Conservatorium Hotel, Amsterdam, Netherlands

The hotel is in the heart of the museum district, with The Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Concertgebouw a few steps away and the Stedelijk Museum directly opposite. Luxury brand shops like Armani and Gucci are nearby, and the canal belt is about a ten-minute walk away. Nearby Restaurant de Kas offers a field-to-fork experience, while Chang-i offers imaginative Chinese cuisine.

By train: the Eurostar goes direct from London St Pancras to Amsterdam Centraal. The hotel is 20-minutes in a taxi from the station. Book trains to Amsterdam.

By plane: direct flights from London and Manchester take around 1 hour 15 minutes. The hotel is a 20-minute drive from Schiphol airport and central station. Parking costs €95 per day. Book flights to Amsterdam.

Originally a bank and then a music conservatory, Italian interior architect Piero Lissoni transformed this 19th-century building a decade ago, but it doesn't look dated. The design combines original features like wall tiling featuring flower patterns or coats of arms of banking clients and stained glass with contemporary flourishes. There are quirky displays, such as around 70 violins suspended from the ceiling and a group of old clock faces.

Service throughout the hotel is friendly, efficient and professional. There are bicycles available for guests, event rooms overlooking the lounge for private dinners, and excellent business spaces. The spa offers personal trainers and daily yoga and Pilates lessons.

• Bar
• Restaurant
• Terrace
• Fitness centre
• Swimming pool
• Spa
• Family-friendly
• Free Wi-Fi

Rooms are spacious and uncluttered, and decorated in relaxing tones of brown, grey and beige, with dark wood flooring and some artistic detailing, such as a display of Delft pottery. Some have high ceilings that have been split into suites and split-level rooms. They may have floor-to-ceiling glass and bathrooms with sandstone tiling and calming colour palettes.

Room types: Deluxe Room, Duplex Room, Suite, Signature Suite

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with toiletries, free bottled water, TV, desk space, free Wi-Fi

The Brasserie is situated in the huge atrium lobby, which has a pleasant courtyard terrace to enjoy during warm weather. The smarter Taiko Restaurant offers new takes on Japanese cuisine as well as some Chinese and American influences. The bar has a great vibe and offers a huge choice of drinks.

Taiko: Asian-inspired cuisine and creative cocktails. Open Tue-Sat, 6pm-12am. Tasting menu from €135.

The Brasserie: light, healthy dishes such as salads and superfoods, oysters, caviar, hamburgers and tagliolino pomodoro.