It feels like I'm going on vacation. While strolling with my suitcase through the wintery scene of Amsterdam's Oosterpark, the butterflies in my stomach indicate that a wonderful time is coming ahead. The Pillows family and I already know each other, so I know for sure this will be the luxurious night away where everything is taken care of.

The arrival of the long-awaited child has been a big happening in Amsterdam for months, so it is high time to visit Maurits for a maternity visit. Or rather: Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Maurits at the Park, born in the Oosterpark in the autumn of 2022. A little bird told me that one night in this 5-star hotel feels like a week's holiday. An invitation to spend a night here does not leave anyone asking twice.

Not even fully arrived at the stairs of the prestigious hotel (a former university building from 1908) I am already welcomed by a gentleman with friendly twinkling eyes and a warm voice. “Welcome to Maurits at the Park. You must be Kiki? We were expecting you. Please come in, it is chilly outside.'“

A warm welcome

Two seconds later I'm standing in a place with a gigantic high ceiling, called The Living. My coat and umbrella are already stored, my suitcase is already on its way to the room and I'm asked if I feel like having a glass of champagne. Just like that. I let the bubbles pass for now, knowing that there will be a wine pairing on the menu in a few hours.

A short moment later I’m enjoying a steaming cup of tea in the Living, a place that looks like a historic library. An enthusiastic lady tells us that Maurits at the Park has a gastronomic restaurant, that there is a brasserie where breakfast can be enjoyed until eleven o'clock and that there is a bar on the roof. The gym and spa with sauna are also worth a visit.

Scandinavian Chic meets Japanese Minimalism

I could wander around countless times in the hotel corridors, but luckily we (friend Nathalie happily applied for the role of +1) are kindly escorted to our room.

The room is bright, serene and elegant. We come to the conclusion that we think the design is a mix of Scandinavian Chic meets Japanese Minimalism. And yes, we think that's a special sentence ourselves. The refinement is in the details. A chic sticker on the toilet roll is one such example. Is it necessary to need help by finding the beginning of the toilet roll ? Of course not. But it feels good that you don't even have to think about that. We also realize that there are more goodies in the minibar than in our fridges at home.

The culinary journey of our dreams

After a quick outfit change, we go to the gastronomic gem on the top floor: restaurant VanOost. Eating out is the best when it comes to an Experience with a capital E, and that is beyond dispute here. You start the dinner with an amuse-bouche in the bar. Accompanied by a cocktail with a foam top of tomato condensation. This looks promising to be a fun evening.

Upon arrival at the restaurant area, chef Floris van Straalen's kitchen brigade welcomes us in unison with a loud 'Welcome!' and we are guided by host Pim to exactly the table I was hoping for. With the best view of the whole place.

During the 6 course menu we travel around the world. It looks like a fairytale. Floris takes us on a flying carpet and one piece of art after another is served to us. We start in the east with the bread soufle & curry. We imagine ourselves as a mermaid during the dish that is completely inspired by the sea. We fly on to Japan for the XO Ramen and oh, the miso butter. You have to taste it. We become silent at (one of three!) desserts that look like a gold coin. Host Pim bursts out laughing at our umpteenth 'ooooohhhh'. Trust me: Pim, who has so much love for his profession, makes sure that you lack nothing. And otherwise his dessert cart at the end is.

The evening ends with an aperitif in Fitz's Bar and then we dive purring into that soft hotel bed. All senses are stimulated to the maximum and have reached their peak.

Like a one-week vacation

We sleep in and start the next morning at Spring Café Brasserie. Yogurt, some fruit, bread, all perfectly portioned and presented on a breakfast étagère like I know from Pilllows. The view of the Oosterpark is lovely. A breath of fresh air soon.

After the walk it iss time to warm up in the Urban Spa. Ultimate relaxation is food for your soul and at Pillows they understand that like no other. We imagine ourselves in a kind of Eastern serenity. After the mani-pedi, the sauna visit and the hydrobed massage (the feeling of a warm bath in combination with a deep tissue massage without getting wet) we are reborn.

I don't have to think about anything at the checkout and suddenly I mysteriously have my coat on again. Oh yes, there was that man with the twinkling eyes again. There is attention for everything. You are seen and fully pampered.

Suddenly the feeling arises: gosh, 24 hours ago I walked here with my trolley. It feels like I've been on vacation for a week...