Amy Pugsley Seasoned travelers know that there are many ways to plan a trip but comfort is an important factor when deciding where to stay. Creating the perfect trip itinerary is like creating the perfect recipe; it is not easy but when it’s done correctly, it is completely unforgettable.
Boutique hotels are one of the newest trends in luxury travel because they offer the luxuries of a hotel combined with the intimacy of a bed-and-breakfast. What exactly is a boutique hotel? Much smaller than a regular hotel, most upscale boutique hotels have only about 20-100 rooms, giving guests the rest and relaxation they crave with access to important amenities like pools, spas and five-star restaurants. Around the globe, more and more boutique hotels are opening their doors to cater to this niche market. It is a perfect way to travel and see the most interesting places in the world while getting the rest and relaxation you crave during vacation. The epitome of boutique hotel perfection is the STAATS boutique hotel in Haarlem, Netherlands.
Location
STAATS is in Haarlem, a small city just outside of the bustling city of Amsterdam. Tourists flock to Amsterdam for its historic charm but Haarlem is a smaller jewel in the country’s crown. Once a trading port and now the center of a major flower growing district, the quaint town is worth visiting. One of the best things about the hotel is its location. If travelers want to visit all the sites in Amsterdam, STAATS is just steps away from the train station or guests can enjoy the restaurants, shops, and hospitality that Haarlem has to offer.
History
The small-scale boutique hotel was developed in 2017 in collaboration with a hospitality professional and a design specialist. From the moment guests arrive, it is clear that STAATS will be a once-in-a-lifetime stay and unlike any hotel experience they ever had before. From the outside, the brick facade is understated yet inviting and opens to 21 uniquely designed rooms. Each hotel room has its own design, personality and intricate details, inviting guests to make their own memories and become a part of the whimsical space.
Food & Drink
There are so many things to love about the hotel but the on-site restaurant called De Ripper deserves a serious shout-out. The restaurant decor is trendy yet warm; the space is grand yet cozy, and the food is delicious but not pompous, giving diners an inclusive feeling. It would be a shame to oversleep and miss the delicious traditional European breakfast with eggs, fresh bread, home-made jams, peanut butters, muffins, cake, coffee, tea and fresh fruit. If you are determined to get every minute of sleep possible, they have delicious menu options available throughout the day and a bar for those who want to sample a new wine or sip a handcrafted cocktail.
Hot Insider Tip
The best advice is—plan to stay an extra day or two. No matter the reason for traveling to the Netherlands, try to sneak in a few extra days of rest and relaxation at Boutique Hotel STAATS. There is something so intoxicating about the fine details in each and every part of the hotel that you will want to explore and take in. From a delicious lunch in the restaurant to a lazy day reading in a bubble bath, travelers will want to soak up every minute of this experience.
