Leonardo Hotel Amsterdam Rembrandtpark Amsterdam Netherlands

Amsterdam's BEST Kept Secret? (Leonardo Hotel Rembrandtpark Reveal!)

Amsterdam's BEST Kept Secret? Dude, Let's Talk Leonardo Hotel Rembrandtpark (Spoiler Alert: It's Pretty Freakin' Good!)

Okay, so I'm back from Amsterdam, and honestly? My liver still hasn't forgiven me. But hey, at least I have a story (and a slightly foggy memory) to tell! And part of that story involves the Leonardo Hotel Amsterdam Rembrandtpark. They claim it's a secret, but honestly, it's probably more like a well-kept, really good secret. Let's dive into this rabbit hole, shall we? (Just a heads-up, I’m not a robot, so… bear with me.)

First Impressions: Accessibility & Making it Easy (and Maybe a Little Chaotic)

Look, I'm not a wheelchair user, but I know that access is a HUGE deal. The Leonardo Hotel Rembrandtpark gets a thumbs up here. They've got facilities for disabled guests, an elevator, and seems genuinely committed to making things easier for everyone. Now, as an able-bodied tourist, I didn't experience the ins and outs of this firsthand, but I did note a general air of helpfulness and a layout that appeared thoughtfully designed. Important Side Note: I did see a dude accidentally walk into the glass doors near the lobby. Don't be that guy. They're CLEAN glass doors. (He was okay, mostly. I think he just lost his hat.)

Tech & Comfort (Because We All Need Our Fix)

Internet: Vital Signs of Life: Let's be real, in this day and age, NO internet in a hotel is a deal-breaker. Thankfully, the Leonardo Hotel Rembrandtpark understands the digital hamster wheel of life. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (Hallelujah!) and Wi-Fi in public areas. I also believe they offer Internet [LAN] if you're feeling old-school, which is nice. I spent most of my time tethered to a screen posting Instagram stories of my questionable diet, so can confirm the connectivity was solid.
Roomy Roomy Rooms & All the Extras: The rooms themselves were… well, comfortable. Not exactly the Ritz Carlton, but clean, modern, and equipped. I found the air conditioning a lifesaver (that Dutch weather, am I right?). You’ve got your TV with all the channels, coffee/tea maker, in-room safe box, and oh, the blackout curtains! Seriously, these are a game-changer after a long night in Amsterdam. I also loved the fact that my room had a window that opens. Sounds trivial, but fresh air is a LUXURY sometimes. You can choose between non-smoking rooms.

Cleanliness & Safety (Because, You Know, Plague Times)

Okay, this is where the Leonardo Hotel Rembrandtpark really shines. They've clearly put a lot of effort into cleanliness. Stuff like anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, and rooms sanitized between stays is a massive relief. They had hand sanitizer EVERYWHERE. And the staff? Dude, they looked like they knew what they were doing. Staff trained in safety protocol, safe dining setups, and individually-wrapped food options are all reassuring. Safety first, and second, and… okay, you get the idea.

Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Because Amsterdam is Hungry Work)

The Restaurant Scene: The hotel offers several dining options. There's an a la carte restaurant, breakfast [buffet], and a coffee shop. Now, I’m not going to lie, the buffet was my jam. The selection was… well, it was BIG. You could go continental, you could go international. You could go ham (and I probably did, several times). The breakfast takeaway service is also handy if you are in a rush. Oh, and they have a Poolside bar!
The Bar: Ah, the bar. This is where my story gets a little hazy, for reasons I'm sure you can guess. Solid drinks. The bar was well-stocked, the staff was friendly, and the atmosphere was… I’m going to say “relaxed.” Yes, relaxed. (I vaguely recall a happy hour… which, let's be honest, is always a good idea).
Snacks: They also have a snack bar. Perfect for soaking up all those tasty Dutch beers.

Ways to Relax (aka: The Justification for My Entire Trip)

The Spa Experience (and My Personal Meltdown): This is where things get really interesting. The Leonardo Hotel Rembrandtpark boasts a Spa. And within that SPA, there's a sauna, steamroom, and a swimming pool [outdoor] and pool with view. And, let me tell you, after a week of cobblestone streets and questionable food choices… heaven. I booked a massage. (Important note: I may or may not have fallen asleep during said massage. The shame!) Honestly, a massage is exactly what I needed. They also offer body wraps and body scrubs. I wasn’t brave enough for that, but hey, maybe you are!
The Fitness Center: They also have a Fitness center if you are trying to work the guilt off the buffet.

Services & Conveniences (Because Life is Easier When Someone Does It for You)

The Basics: Daily housekeeping, 24-hour front desk, concierge, and all the usual suspects. They have luggage storage, dry cleaning, and laundry service. You also have a convenience store.
The Extras: The car park [on-site] is free, which is a godsend in a city like Amsterdam. They also offer airport transfer and taxi service.
Oh, and there’s a Terrace! I found it helpful for collecting my thoughts (or, you know, just getting some fresh air).

For the Kids (Because Amsterdam Isn’t ALL Just Fun for Grown-Ups)

I didn't have kids with me, but I noticed the hotel had family/child friendly facilities and babysitting service.

The Not-So-Pretty Bits

Look, no place is perfect. And I’m not going to lie about the few minor downsides:

Location: It’s not right in the city center. You’re a tram ride away, which is do-able. But it's not like, walk-out-the-door-and-you're-in-the-Red-Light-District close. This, however can be a plus! It's quieter.
The Occasional Noise (Or My Internal Noise?): Because of its layout, you might hear some sounds from other rooms. (Or, you know, maybe MY internal noise. I can be a loud snorer apparently.)

The Quirky Observations & Emotional Reactions(a little bit more about me)

I did an outdoor swim. It felt awesome. The pool was clean and the view was perfect.
The staff was friendly. But, I didn't get a chance to find the "perfect" person. Some were better than others.
I loved the room. I wasn't expecting much, but it's a solid win!
Overall, the hotel managed to be a happy place to stay.

Final Verdict: Amsterdam's Best Kept Secret? Probably, But You Shouldn’t Keep it a Secret!

Look, the Leonardo Hotel Amsterdam Rembrandtpark isn’t the flashiest hotel in town. It's what I'd call a reliable and friendly hotel. But it’s CLEAN, the staff is great, the amenities are excellent, and it caters to all types of travelers (including, apparently, the slightly disheveled ones like myself).

SEO-Boosting Keywords: Amsterdam Hotel, Leonardo Hotel Rembrandtpark, Amsterdam Accommodation, Hotel Review, Spa Amsterdam, Amsterdam Pool, Wheelchair Accessible Amsterdam, Family Friendly Amsterdam, Free Wi-Fi Amsterdam, Breakfast Buffet Amsterdam, Dutch Holiday, Amsterdam Travel Guide, Amsterdam Getaway, Best Amsterdam Hotel

A Compelling Offer (Because You Deserve a Break - and Amsterdam!):

Tired of the Same Old Tourist Traps? Discover Amsterdam's Best Kept Secret!

Book your stay at the Leonardo Hotel Amsterdam Rembrandtpark today and experience:

Unbeatable Value: Premium comfort and amenities without the premium price tag.
Relaxation Redefined: Unwind in our luxurious spa with a pool and Sauna, or simply soak up the stunning city views.
Uncompromising Comfort: Spacious rooms, free Wi-Fi, and top-notch service ensure a stress-free stay.
Safety First: We're committed to your well-being with enhanced hygiene and cleanliness protocols.
Convenient Location: Explore Amsterdam with ease, with easy access to the city's highlights.

Book now and receive a special discount and a complimentary welcome drink when you mention this review!

**Don't wait! Amsterdam is calling. Answer the call and book your escape to the Leonardo Hotel Rembrandtpark today! (And hey, tell them the slightly-hung

KL Couple's Getaway: Stunning 2BR Arte Plus Condo!

Book Now

Leonardo Hotel Amsterdam Rembrandtpark Amsterdam Netherlands

Okay, buckle up, buttercup. Here's a travel itinerary for the Leonardo Hotel Amsterdam Rembrandtpark, as told by your slightly deranged travel companion (that's me). Prepare for a journey that veers wildly off course, fueled by caffeine, existential dread, and the undeniable charm of a mislaid sock.

Amsterdam: A Whirlwind of Windmills and Questionable Choices (In No Particular Order, Because Life)

Day 1: Arrival, Airport Shenanigans, and the Glorious Failure of Pre-Planning

Morning (ish): Arrive at Schiphol Airport. Oh, the joy! Security was a breeze (for once), although I did almost lose my passport because I was too engrossed in judging fellow travelers. Dude, is that a fanny pack? Seriously, Amsterdam, you're better than this. Anyway, finally found my way to the baggage carousel. The wait though. The agonizing, soul-crushing wait. I’m fairly certain that carousel was running in slow motion.
Afternoon: Taxi to Leonardo Hotel Amsterdam Rembrandtpark. I’d booked it months ago, thinking I was being super organized. HA! Turns out "organized" is a myth. The taxi driver was a chatty Cathy, telling me all about the tulip season and the dangers of cycling drunk. I, of course, was too busy trying to figure out how to covertly photograph the canals. Verdict: Fail. My phone camera is a potato.
Arrival at the Hotel: First impressions? Fine. Clean, modern, generic. The staff were pleasant enough. The room? Functional. Nothing to write home about, except maybe the slightly suspect stain on the armchair. (Okay, maybe I will write home about that.) Dropped my bags, inhaled a lungful of air, and immediately regretted not packing more snacks.
The Great Coffee Quest (and Subsequent Despair): Found coffee at the hotel. Undrinkable. Seriously, it tasted like sadness filtered through a sock. Panic set in. How am I going to function? Searched the nearby restaurants. Found a decent cafe and ordered a latte; a small victory.
Evening: Attempted to visit the Rembrandt House. "Attempted" being the operative word. Turns out, it closes at 5 PM and I was a tad late. Damn it! Wandered aimlessly through the streets, admiring the architecture. Got lost. Nearly got run over by a bicycle (duh). Had a somewhat overpriced, yet delicious, bitterballen. I'm already questioning my budgeting skills, but hey, the Dutch are cute. * Food Notes: The bitterballen were good, the coffee was bad, this is my current summary of food.

Day 2: Canals, Cheese, and the Unbearable Lightness of Being Tipsy

Morning: Managed to actually wake up on time! (A miracle!). A proper breakfast buffet was a must. I attacked the pastries like a starving wolf. Just look at those croissants! Fuel up for a canal cruise.
Canal Cruise: (Romantic? Maybe. Touristy? Absolutely.) The views were beautiful. The narration was, well, it was there. I mostly focused on people-watching. The Dutch seem to have a natural talent for looking effortlessly stylish. Meanwhile, I’m wearing my best jeans and an old t-shirt. The tourist life.
Cheese, glorious cheese: Wandered into a cheese shop and completely lost my mind. I sampled everything. I mean everything. Gouda, Edam, Maasdam… I’m pretty sure I spent half an hour just staring at the cheese wheels, feeling a deep sense of existential contentment. Left with a kilo of Gouda and a slightly cheese-induced euphoria.
Afternoon: The Anne Frank House. I had a panic while I was reading about the line outside and the fact I needed to book a ticket in advance. Damn! It was booked up for weeks (understandably). Ended up wandering around the Jordaan district, feeling a deep sense of sadness and also a strong desire for ice cream.
Evening: Found a cozy pub (yes, I love a good pub) and sipped on some local beers. The beer tasted good. Everything feels better after a couple of beers. This is where I start to write my poetry. Walked back to the hotel, humming Dutch folk songs and feeling like I'd actually achieved something good. Maybe, just maybe, I could live here.

Day 3: Van Gogh, Museums, and the Ephemeral Nature of Souvenirs

Morning: Van Gogh Museum. I am not a massive art guy. Don't get me wrong, The Starry Night is moving. I spent an hour there but found that my attention started to wander after a while. It was a good experience overall though.
Afternoon: Rijksmuseum! Actually, I got utterly lost in the Rijksmuseum. I had to actually pull myself away from Night Watch because I wanted to stare at it for hours. But there's so much more. Honestly, I could have spent a week in there.
Gift Shopping: The pressure to buy souvenirs started to build. *I need to get *something* for everyone back home.* My budget wasn’t really up to it, but it's the thought that counts, right? I found a tiny wooden clog key chain for my Mum. For my dad I will get him a Dutch beer.
Evening: The hotel restaurant was OK. It was convenient. It wasn’t particularly memorable. I would eat there again though (convenience). I was tired.

Day 4: Departure - Goodbyes, Regrets, and the Promise of More Amsterdam.

Morning: Checked out. Said goodbye to the friendly staff. One last longing look at the canals. One last attempt to resist the urge to steal a souvenir mug.
Airport: Back to Schiphol. The security line wasn't as bad this time. Maybe I'm getting used to the chaos.
The Flight: On the plane. Sipping the provided orange juice. Amsterdam, you were fantastic, if a little exhausting.
Final Thoughts: I definitely did not do everything I wanted to. I didn't cycle (terrified), I didn't eat enough stroopwafels (tragic), and I still have no idea how to pronounce half the street names. But Amsterdam, you were wonderful. You were beautiful and chaotic and full of cheese, and I will be back. Even if I have to sell a kidney to afford it.
Rating: (For the whole trip): 4/5 - Would get lost again.

Escape to Paradise: Cheongdo Kasaroma's Luxury Gyeongju Villa Awaits!

Book Now

Leonardo Hotel Amsterdam Rembrandtpark Amsterdam NetherlandsOkay, buckle up buttercups, because this is gonna be less a perfectly polished FAQ and more a messy, rambling dive into the chaotic beauty (and sheer frustration) of [Insert Topic Here: Let's say, **Learning to Bake Sourdough Bread**]. Prepare for the whys and the hows, the tears and the triumphs, the sourdough starter that smelled suspiciously like old gym socks.

So, you wanna bake sourdough, huh? Isn't that... a lot?

Look, let’s be honest. It *is* a lot. More than a little. My journey into the world of sourdough started, innocently enough, with a Pinterest board. "Rustic loaves!" it cried. "Homemade goodness!" it purred. Fast forward three months, and I was neck-deep in flour, water, and a bubbling monster of a starter I'd affectionately named "Barnaby." Barnaby, bless his yeasty heart, nearly conquered my kitchen. Flour dust *everywhere.* So, yes, a lot. BUT! Also, SO WORTH IT. (Mostly. Sometimes. We'll get there.)

What's the deal with this "starter" thing? Is it like a pet? Because I barely have time for myself.

Oh, Barnaby was *absolutely* like a pet. A demanding, smelly, unpredictable pet that required CONSTANT feeding. The starter (also known as a levain, but that's just fancy talk) is basically a colony of wild yeasts and bacteria that you cultivate from… well, flour and water. You feed it, you nurture it, you watch it bubble and rise (or remain stubbornly, depressing flat). For the first few weeks, I was OBSESSED. Checking Barnaby's volume at least three times a day. Panicking if he smelled even slightly off. Seriously, I think I loved Barnaby more than my actual cat for a solid month. It's a commitment, yeah. But the reward... we'll talk about the reward.

Okay, fine. I'm considering the commitment. How do I make this… thing?

The first batch…oh boy. The first batch is exciting! It’s all about the patience. You mix flour and water. You wait. You repeat. There are *TONS* of recipes online. Find one you like – preferably one with pictures, because let's face it, those are easier to follow – and try it. Be prepared for it to be a gloppy, weird smelling mess for a while. My first try… I used tap water (bad move). It smelled like a public restroom on a particularly humid day. (Don't judge, I was feeling 'minimalist' about my water supplies.) Don’t let the smell discourage you! It's going to go funky for a bit, that's just life. Just keep going.

How long does this "feeding" malarkey take? And what do you do with all the discard?

Feeding is the cornerstone of sourdough life. It depends on your starter and the temperature of your kitchen. Some days, Barnaby demanded feeding every 12 hours. Others, he was a little more forgiving. You usually "feed" by discarding (throwing away) a portion of the starter and then adding an equal amount of flour and water. This whole ‘discard’ thing is a major point of contention. The sheer waste of it... it gnaws at the eco-conscious baker's soul. I tried throwing it away, but that felt awful ("I'm killing Barnaby!"). The better option? DISCARD RECIPES! Pancakes, crackers, even *sourdough discard pizza crust*. The world is your oyster. Or, you know, your discard. Which, let's be honest, is probably more delicious.

I've seen pictures of beautiful sourdough loaves. Mine… doesn't look like that. Is it me?

Spoiler alert: it's probably you. (Just kidding… mostly.) Look. Sourdough is hard. Really, really hard. And those Instagram-worthy loaves? They're the result of years of practice, and a healthy dose of luck. My first few loaves were… let’s just say they qualified more as doorstops than delectable breads. Flat, dense, with a crumb that resembled, and I'm not proud to admit, a hockey puck. The first loaves were so dense that you could have hammered nails with them. Don't get discouraged. It's a learning process. Learn about *proofing!* Learn about *scoring!* Learn about the absolute *temperament* of your oven.

Okay, what are some common mistakes that I will probably make?

Oh, honey, buckle up. You *will* make mistakes. Everyone does. Let’s just quickly run through some Greatest Hits.

Using water that is too hot or cold: This can kill or dramatically slow down your yeast.
Not proofing long enough or proofing too long: Both result in a disappointing loaf.
Underscoring/over scoring: This will affect the rise and the look.
Rushing the process: Sourdough demands patience. I am *living proof* that it can be done in a rush, but what you get won't be great.
Not understanding your oven: Ovens are divas. Learn its quirks. Some bake hotter than others.

But hey - keep in mind that mistakes are part of the fun! I still make mistakes! Just laugh at the ones you make, and you'll get through it.

So, um… any tips for a beginner who is about to throw their hands up in utter despair?

Okay, deep breaths. Here's the truth. Sourdough can be frustrating, but it's also incredibly rewarding. Here's what I wish I'd known from the start:

Start Small: Don't try to bake a massive boule on your first attempt. Start with a small loaf, or even a batch of discard crackers.
Be Patient (I know I keep saying it!): This isn't a race. Give your starter time to mature, give your dough time to proof.
Embrace the Mess: Flour will be everywhere. Accept it.
Don't Give Up! There will be failures. There will be tears (maybe. I cried). But every mistake is a lesson learned.
Find a Recipe you Trust: Don't bounce around. Stick to one, learn it inside and out, and make adjustments as needed.
Most importantly, don't take it too seriously! Baking should, at its core, be about joy. If you're not having fun, step away. Have a drink, watch some TV, and try again tomorrow.

You got this. (Probably. Hopefully. Maybe…?)

Hotels With Kitchen Near Me

Leonardo Hotel Amsterdam Rembrandtpark Amsterdam Netherlands

Amsterdam's BEST Kept Secret? (Leonardo Hotel Rembrandtpark Reveal!)