Amsterdam is a magnet for anyone with a penchant for design. If you’re headed there, ignite your inspo flame with a stay at Room Mate Aitana, a modern masterpiece that has established itself as one of the city’s trendiest accommodation options.
The Aitana, located on the man-made island known as the IJDock, was designed by architects Ben Loerakker and Jan Baker
My first encounter with the Spanish Room Mate chain was when I stayed at Oscar in Madrid in 2016. I loved it then and was equally as impressed by Aitana, a 12 floor, five star property that delivers on every level.
Location
Conveniently situated a short 300m walk from Amsterdam Central (Centraal) Station, Aitana sits in good company in a room The split level building cuts an impressive silhouette into the cityscape with its angular steel and glass facade, a shimmering reflection of the surrounding area. Its perfect location means it’s very close to the Jordaan precinct, about a 20 minute walk to Dam Square and from there to the city’s historic centre. You also have easy access to public transport at the station across the way and to the NDSM-ferry.
Decor & Rooms
Pic courtesy Aitana
The decor throughout the hotel, conceptualised by Tomás Alía, is colourfully brazen and immediately engaging. Enter through the massive revolving door and you’re met with a copper curation of sculpted bronze pillars, tall shiny statements that punctuate the foyer, complemented by oversized lamps that flank a small comfy lounge-come-waiting area. One floor up is where you’ll find the hip Mezzanine Bar that extends into a cool leisure space dominated by a stunning wall mural at one end that channels the Delft tiles of olde. Wide cream armchairs beckon and quirky stools, side tables and high backed chairs complete the eclectic furniture tableau. Says Room Mate President and Founder Kike Sarasola who has worked some of the worlds best creatives such as Patricia Urquiola, Teresa Sapey, Tomás Alía, Lorenzo Castillo, Lázaro Rosa Violán, “I take advantage of every moment I travel or stay in a hotel to absorb my surroundings and see what I can reflect into Room Mate Hotels. Inspiration is all around but ultimately, the designers are the experts in their field and I like to have their point of view”.
A sublime G&T, best enjoyed in one of the comfy chairs under the beautiful wall mural!
Aside from offering premium amenities like a 24 hour gym (yes please!) and slick meeting and conference facilities, the hotel has 283 uniquely decorated rooms, all with views overlooking either the private marina alongside or across the IJ waters towards the A’Dam Tower and the striking EYE Film Museum on the opposite bank.
The EYE Film Museum (left) and A’Dam Tower. was officially opened on April 4, 2012 by Queen Beatrix. The EYE building was designed by Delugan Meissl architects, a firm that specialises in buildings that appear to be in motion
Food & Drink
On this trip I only experienced the breakfast offering which, at Aitana, is a decadent culinary event not to be missed. The choices are beyond and the pastry selection alone (try the Dutch specialties such as suikerbrood) had me weak at the knees, smashed my well intentioned carb resistance diet. Also and fabulously, breakfast is available until midday so sleeping-in is a thing which in turn means late night exploring Amsterdam doesn’t mean forfeiting ones first feast of the day
The Mezzanine Bar mentioned earlier offers a broad selection of local craft beer (around 50 types of beer in all), and tasting sessions where you can sample them all and discover more about each one. Interesting cocktails are whipped up under the watchful eye of mixologist Alfonso Graça comes with an impressive industry pedigree and is always readily available to talk guests through any of his top notch creations, best savoured as you sit ensconced in one of those ample seats under the mural. Alfonso embodies the personal touch that typifies the Room Mate brand.
The Mezzanine Bar, an intimate space with a broad selection of local craft beer, gins like Citadelle & traditional Jenever…
The lounge next to the Mezzanine Bar, quirky elements & splashes of vibrancy
Dutch Design Week is coming up in Enthoven. If I was able to attend, I’d start my journey with two nights at the Aitana to get my design groove on. But no matter when you choose to visit Amsterdam though, factor this hotel into your time there and thank me later!
I was hosted at the Aitana for two nights- all views are my own.
Read more about Room Mate President and Founder Kike Sarasola here.
Travel well, goede reis!