travel buzz
THE LATEST NEWS FROM THE WORLD OF TOURISM
HARD ROCK HOTEL FOR AMSTERDAM AMSTERDAM is hardly a shy and retiring city, but now it’s amped up the volume to 10 with a new 173room Hard Rock hotel.
Located at vibrant Leidseplein Square, the property is in a renowned Unesco world heritage building formerly known as the American Hotel, dating from 1903.
The renovation has retained its historic decorative features, such as Art Nouveau stained-glass windows and chiaroscuro (heavy on light and shadow) paintings, and added signature music memorabilia from the likes of Elton John, Slash and John Lennon.
Highlights for guests include the Café Americain for a modern twist on popular classic dishes made using locally sourced ingredients, and the Bar Americain offering craft cocktails on its terrace.
The plush rooms come with an option to borrow a Fender guitar, complete with amp and headphones. Rates start at £161 a night. Visit hardrockhotels.com
IT’S SHOWTIME FOR COLUMBUS VOYAGE
A MILLION Dreams will come true on a Greatest Showman themed cruise next summer.
Cruise & Maritime Voyages’ Columbus will sail a multigenerational, 14-night, round-trip voyage from Tilbury to the Baltic on August 13, 2021, featuring live music, circus acts and workshops based on the Hugh Jackman movie hit.
Away from the Big Top tributes, Columbus will call at fascinating ports including St Petersburg, Rotterdam, Copenhagen, Helsinki and Tallinn.
Prices start at £1,134 per adult and £199 per child. Visit cruiseandmaritime.com