PHOTO: The lobby of the new Waldorf Astoria revives the Golden Age of Amsterdam. (Courtesy of Waldorf Astoria)
New hotels continue to open in Europe as the prospects for increasing demand nurtures the arrivals of increasing supply. Three classic European capitals (Amsterdam, Stockholm and Vienna) have grown their inventories recently with new properties from HTL, Meliá and Waldorf Astoria in anticipation of still more visitors headed their way. Hotels have always tried to ground themselves in their host destinations and these hotels are no exception. But these hotels are also reflecting a trend that demands each property stake its character in time and tense, as in past, present and future.
Amsterdam's new Waldorf Astoria revives the 17th and 18th century when the first truly global merchants made Amsterdam into a major capital of commerce and culture, whose painters had as large an impact on European art and sensibility as its traders had on finance.
Located well outside Vienna's classical Ring, the new Meliá looks more akin to Manhattan's skyline. The hotel metabolizes the past into the future via its high panoramic views that give an encapsulating overview of Vienna. In its Hapsburg prime, Vienna was a mighty power and this hotel looks like the hotel of a mighty power. The new Stockholm HTL Hotel speaks to a future that's already here. Using a creative approach with Apps and the design of its public spaces, the hotel reaches out to the younger set of travelers.
A Golden Age Hotel
The new Waldorf Astoria Hotel from Hilton Worldwide is so Dutch, don't be surprised if you see the figures from Rembrandt's Nightwatch eating in the hotel's Librije's Zusje restaurant. With its menu created by Jonnie and Thérèse Boer, owners of the three Michelin star restaurant De Librije in the Netherlands, who could blame them for stepping out from their visual masterpiece to enjoy some masterworks on the table.
The hotel is located within a UNESCO protected area on Amsterdam's canals in the historic area of Herengracht. The canal side 93-room property is comprised of six historic 17th and 18th century town houses, which were once home to some of the wealthiest and most influential residents of the city. The Herengracht Canal, which was built during Amsterdam's Golden Age, gives hotel guests direct access to explore the city by boat, bicycle or foot.
Each room and suite has views of Amsterdam, whether it's looking out over the canal or over the private garden towards the rooftops of the city. Colors from the sublime canvases of Johannes Vermeer inspired the accents of lapis lazuli and ochre used by the hotel's interior designers in the rooms. History is referenced in the beamed ceilings, sash windows and bathrooms with freestanding baths to complete the authentic and stylish ambiance.
Besides the aforementioned Librije's Zusje, the other dining options include the Maurer Room and the Peacock Alley lounge. The Vault Bar is located in the original vault of a bank. The Guerlain Spa has three treatment rooms, sauna, steam room, heated indoor pool and views across a private garden. In the spa, guests choose from a selection of therapies that respect the origins of Guerlain's signature massage from 1939, when the brand opened its first "Institut de Beauté" in Paris.
In March, construction began on another American branded hotel in Amsterdam, a 176-room Courtyard by Marriott. The new hotel is set to open in 2015 in the area known as Atlas Arena Amsterdam.
An Aerie in Vienna
An entirely different approach was taken in Vienna, where the 253-room Meliá Vienna is the highest of the new properties. The hotel opened in February in Austria's tallest skyscraper, occupying 18 of the building's 58 floors with commanding views of the Danube and Vienna. Parisian architect Dominique Perrault put the height of the hotel to use by adding floor to ceiling windows in the 14 design suites. The windows have integrated glass elements that allow the windows to be opened.
PHOTO: The Meliá Vienna hits new heights in the old Hapsburg capital. (Courtesy of Meliá Vienna)
The 2,150-square-foot Presidential Suite has its own elevator and a stunning 180-degree panoramic view of Vienna with a separate living and sleeping area, kitchenette, boardroom and lounge for 10 people, home movie theater with 72-inch LED IP TV and a lavish bathroom with sauna, infinity tub and double rain shower.
For dining, there is the 57 Restaurant & Lounge headed by Chef Siegfried Kropfl. Located on the 57th floor, guests dine on a selection of mostly Mediterranean dishes in Austria's highest restaurant. The Flow Bar and Restaurant is located in the lobby, lifting Viennese coffee culture to new heights. The hotel is located in a fledgling business district next to Danube Island. The underground station located directly next to the hotel links to Vienna's historical city center within eight minutes.
HTL Brings App-titude to Stockholm
On May 2, HTL hotels opened its first hotel at Kungsgatan 53 in Stockholm. The hotel brings a new concept using an all-around simplifying digital experience designed for a younger generation of travelers. For instance, guests can check in on their way to the hotel and actually receive their room key in their smart phone or they can check in on a tablet in the hotel lobby.
PHOTO: HTL opens in Stockholm with a product that integrates the destination via Apps and other modern aids. (Courtesy of HTL Hotels)
The phone key application also includes hotel information and a city guide. Guests can easily connect their own devices to the LED screen and get their personal selection of movies and music in their hotel room, via Miracast and Airplay. HTL's digital city guide Local Everywhere contains fun and personal tips on what to do, eat and experience in Stockholm. Local Everywhere will continuously be updated with new tips from HTL's hosts, guests and visitors.
Another aspect of the hotel that resonates with young travelers is the 500-square-meter lounge that both hotel guests and local visitors are welcome to use. During summer season the lounge continues out to an outdoor patio where guests can order food and drinks.
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