Hilton Airport Schiphol

When the tulips are not in bloom I love to travel around the world. I spend lots of time figuring out what the best hotel is, the right location and the beds should be very comfortable. When I was invited for the tour and opening of the Hilton Airport Schiphol I was curious how airport hotels looked like in the Netherlands. I really wanted to know if the Hilton Airport Schiphol Hotel could be a match for the readers of Tulips in Holland.

I arrived at Schiphol Plaza, this is the central hub for the airport. All the airport terminals, shops, restaurants and train station are connected here. Via the traverse it is a short 7 minute walk to the Hilton. It is all covered, there is no need to put on your coat when you leave the plane. With the roll conveyers it is an easy stroll to the hotel. Don’t forget to stop at the Dutch Pastry shop with Limburgse Vlaai on your way. And on your walk you will cross the bus station where the express bus to Keukenhof is leaving during tulip season.

When you enter the hotel the first thing to notice is the immens atrium. 11 stories high with a glass roof on top perfect to see the famous Dutch clouds. Downstairs you will find a large lounge with the check-in area. Have a look behind the desks to see the map of Amsterdam in dark steel and notice the islands of the south of Holland in the carpets. It is all very subtile but if you look for it you will find them.

All those small details give away that this isn’t the average airport hotel where you stop, sleep and leave as soon as possible. This hotel is actually a very pleasant place to stay. I was very charmed with all the lovely details. I slept in too many hotels where the decor was the same as in every other country. I love to wake up and see something different.

I can tell you for at least an hour about all the wonderful facilities, the congress location, the relaxing spa, the Dutch inspired tiles in the toilets and kitchens or the speculaas planks at the restaurants, the lovely modern design or that the head design team was mainly women (!), all those lovely little details. But one thing struck me a bit. And that is the enthusiasm of the people who work here. The Dutch are not very famous for hospitality, we are are known for our directness. But this hotel is different! During the day and evening I spoke with many people who are working at the hotel. I had a wonderful talk with the 28 year old sommelier with inspiring visions and enthusiast information that even I wanted to order a glass of wine (And I normally don’t drink wine!). Or the chef of the Bowery restaurant who can talk hours about the local products, menu and paring them with the right wines. Or the people who are working for over 30 years at the hotel and feel so proud. I felt at home at this hotel!

This hotel is located on a 5 minutes walk from the bus station to the Keukenhof and train station to Amsterdam. In just 15 minutes you are in the hearth of the city or between the flower fields. It is perfect place for a combination visit to the Keukenhof and Amsterdam. If you have an early flight or late arrival make sure you consider this hotel. And the beds are indeed very comfortable with a great selection of pillows!

The Hilton Airport Schiphol is a wonderful hotel and it happened to have its location at the airport, but it is definitely not the average airport hotel you find all around the world. When you look at a booking site you will see their high review score. Have a look for yourself.

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