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The Renaissance Amsterdam Hotel officially celebrated the completion of its two-year, multi-million dollar make-over with major fund raiser for the Amsterdam-based Kika Foundation for cancer research. Located in Amsterdam's historic city center, the landmark hotel, with its signature 17th century Koepelkerk conference center, has been totally redesigned to meet the needs of today's business and leisure travelers.

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"The Renaissance Amsterdam Hotel is our latest gem in a global portfolio of more than 140 hotels and resorts," said Tina Edmundson, senior vice president, lifestyle brands and Renaissance operations. "The hotel is a perfect blending of old and the new, traditional and modern, matching up with our equally exciting ultra-modern Renaissance Paris Arc de Triomphe and chic Renaissance New York Hotel 57 -- three fabulous hotels in three major cities."

"The Renaissance Amsterdam Hotel is a masterpiece, and when I first walked into the bright new lobby, I immediately felt the Renaissance brand difference," said Amy McPherson, Marriott International's newly appointed President and Managing Director, Europe. "The new design makes the most of this property which is at once historic and very modern and vibrant -- just like the city of Amsterdam."

The lobby design reflects the 24/7 work patterns of business travelers, allowing for a smooth transitioning from work to relaxation, socializing or play. "With this innovative concept of adaptable spaces and settings, guests can tailor their uses to suit their needs, just as they normally do at home," said hotel General Manager Yehia Rashed. "And the lobby seamlessly leads into the restaurant and lounge." The hotel features with 402 new guest rooms and suites, a new restaurant, lounge bar, 24/7 modern fitness room, club lounge and the most extensive conference and event facilities in Amsterdam and Central Europe.

In the contemporary and casual Scossa restaurant, Executive Chef Michel Westerman presents a traditional Mediterranean style menu, with fresh, artfully prepared signature dishes. Guests at Scossa can enjoy a quick bite or a more leisurely, complete meal for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The large, open kitchen creates a dialog between chefs and guests, who can also dine at the master chef's signature table to watch culinary masterpieces come together."


Across from Scossa, the hotel serves signature cocktails and standout menu items in the trendy 2b Lounge bar. Decorated in orange, red and yellow hues, with warm wood patterns and stylishly designed booths and banquettes, 2b lounge is the ideal venue for before or after corporate or social events, where guests can easily work, socialize, mingle and relax during business hours or after.

Amsterdam is known for its beautiful canals, history and art, but equally popular are its legendary cafes or Kroegen. The Koepelcafe, just a few steps behind the 2b lounge bar, is a traditional Amsterdam Kroegen - a place to relax and just "hang-out." A rough-and-ready establishment, truly traditional and thriving, it serves local delicacies, bite-size sandwiches and melt-in-the mouth pastries.

With its two major meeting locations, the Renaissance Amsterdam is a prime venue in Europe for meetings and incentives, conferences and events. In the main hotel, a total of 3,972 square feet of updated, state-of-the-art meeting space accommodates meetings for six to 150 persons and dinners for up to 110 persons. Across the street, the historic, iconic Koepelkerk -- built in 1668 and once an inspiration for Dutch painter Vincent Van Gogh - now inspires meeting and event planners, offering another 10,721 square feet of space and six flexible breakout rooms, comfortably hosting up to 700 persons.

Each of the hotel's guest rooms and suites were redesigned with Renaissance bedding, the best in technology including high-speed Internet via cable and wireless LAN, 42-inch HDTV televisions with a wide choice of channels in a selection of languages, digital music sound systems and computer connections, as well as standard amenities. Business travelers will particularly appreciate the comfort of ergonomic executive chairs and spacious desks. All rooms are decorated with modern art depicting the beautiful Koepelkerk.

The Renaissance Amsterdam Hotel is perfectly located within a three-minute walk of Central Station and the famous canal, the Singel, within a short walk of fine dining, shopping and cultural discoveries, such as the Anne Frank House, Flower Market, the Royal Palace.

SOURCE Marriott International, Inc.

July 16, 2009 / category: Hotels / link / comments (0)

Master Chef Nobuyuki "Nobu" Matsuhisa is joining Crystal Serenity's July 28 Mediterranean cruise to create a week of menus exclusively for Crystal Cruises guests. Nobu will prepare a week of Omakase dinners - or chef's choice menu - each night in Silk Road, the complimentary shipboard restaurant that has featured his signature cuisine since 2003. Besides cooking, welcoming guests and signing books, the famed restaurateur will demonstrate his culinary techniques, providing a glimpse into the genius - and warmth - behind his dishes.

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While Nobu distinctively blends traditional Japanese cuisine with Peruvian influences, he is also renowned for creating food that reflects his "kokoro," or heart. Those fortunate to dine in a Nobu or Matsuhisa restaurant while the chef is in the house know that it's common to see him greeting and interacting with his guests.

"Nobu is not only a passionate, creative force, but the consummate host who takes pleasure in connecting with guests," says Toni Neumeister, vice president, food & beverage operations.

Nobu's cuisine - prepared by Nobu-trained chefs - debuted on Crystal Serenity in 2003. With a shared reputation for excellent craftsmanship, creativity and incomparable service, Nobu and Crystal expanded their relationship with the introduction of Silk Road and The Sushi Bar aboard Crystal Symphony in 2008. Both restaurants complete the experience with Nobu's sake and china.

"This is what makes fine dining on a ship so special. You can have an intimate contact with guests that you can't have in a big city," says Matsuhisa.

By May 2009, the multi-Michelin-Star-awarded Matsuhisa will have 25 restaurants worldwide. Zagat called him "the man who may be the best Japanese chef in the world." The Los Angeles Times named him one of America's 10 Best Chefs.

The 12-day itinerary visits Venice, San Marino, Corfu, Rhodes, Bodrum, Istanbul, Mykonos and Athens. Cruise fares start at $6,055 per person, double occupancy. An All Inclusive - As You Wish promotion provides a $2,000 per couple shipboard credit to customize one's cruise experience. The Crystal Assurance Plan offers reduced deposits and cancellation periods, as well as the assurance that guests will be protected at the reduced fare if a stateroom category is later reduced.

SOURCE Crystal Cruises

March 17, 2009 / category: Epicurean / link / comments (0)

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