City Focus - Amsterdam

1. Mint Hotel Amsterdam
Amsterdam’s big news for 2011 is the opening of Mint Hotels’ first continental outpost (tel: 0031 205 300 800). The 553-bed property has a prime location next to Centraal Station and a mind-boggling array of spaces for up to 190 delegates or 600 for a reception. Prime space is the Skylounge bar, with outdoor terraces and private dining rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, where up to 250 can enjoy cocktails.

2. L’Europe
The opening of L’Europe’s new Dutch Masters wing in 2010 brought 600 sq m of extra function space, just as its original 1896 Rondeel building closed for work. Now the builders have left, and the 111-bed hotel (tel: 0031 205 311 777) has reopened to reveal an extra seven private dining and event spaces, including a new wine cellar, Les Caves De L’Europe.

3. Vinkeles on the Water
Dennis Kuipers, Michelin-starred executive chef of the 42-bed Dylan Hotel (tel: 0031 205 302 010), has taken to Amsterdam’s canals in a restored 19th-century salon boat, The Muze. Up to six guests can watch him prepare a six-course menu, accompanied by Champagne and fine wines, as the city drifts slowly by in the background. The meal costs £200 per head, plus £820 for four hours’ private hire

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4. Canal House
Converted from three 17th-century merchants’ houses in the arty Jordaan neighbourhood, the 23-bedroom Canal House (tel: 0031 206 225 182) is brought to you by the folk behind Cowley Manor (tel: 01242 870900 squaremeal.co.uk/cowley). The team has just put the finishing touches to its private dining room, the Summer House, for up to eight guests.

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This feature first appeared in Square Meal Venues & Events Autumn 2011.