Review of College Hotel, by Simon Nichols

Originally built in 1895, Amsterdam's College Hotel was transformed into a boutique hotel and hotel training academy in 2002. A stunning building with sexy interiors, the scene is set as soon as you walk through the doors and into the stylish reception. The College has a real winter warmth feel to it from the fireplace in the lounge to the open flame alight in the courtyard in the evenings.

The facilities

The ground floor of the boutique hotel houses the reception, restaurant and bar plus conference rooms. All are decked out in similar design - dark sleek wood, exposed brickwork and subtle mood lighting, all with a slight South-East Asian feel. Two hundred students from the Amsterdam Hotel Management, Bakery & Tourism School are employed by the boutique hotel, but the fact that most of the staff are yet to pass their exams doesn't distract from the experience. Fully-trained professionals are on hand to assist when required.

The rooms

The boutique hotel's 40 rooms have similar interiors to the rest of the property with dark, lacquered wardrobes, a lounge with window seat upholstered in plush fabrics and original artwork.

Room 123 is the former chemistry lab with a window seat jutting out into the courtyard.and is reputed to be the favorite room of Simon Webb of Blue fame!