Netherlands
Welcome to the Netherlands, haven of the arts. With close to 1,000 magnificent museums displaying Rembrandt and Vermeer, Van Gogh and Mondrian. A culture of classical music and innovative theatre, with major international festivals hosted here every year. Stunningly original architecture and urban development. Numerous orchestras and theatre companies, both traditional and new age. Pioneer of modern dance. A literary Mecca, home to writers of the highest calibre.
Netherlands's currency is the Euro. All major credit cards are widely accepted. Netherlands is three and a half hours behind India in summer and four and a half hours in winter. Dutch is the language spoken throughout the country, although English is also widely spoken.
Amsterdam
Capital of the Netherlands and one of Europe's most vibrant and intoxicating cities, Amsterdam is an exciting blend of culture and decadence. At first glance, it is a pretty European city laced with canals. But look closer and you see a cultural centre with an unparalleled collection of art. Look closer still and you will see a party town dedicated to hedonism, where anything goes. The romantic will adore the lazy curves of the city's waterways, the pretty cafés in cobbled streets, and the picturesque bridges. The more socially active will delight in Amsterdam at night, when the city transforms itself into one large, no-holds-barred celebration.
The Hague
The International Criminal Court, The Peace Palace, the War Crimes Tribunal and the Europol are but a few testaments to The Hague's reputation as an International City of Peace and Justice. The city's wide, open boulevards are lined with official buildings and foreign embassies that provide a cosmopolitan ambience. And everywhere one looks, historical royal palaces and gardens lend an air of elegance and grace that rivals any city in Europe.Hotel Hilton, Amsterdam *****
Amsterdam's Hilton Hotel opened its doors to guests in 1962 as the first international Hilton Hotel in Europe. Exclusive shopping areas, museums, galleries and some of the city's most fashionable restaurants, bars and nightlife surround the hotel.
LOCATION
The hotel is located in the south of the city in Het Apollokwartier, the commercial and fashionable part of town, 15 minutes from Schiphol Airport and five minutes from downtown by taxi.
AMENITIES AND FACILITIES
The elegant rooms feature a private bathroom, a balcony, a mini-bar and more. Non-smoking rooms are available. The Meeting and Convention Centre is fitted with state-of-the-art facilities and can accommodate groups of up to 1000 people. The Health & Fitness Club is one of the largest and best equipped in Amsterdam.
DINING
Roberto's Restaurant, Half Moon Lounge, Terrace Garden and Harbour Cafe are unique locations in which to relax and indulge in fine cuisine.
SPECIALS
The hotel borders a canal and overlooks its own garden and marina, which is filled in the summer with antique wooden Dutch canal boats.
SPECIAL OFFER FOR KUONI'S CUSTOMERS
Stay for a minimum of three nights and enjoy a bottle of fine wine in your room.
The Grand Sofitel Demeure Hotel, Amsterdam *****
This stunning heritage building has served successively as a convent in the 15th century, a Royal Inn in the 16th century, headquarters of the Dutch Admiralty in Holland's Golden Age, then Town Hall and finally in 1966, the setting for the wedding of Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands. The buildings housing the hotel have been at the heart of city life for over six centuries.
LOCATION
The Grand is located in the heart of Amsterdam's historic centre, a stone's throw from key financial institutions and Dam Square and 30 minutes from Schiphol International Airport.
AMENITIES AND FACILITIES
The guestrooms' style is dictated in part by the original layout of the building. High ceilings and huge windows grace what are already some of the largest hotel rooms in Amsterdam. The Grand has 19 banqueting and meeting chambers.
DINING
Located on the ground floor, Café Roux is the hotel's only à la carte restaurant, sporting oak floors and art deco interior design. It overlooks one of Amsterdam's most picturesque canals and has a private street entrance. Café Roux offers a variety of dishes using the freshest ingredients.
SPECIALS
The Spa at The Grand offers a heated swimming pool, jet stream, a sauna, a Turkish Bath, a gym and utterly relaxing massage therapies.
SPECIAL OFFER FOR KUONI'S CUSTOMERS
Stay for two nights and enjoy a breathtaking canal cruise.
Crowne Plaza City Centre, Amsterdam *****
The Crowne Plaza City Centre enjoys a prime location near the Central Station and Dam square. The hotel is surrounded by shops, museums and restaurants and is a 20-minute drive from Amsterdam Schiphol International Airport.
LOCATION
Just a short walk from the Central station, this hotel is part of the old quarters of Amsterdam overlooking the main shopping street of the city.
AMENITIES AND FACILITIES
Facilities and services at the Crowne Plaza Amsterdam City Centre hotel include a fully equipped business centre. The hotel also offers high speed Internet access as well as wireless Internet with WiFi connectivity throughout the hotel. As a guest of the hotel you can enjoy the health club with access to an indoor swimming pool, sauna and a variety of fitness equipment.
Crowne Plaza Amsterdam City Centre also features three multi-functional meeting rooms and two Executive Boardrooms that can accommodate up to 250 guests for meetings, seminars or banquets.
DINING
Dorrius is well known in Amsterdam for its traditional Dutch cuisine. The Dorrius Brasserie and Amsterdammer Bar & Patio serve a variety of international beverages, snacks, lunches and dinners.
SPECIALS
The hotel is amazingly child friendly. There's an exciting games room for children, equipped with computer games like Nintendo Game Cube and X-Box. A special Kid Suite, with a bunk bed, Nintendo computer games and video player, is also on offer here.
SPECIAL OFFER FOR KUONI'S CUSTOMERS
Book three nights and stay for four nights.
The Nh Barbizon Palace Amsterdam *****
The NH Barbizon Palace is one of Amsterdam's most distinctive hotels. It offers truly modern luxury within the restored facades of 19 historic buildings, most of which date from the 17th century.
LOCATION
This hotel is situated in the oldest part of Amsterdam in the very heart of the city, overlooking Central station, a few minutes away from the main entertainment and shopping area, also the financial district.
AMENITIES AND FACILITIES
Many of the rooms are located in the restored 17th and 18th century part of the hotel with its original oak beams and rafters. They are decorated in typical Dutch style with dark wooden furniture, cosy armchairs and contrasting patterned fabrics and furnishings. The hotel also offers a sauna, fitness centre, a solarium, massage rooms and Turkish baths.
DINING
The hotel's Michelin restaurant Vermeer serves à la carte food in formal but relaxed surrounds. There is also a Dutch 'brown cafe' in typical local style and an elegant cocktail lounge with original fireplaces. The Hudson serves meals all through the day and is located in the lobby. The recently renovated hotel bar sports modern seating, lighting and relaxing music and serves cocktails and spirits.
SPECIALS
Partly built from the facades of 19 historic buildings, most of which date from the 17th century, the Barbizon Palace is one of Amsterdam's most distinctive hotels and the flagship of NH Hotels.
SPECIAL OFFER FOR KUONI'S CUSTOMERS
Stay for two nights and enjoy a breathtaking canal cruise.
Highlights of Netherlands
Amsterdam, The HagueIt is well worth your while to spend at least two nights in Amsterdam - the capital has more than enough attractions to entice culture-vultures, ex-hippies and families alike. The Hague, seat of government and home of the royal Dutch family, is worth a visit.
A must-see in the summer months of April and May, the renowned and picture perfect Keukenhof gardens sport acre upon dazzling acre of blossoming tulips in a variety of kaleidoscopic colours. Travel to The Hague for another two-night stay. The city is full of cultural attractions, from numerous historical buildings to a plethora of museums and art galleries. Foremost among these is the Mauritshuis, an elegant 17th century mansion that is home to an impressive collection of Flemish Old Masters. Elsewhere, collections by 20th century luminaries such as Escher and Piet Mondrian are a lure for modern art lovers. Wander around the city's historical centre, discovering charming streets lined with cafes and stylish shops; perfect places to while away an evening.