your mobile phone. I’m sure you guys already know about the Rijksmuseum or the Vondel Park, so these are insider tips, the real hidden gems.'

While Roy continues telling us about all these incredible local places, Miguel approaches with a yoga mat. 'Maybe you guys are interested in participating in our secret city tour, there is one planned for tomorrow morning and we still have two spots available?' Miguel adds. 'I noticed by the way that you had reserved a yoga mat during your previous stays,' he says while handing me the yoga mat. Huub and I look at each other in awe. 'Is this what always happens at an Eden hotel?' I nod enthusiastically while sipping on my locally brewed beer. 

Also Huub knows where he will stay in the future.