BEST NIGHT IN A LONG TIME

I write this piece with shame on my cheeks. Very embarrassing. It all happened like this. From a friend PR agency, I got the question if I wanted to do a review stay in a new Amsterdam hotel. Since I find a night between crackling linen the best gift, I replied with a ‘yes’ that was just shy of being written in capitals, and I really had to hold back from adding seven exclamation marks.

When the date approached, guilt gnawed at my mother heart. I had been away so much, if I had to miss my children again now... So I emailed. If there could be a room available. There could be. Even though it was Friday night. Before leaving, I quickly googled the hotel. If I was dragging my whole family there, it had to be nice, of course. Forgive me, forgive me, let me burn in hell, but I was referred to all cheap three-star hotels. And yes sorry, but I would rather stay home.

‘And then I ended up in heaven.
Everything, and I mean everything in this hotel
was perfect.’

What turned out? There is also a Pillows Hotel in Belgium. And that is, well, somewhat less luxurious and more boutique-like than the one in Amsterdam. So off we went. To the real Pillows. With the girls who each packed their own little backpack, our Mens erger je niet! game, and some treats for the room.

And then I ended up in heaven. Everything, and I mean everything in this hotel was perfect. Exactly how I want it and better. The scented candle smelled of rosemary (where do I buy that?), the warm gas fireplace (where do I buy that?), the plush chairs and divans (where, where, where?). Our luggage was brought upstairs (later I saw that the girls' stuffed animals were already displayed on their bed), real hot chocolate was made with cocoa and milk for the girls and I got the perfect glass of Chardonnay.. I looked at the menu. Pata negra (my favorite), came right away. Furthermore melanzane alla parmigiana (you can wake me up for that) and more fine dishes. It was warm in terms of temperature, but especially the reception from Nicolien was grand.

In the room (with wonderfully crackling linen) it just kept going. Really tasty chips, beautiful towels, a real hairdryer and despite the fact that we were in the middle of the city, a view of horses and the villas around Vondelpark.

This hotel. From a glass of wine to a perfect egg at breakfast in a space you would want to slide into your living room gets a solid nine from me. And a picture. And sorry about earlier...