W AMSTERDAM

Spuistraat 175, Amsterdam hotel.qantas.com.au/wamsterdam

Like the city, this fifive-star hotel is progressive, hip and fun, with a distinct historic side. It’s split between a former bank with stained-glass features and elegant timber accents and an industrial 1920s telephone exchange with concrete flfloors and brass piping – the best of both worlds. The Exchange building has 172 slick, minimalist rooms, a trendy lobby-cum-bar overlooking the Royal Palace and a buzzy atmosphere; the Bank building is more refifined with its grand entrance, palatial restaurant The Duchess and 66 luxurious rooms. Dam Square and the trendy 9 Streets district are right on the doorstep. ↓

Business facilities The Great Room is a conference space for 430; it can be split into three meeting rooms. Wi-fi Fast and complimentary.

Food and drink In the Exchange building, the rooftop Mr Porter restaurant is achingly cool; nowhere else will you get an indoor fire pit, DJ booth, cosy banquettes and panoramic city views with your steak. In the Bank building, the spectacular stained-glass atrium gives The Duchess restaurant a sophistication matched only by its French-Italian fusion menu.

Fitness and wellbeing Work out in the Fit gym (24/7) then relax in the Away Spa’s steam room. Alternatively, try the icy plunge pool.

Run route For a five-kilometre run, cross the Raadhuisstraat, head north along Singel then turn left at Haarlemmerstraat. Continue until you cross the Willemsbrug and enter Westerpark. Do a loop of the lake then return via the same route.

Coffee nearby Screaming Beans (Singel 276) serves slightly bitter brews from its own roastery.