To Amsterdam on potential future business (so easy via T5, yet oddly confusing at Schiphol - an airport often voted best in the world by business travelers - must be a ‘system’ you need to learn to get with it), we were honoured to stay as guests at the newish Andaz Hotel in the city.

Opened in late-2012 after a 5 year refurbishment, the 100+ room boutique hotel has received the magical touch of international multi-talented design maverick and local boy Marcel Wanders. The hotel is a triumph - it feels small, welcoming, intimate and above all, Dutch. Which is great. The exterior does nothing to reveal the playful whimsy that greets you within - from the tulip chairs in reception to soaring atrium punctuated with bell-like light shades and bespoke wallpaper.

The fun continues in the rooms, which have simple, but bold colour schemes (a naval blue - echoing Dutch history - is a common colour throughout) and want for nothing (light control, ipod docks, espresso makers, selection of books…). They also feature the love-it or loathe-it addition of integrated bathrooms - with the basin in the middle of the room and wc and shower hidden in cupboards off the main space. I liked it - in a hotel though not for home (which is the point, right?).

The icing on the cake is a good bar (with free drinks and nibbles between 5 and 7 each day), helpful and youthful staff, good food and a great location minutes from the centre. If you are lucky enough to bag a canalside room do so - watching the world pass slowly (in this capital city) from a picture window.

Want to visit? Details on the website here.