Inntel Hotels Art Eindhoven, Netherlands

During a weekend in September 2016 my fiancé and I have for our first time flown with Ryanair, our destination was Eindhoven for two nights, a fascinating city we hadn't visited before.

The flight was delayed, but pleasant and to our surprise my fiancé had lots of legroom and our first flight experience was overall pleasant.

We took the bus from Eindhoven Airport to the bus/train terminal in the city, once there we could walk to our memorable hotel.

The Inntel Hotels Art Eindhoven was our second Inntel Hotels after our stay at the Mainport in Rotterdam in April 2015, which is a Design Hotel Member.

Another reason why this particular hotel has caught our eyes was that the Inntel Hotels Art had been in a previous life the Philips light bulb factory, which was also responsible for quality control.

The Inntel Hotels Art was around ten minutes’ walk from the bus station in the heart of the city.

The hotel is located on a square with the Art Deco Philips Light Tower as anchor. The square was beautifully decorated with flowers and plants. The lobby, restaurant, bar and some of the rooms were located in the "new" building, which hadn't been part of the original factory. It was well integrated with the rest of the surroundings.

The restaurant and bar were to the right, the reception and internet stations for guests to the left. The welcome desk and the stations were shaped like flowers. Very high shelves provided more privacy for check in and surfing the web. The flower theme continued throughout the lobby.

Check in was friendly and efficient.

We had booked a loft with breakfast included, which was located in the original factory building, dating back to 1909. 

The two buildings are inter-connected with a small second lobby, which housed an art exhibition about wallpaper inspired by Hieronymus Bosch, M.C. Asher, Vincent van Gogh and Billie Holiday. There was a vending machine too for drinks and snacks.

Both buildings had very high ceilings, exposed concrete walls and industrial lightning. It was great to see the original features had been kept at the factory.

On every elevator landing a sofa was placed. Some were lavish, while others were understated.

Each room number was integrated in a former heritage advertising poster of Philips products incl. light bulbs.

Previous to our stay we were in contact with the hotel via e-mail to request a higher floor loft and balcony if possible.

The reply had been friendly, but nothing had been promised. In the end all our wishes were fulfilled. Our loft was on the fifth floor and had a balcony overlooking the hotels inner courtyard.

The loft's ceilings were 4 m high and the design of the floors continued inside our room.

A door to the left in the hallway led to the bathroom.

The loft was open plan and had no wardrobe in the sense, but a coat hanger stand and large credenza with an open storage space replaced it. The coat hangers were so high up, I had problems reaching them, so it's made for taller persons.

The writing desk was large and was formerly a real work bench, so it had an industrial feel to it, which added to the fascinating design and fell of our airy loft.

Artwork was a Dutch Lady with a light bulb, which reminded us about our location in the heart of Eindhoven and the connection with Philips felt one-of-a-kind to us. 

The color scheme was red, green, brown and gold.

The floor was tiled.

The large king sized bed was comfortable and inviting.

There was a mini bar, stocked with the usual items and local beverages and snacks. There were for example Stroop Waffles, Pringles, M&M's, a large bottle of Tynant water, small bottles of San Pellegrino or Acqua Panna, sparkling Lipton ice tea, Hero Orange Juice, Heineken Beer and two bottles of wine.

 

Prices ranged from 2.50 Euro to 6.50 Euro / ca. 2.90 USD to 7.45 USD for the snacks, 3.50 Euro to 4.95 Euro / ca. 4 USD to 5.70 USD for the non-alcoholic beverages, 4.50 Euro for the beer (ca. 5.15 USD) and 7.50 Euro (ca. 8.60 USD) for a bottle of wine.

There was a credenza and flat screen TV, offering around thirty channels, most of them were Dutch, a few German, BBC1 and 2, CNN and a classical music channel, showing opera and concerts.

All the appliances like the TV, hair dryer and light bulbs were Philips branded too.

A few steps up in our loft led to the balcony. There was no railing for the steps. The balcony was furnished with two chairs and views over the reception building, the city and the back of the Philips Light Tower.

The bathroom was large and came furnished in black porcelain tiles, concrete, granite and a glass sink shaped like a flower.

The bathtub shower combination was comfortable to use. The temperature was stable and the pressure was good.

There was also a toilet and the amenities were Inntel Hotels' own branded Green Tea with sexy people on the packaging.

We used the restaurant once for dinner and had breakfast every morning.

There was a wide choice of cold items available including cold cuts, smoked salmon, cereals, bread rolls, fruits, vegetables and much more. There was also an egg and pancake station, where hot items were made to order.

The dinner was of good standard and upscale. We ordered one large bottle of Acqua Panna, one glass of sweet wine, one vitello tonnato, four Mediterranean rolls, one Arts Burger with fries, egg, and truffle mayo, one Atlantic cod with endive, potato mash and red wine sauce, one strawberry and mandarin sorbet and one chocolate pie.

The bill was 81 Euro / ca. 92.45 USD.

Staff was friendly and attentive.

As a side note the hotel houses also has a spa, plus their complimentary WI-FI was fast and reliable at all times.

We had a wonderful stay at this fascinating hotel and would recommend the Inntel Hotels Art, when visiting Eindhoven.

©2017

The Junction Restaurant & Bar, Holiday Inn Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

During our stay at the Holiday Inn Belfast we had dinner at the Junction Restaurant & Bar.

The space has two sections: Near the entrance is the bar - there is sometimes live music - and the restaurant.

When we arrived the bar was busy with a large ladies group. The restaurant was only occupied with a family.

Since there was no Maître de, we chose our table in the contemporary space.

There were floor to ceiling windows along one side allowing day light to flood the room.

At first we had some difficulty getting the attention of one of the waitresses, because they were kept busy by the group. The wait was worth it, though and the service attentive from then on.

The menu was a mix of classic, modern, local and international dishes.

We ordered two orange juice, one glass of Chilean Rose, a glass of Tia Maria without ice, two salmon fillets with mango salsa and a salad consisting of green leaves, sun dried tomatoes and anchovies, a sticky toffee pudding and a fruit salad.

The presentation was very nice, for example the mango salsa came in its own little steel bucket.

The wine was surprisingly dark colored. It was more red than rose. It was dry with fruity notes and to my liking.

The salmon was cooked to perfection and the salsa finger licking good.

The salad was nicely balanced between being sweet and salty.

The toffee pudding was very good too.

The bill came in at slightly under 57 GBP (ca. 72.40 Euro or ca. 91.90 USD).

Would we recommend this restaurant to a friend? YES!
Would we eat at The Junction Restaurant again? YES.

©2014 

Golden View Bar and Restaurant Florence, Italy

On our first day in Florence we went exploring a bit and found by good luck the Golden View Open Bar & Restaurant for lunch.

It is just off the Ponte Vecchio and overlooks the Arno. We choose it, because it was in a classic building, but the interior was modern with clean cut lines and had reasonable prices, plus that glorious views over the river, opening up the classical architecture of Florence before our eyes.

We were surprised how much space there was, when the waiter brought us to the back, walking along the stylish Bar area, where we found a large dining room.

We were offered a seat with a view over the river, which we gladly took. All glass doors leading to the terrace were open, allowing a breeze to come in. The table was on the smaller side, covered with white table cloth. The dining room looked elegant with contemporary artwork on the walls and was kept in white and silver. Pretty soon the menu arrived.

We had a wonderful and refreshing Aperol Spritz, a bottle of still San Benedetto water, Insalata Ponte Vecchio and a Fuego Pizza. The salad was made with green leaves, local ham, olives, parmesan shavings, courgette and crusty bread. Regional extra virgin olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper were provided, so that I could make my own dressing. The pizza was topped with spicy pepperoni, tomato sauce, cheese, peppers and a lot of red onions. Everything was delicious and fresh.
 
The staff was attentive, not intrusive, which is always a plus and made us feel very welcome.

Cost were 56.50 Euro (ca. 78 USD) including cover charge.

We are going to return definitely when we are in town again.


 

©2013

Restaurant Le Mystique Bruges, Belgium

Le Mystique is one of the best restaurants in Belgium, from our experience and has two red forks by Michelin, which considers Le Mystique a very pleasant experience. The ingredients are organic and from the Flanders region.

Executive chef Koenraad Steenkiste is responsible for all the culinary delights coming out of the kitchen, while Brecht takes care of the front of the house.

We were very lucky to enjoy dinner there at a very short notice.

We were guests of the Hotel Heritage (see also review), where the Le Mystique is located at.

Our table was at one of the windows. The restaurant is classic furnished with ceiling murals and beautiful decorated doors dating back to 1869.

We had had a long day, starting at 3 am, due to our travels, so we didn't want to have alcohol. We ordered a large bottle of still water. It was Le Mystique branded, and we liked it.

The menu offered an a la carte choice or two set menus. One was a taste of Belgium, the other the summer menu.

A la carte included three starters, three main courses and three desserts.

The two set menus were 45 Euro (ca. 60 USD) for a three course or 60 Euro (ca. 80 USD) with wine pairing, a four course 60 Euro (ca. 80 USD) and 80 Euro (ca. 106.50 USD) respectively.


A la carte appetizers started from 21 Euro (ca. 28 USD) up to 24 Euro (ca. 37.40 USD), mains were 30 Euro (ca. 40 USD) and desserts 12 Euro (ca. 16 USD) each.

A goose liver pate macaroon was served as amouse bouche. It was delicious and interesting that sweet and savory was working so well.

Next we had Artisan cured "Brasvar" ham with Cavaillon, rocket salad and tarragon sorbet. The sorbet was the perfect palate cleanser. We both loved the combination. It was savory and sweet with melon coulis and goose liver pate.

Our main courses were beef steak black and blue with gravy (Belgian style), vegetables and horse radish mash and Hake with black ink tagliatelle, mussels, Mediterranean vegetables and yuzu sauce.

The steak did melt in the mouth and the flavors were all well balanced.

My dish was very colorful and light. The tagliatelle and the yuzu sauce came in their own little china. The vegetables were served in a stack and everything was very delicious.

Our dessert was Eton Mess of summer fruits and berries, homemade vanilla ice cream from "Planifolia Sumatra". It was deconstructed and the apricot was really fantastic. There was also crushed strawberry meringue, which added crunch to the softness of the fruits, berries and ice cream. So far this was the best Eton Mess ever.

We spent two hours at Le Mystique and had a great time. In fact it flew by.

We thought the timing between courses was perfect and the service provided was great. It was non intrusive and always there, when we needed them.

The memories of the excellent flavors and textures are going to stay very long in our memory.

The bill came in at 96.50 Euro (ca. 129 USD). Booking ahead is highly recommended, like, when staying in the Hotel Heritage, Relais & Chateaux, in which Le Mystique is located, this combination is a fantastic treat. The breakfast @ 24 Euros per person with Champagne included is also served here each morning. A splendid experience.

Would we return? Anytime.

©2013

AC Palacio Del Carmen, Autograph Collection

Sorry for so long nothing publishing. My better half and I have just returned from holiday. A few more reviews are going to follow. Hope you enjoy our hotel adventures as much as we did. Happy Travels!

We planned a small travel itiniery in Spain and Italy. Our first stop was Santiago de Compostela, the capital of Galicia in the Northwest of Spain. We arrived from Dublin by Aer Lingus. We tried the new pre-order meal option. There is a choice of Irish breakfast, chicken or beef salad. We both had the chicken salad. The process worked flawless and the salad was delicious. The cost was 7.50 Euro (ca. 10 USD) per person and included a hot drink, like coffee or tea. The flight was pleasant and eventless.

We had informed ourselves about public transport and decided to take the bus operated by Empresa Freire to Praza da Galicia. The journey took about 45 minutes. A single ticket costs 3 Euro (ca. 4 USD), a return ticket 5.10 Euro (ca. 6.80 USD) per person.
We had a map with us and thought the AC Palacio del Carmen, an Autograph Collection property, was easy to locate. It proofed a bit more difficult than thought. We asked locals for directions. They were helpful, but unfortunately spoke only Spanish. Mine is non existent. We finally found someone, who spoke English. She directed us correctly and within five minutes we arrived at the Palacio del Carmen.
It nestles in a residential area on the outskirts of Santiago's city center.

The hotel is located in a former 15th century convent. In the two original buildings are the reception and small lobby with an internet corner, the bar, fine dining restaurant and meeting rooms located. There is also a new wing with additional rooms. Besides meeting facilities there is also a beautiful fairly large garden, indoor swimming pool, spa and a very small fitness center.

The check in was pleasant and conducted in German. The receptionist Karel is from Prague and spoke fluent German. My better half and I have forgotten most of it, since we have been very rarely back to our home country and speak mostly English with each other since we live in Ireland for nearly fourteen years. We were promised a big bed and were very happy about our comfortable king.
The room was located in one of the original buildings.
Each floor is glassed in, airconditioned and a bridge leads to each room.
The entrance category room was simple, but elegant and comfortable.
There were wooden floors and beams, the large bed, a luggage rack, medium sized TV, a large wardrobe and a writing desk. The colors were different shades of brown, beige and ocre. Our view was over the peaceful garden.
One night there was a wedding party and for a moment we feared we would be disturbed by the noise, but the soundproofing was good, so we heard nothing. The room's location guaranteed a restful sleep. It was really quiet.
The bath room was medium sized with a sink, Palacio del Carmen own branded amenities, a comfortable bath tub and shower combination, a bidet and toilet.
The bath tub was wide and not very high, making it easy to get in and out.
The mini bar contained orange and pineapple juice, Mondariz water, Nordic Mist, Coca Cola and Coca Cola Light and San Miguel beer (with and without alcohol). Prices were reasonable. The water cost 1.50 Euro, ca. 2 USD, the rest 2.50 Euro, ca. 3.35 USD.
TV channels were dominantely local. There was BBC World, RT and CNBC.
The air condition was easy to use. It kept up with the heat and worked fast and efficient.
The lightning was mellow, but added to the atmosphere.
24 hour room service was also available.

We planned a small travel itenary in Spain and Italy. Our first stop was Santiago de Compostela, the capital of Galicia in the Northwest of Spain. We arrived from Dublin by Aer Lingus. We tried the new pre-order meal option. There is a choice of Irish breakfast, chicken or beef salad. We both had the chicken salad. The process worked flawless and the salad was delicious. The cost was 7.50 Euro (ca. 10 USD) per person and included a hot drink, like coffee or tea. The flight was pleasant and eventless.

We had informed ourselves about public transport and decided to take the bus operated by Empresa Freire to Praza da Galicia. The journey took about 45 minutes. A single ticket costs 3 Euro (ca. 4 USD), a return ticket 5.10 Euro (ca. 6.80 USD) per person.
We had a map with us and thought the AC Palacio del Carmen, an Autograph Collection property, was easy to locate. It proofed a bit more difficult than thought. We asked locals for directions. They were helpful, but unfortunately spoke only Spanish. Mine is non existent. We finally found someone, who spoke English. She directed us correctly and within five minutes we arrived at the Palacio del Carmen.
It nestles in a residential area on the outskirts of Santiago's city center.

The hotel is located in a former 15th century convent. In the two original buildings are the reception and small lobby with an internet corner, the bar, fine dining restaurant and meeting rooms located. There is also a new wing with additional rooms. Besides meeting facilities there is also a beautiful fairly large garden, indoor swimming pool, spa and a very small fitness center.

The check in was pleasant and conducted in German. The receptionist Karel is from Prague and spoke fluent German. My better half and I have forgotten most of it, since we have been very rarely back to our home country and speak mostly English with each other since we live in Ireland for nearly fourteen years. We were promised a big bed and were very happy about our comfortable king.
The room was located in one of the original buildings.
Each floor is glassed in, air conditioned and a bridge leads to each room.
The entrance category room was simple, but elegant and comfortable.
There were wooden floors and beams, the large bed, a luggage rack, medium sized TV, a large wardrobe and a writing desk. The colors were different shades of brown, beige and ochre. Our view was over the peaceful garden.
One night there was a wedding party and for a moment we feared we would be disturbed by the noise, but the soundproofing was good, so we heard nothing. The room's location guaranteed a restful sleep. It was really quiet.
The bath room was medium sized with a sink, Palacio del Carmen own branded amenities, a comfortable bath tub and shower combination, a bidet and toilet.
The bath tub was wide and not very high, making it easy to get in and out.
The mini bar contained orange and pineapple juice, Mondariz water, Nordic Mist, Coca Cola and Coca Cola Light and San Miguel beer (with and without alcohol). Prices were reasonable. The water cost 1.50 Euro, ca. 2 USD, the rest 2.50 Euro, ca. 3.35 USD.
TV channels were dominantly local. There was BBC World, RT and CNBC.
The air condition was easy to use. It kept up with the heat and worked fast and efficient.
The lightning was mellow, but added to the atmosphere.
24 hour room service was also available.

We went twice to the bar. There are nineteen dishes to choose from. A small selection is available during general opening hours, a larger between 13.30 hours and 15.30 hours and 21.00 hours to 23.00 hours.
We had refreshing sangria, chicken salad with cherry tomatoes and sherry vinaigrette, fresh tomato and tuna salad, Iberian ham in a bread roll with parmesan cheese and dried tomatoes and a seasonal fruit plate with green and watermelon, red grapes, kiwi and pineapple.
All was tasty, fresh and healthy.
Prices were reasonable again. We paid 29.60 Euro (ca. 39.30 USD) and 35.20 Euro (46.70 USD) respectively.

Breakfast was included in our rate. It was every day in the former chapel. It can be also used a meeting room.
The room is beautiful with a large mosaic depicting the Archangel Gabriel visiting Mary to tell her she is going to give birth to Jesus.
The windows are high up, letting in the light in an unusual way. The plays between shadow and light are beautiful.
Tea, coffee, hot chocolate and juice are self service based. There are a Nespresso Coffee machine and three differently colored capsules (red, green and black) available. The colors indicate the strength of the coffee. Red is de-caffeinated, green normal and black strong.  I had the last two and enjoyed them. They are smooth and have intense flavors as it is expected from Nespresso.
The buffet contains the continental breakfast, while egg dishes can be ordered a la carte and don't incur an additional charge. We tried the scrambled and baked eggs and French omelet.
Juices on offer were orange, pineapple, peach and raspberry.
The buffet is small, but has everything one could want beside fish. There are cold cuts, cheese, pastries, bread, Tortilla Espanola including condiments, jam, different types of cereal and much more.

All staff was warm, helpful and efficient.

The memories we took home are about a very different place. It's romantic, peaceful and tranquil. It can be as near to the action as you like, though. When you know your way around, you can reach the Cathedral and Old Town within ten minutes walk.

It's definitely on our return list.

©2013