Discover Benelux | Amsterdam in 2019 | Amsterdam East Highlights / Amsterdam Noord Highlights
The city hotel that guests come home to TEXT: KARIN VENEMA | PHOTOS: HOTEL ARENA
Hotel Arena is an extraordinary hotel with deep roots in Amsterdam and its feet in the grass of the Oosterpark. The monumental building encourages special encounters between ordinary people, as well as ordinary encounters between special people. It is the place where you can drink, eat, work, sleep and dance. Where you chat and listen, discover and explore, go out and come home. Hotel Arena is situated at the edge of Amsterdam city centre and is accessible through the Oosterpark. The monumental building was constructed in 1886 and,
throughout the years, it has been transformed from a Catholic orphanage to a four-star hotel. The monumental ornaments, such as the original cast iron and marble staircase and the restored chapel, have been kept in their original state. These elements coexist with a modern design and vibe, which is visible in the hotel rooms, PARK Café-Restaurant, the alluring Salon, and the creative meeting and event Studios. “We offer our guests an unforgettable experience by exceeding their expectations,” explains Pieter Jan Huizinga, commercial manager at Hotel Arena. The hotel is a great
starting point to explore Amsterdam, while also offering much of what makes the city great on its premises. “Not only do we have a beautiful building and interior, we also have an intimate patio, a massive sunny terrace, and the park on our doorstep. The other day, a company that held a congress at our hotel said that they wanted our hotel to become the temple of their business. A lovely compliment for our hotel and service, where our aim is to make our guests feel at home.” Web: www.hotelarena.nl/en
The local living room TEXT: MICHIEL STOL | PHOTO: CAFÉ ONS
Whatever their walk of life, everyone is welcome at Café ONS. Whether you are a local ‘from the North’ or a tourist visiting Amsterdam, you will feel right at home at Café ONS on the Buiksloterweg, just a five-minute walk from the city centre. Café ONS is just a short walk from the ferry. The small and cosy café feels like a living room with the vibe of an Ibiza-style lounge bar. “It is a place for everybody. There is nowhere like ONS in the rest of the neighbourhood,” explains a regular guest . You can recognise the venue by its covered garden, where you can enjoy one of the local beers or a top-notch gin and tonic. The terrace on the Ranonkelkade side has all-day sun coverage. At night, they fire up the old wood stove. “With the heated garden, people just want to stay and relax. That’s what it’s all about.” “We have a no-nonsense menu, made 48 | Issue 67 | July 2019
with fresh produce - and love.” All dishes offer something different. The ‘wannabe pizza’ is a richly prepared falafel that looks like a pizza with a twist. In the mood for sharing? Try the ONS platter, with hot and cold nibbles. When it comes to sweets, guests love their homemade apple
pie. “They always come back for more!” If you are exploring Amsterdam North, be sure to stop by at Café ONS, where you can unwind in comfort. “We want this to be a place where people come together. Where people feel at home.”
Web: www.cafeons.nl