Trip Report from the Netherlands and Belgium: Beautiful Hotels, Family Travel, Round-the-World Trips and More!
I am still absolutely energized from my trip to the Netherlands and Belgium earlier this month. It was such an exciting adventure. I did a number of hotel site inspections in Amsterdam before boarding my river cruise with AmaWaterways. Along for the ride on our river cruise were a number of my host agency’s preferred partners. Let me tell you about some of the coolest things I saw and learned.
(Don’t forget to check out last week’s post for some of the special offers I have for you as a result of this trip!) And if you’re ready to plan your next vacation, book a complimentary vacation consultation here.
Amsterdam Hotel Inspections
While in Amsterdam, I ddi site visits at a number of key hotels. Here are my favorites, in order.:
Hotel de l’Europe: This hotel is drop-dead gorgeous. Steeped in history since 1896, this 5-star gem offers original Amsterdam luxury. I could gladly live here. The property is surrounded by water on three sides, which is just amazing. It’s a historic building that’s been all glammed up. The hotel is actually owned by the Heineken family. Imagine luxurious rooms with a nod to Dutch heritage, Michelin-starred dining at Flore, and a spa overlooking the Amstel River. Perfect for those seeking classic elegance in a central location. This is a Virtuoso property, so be sure to review the amenities I can offer you.
The Conservatorium Hotel: Housed in a former music conservatory, this Virtuoso property offers a unique blend of history and contemporary design. Art lovers will delight in the on-site art gallery, while music enthusiasts can enjoy live performances. Spacious rooms and an award-winning spa complete the luxurious experience. Perfect for those seeking a stylish haven infused with art and music. If you like more modern hotels, this one is for you. This is also a fantastic location for all the museums.
Sofitel Legend Grand Amsterdam: Immerse yourself in Dutch grandeur at this 17th-century canal house hotel. Expect opulent rooms, Michelin-starred cuisine at Bridges Restaurant, and a soothing SoSPA with hammam. The hotel's central location places you steps from must-see attractions. This is a great location if you love bars and restaurants and want to be super central. Note the hotel is just a canal or two away from the Red Light District—this means it’s in a very lively area. But the hotel itself is an oasis of calm. This is where I stayed during my visit.
Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam: Experience unparalleled luxury in this expansive Virtuoso property on the prestigious Herengracht canal. Each room is a haven of comfort, with butler service in suites. Guests can explore the art deco interior, savor gourmet cuisine, and unwind in the Guerlain Spa. There is also a lovely backyard garden, a rarity in Amsterdam! Ideal for those who appreciate sophistication and personalized attention. The color pallette here is very soothing.
Traveling with My Preferred Partners
Once we boarded the AmaMora, we got straight down to business. This was a chance to network with a number of my preferred travel partners. My host agency, the amazing GIfted Travel Network, has vetted all my travel partners for me to make sure that my clients have the best possible vacations, all around the world.
Family Travel: It Really Is All Fun & Games
I got to know my family travel partner exceedingly well during my time on the AmaMora. Magali helps me with European trips where families are traveling with toddlers, tweens, and teens. You know…those trips where you want to go to the Louvre but aren’t sure how long your 10-year-old will last. My partner is super creative and designs all sorts of fun games and experiences that make cultural experiences fun…all across Europe.
Round-the-World Trips…By Air
I also got to spend time with my round-the-world travel partner, Ron. Ron might have my dream job. Do you want to visit a lot of countries in a short period of time? Ron organizes luxury jet expeditions! Maybe you only have three weeks and are interested in an around the world trip? Talk to me. Ron and I will help you do this. For example, in January of 2025, Ron is organizing a 24 day trip that starts in Miami and then visits Machu Picchu, Easter Island, Tahiti, the Great Barrier Reef, Angkor Wat, the Taj Mahal, the Serengeti, Egypt, and Marrakech before returning to Miami. All by jet!
Vetted Villa Rentals Worldwide
Corey is my go-to guy for anyone who wants a luxury villa in more than 60 countries worldwide. What I love about Corey (and his dad) is that they provide a concierge service to make everything seamless for you. And they visit every property personally before they add it to their inventory. (Vetting is important! Properties on Airbnb are not vetted! Ask me about the time I worked for an Airbnb property manager. Uggh!!) If you are in need of a vacation rental, please let me know and Corey and I will find you an amazing property.
Custom Spain & Portugal
My partner Jesus helps me put together wonderful custom Spain and Portugal itineraries. And he always add a little VIP touch on arrival — you’ll be met at the plane like the VIP you are and whisked through immigration and baggage claim! Portugal in particular can be a great value for a family vacation. Let me know if I can help you plan your next Spain and/or Portugal vacation.
These are just a few of the partners I spent time with this month, but they are some of my favorites. Ready to plan your next vacation? Book a complimentary vacation consultation here.
About Krista
I’m a Notre Dame grad and a Chicago Booth MBA. I spent over 11 years living and working in London, England, selling financial data. My career and personal travel have taken me all over the world. To date, I’ve been to 78 countries. Now I bring the joy of travel to others. Let me make your next vacation seamless for you.
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