The Banks Mansion: You can Bank on It
“But New Amsterdam remained comparatively intact. The tongues of nearly every European nation were heard in the place, thus increasing its resemblance to old Amsterdam. There, as here, by hospitality to strangers the Dutch character was not in the least impaired.”
— from “Annual report of the American Historical Association” 1911
HOSPITALITY TO SPARE As we discovered at our fabulous hotel, the Banks Mansion, over hundreds of years nothing has changed about the Dutch welcoming spirit. Talk about hospitality: all items in our room’s mini-bar were free and replenished daily! Throughout the day, refreshments, ranging from soft drinks and coffee to cookies and candy, were available in the hotel lobby for free.
The staff was helpful and friendly, always greeting us with a smile and a cheerful hello, in English. Everyone we met in the Netherlands spoke English very well. The breakfast, served in its basement breakfast room, was first class. Omelets are made to order and very good. Pancakes too are made fresh to your request.
To become the Banks Mansion, the building underwent a major renovation in 2004, resulting a light-filled lobby (see photo #5). This hotel is a member of the Carlton Group of hotels.
After our long journey from Nieuw Amsterdam to Oude Amsterdam the comfortable bed offered a good night’s sleep.
Our view (see photo #4) of the Herengracht from our room’s windows was lovely. Herengracht, heren meaning lords and gracht meaning canal, is one of the three major residential canals of 17th-century Amsterdam. Our room was small; but with the view helped give it a more spacious feel.
Unique Quality: Free stuff in the room’s mini-bar; as well as free refreshments served throughout the day in the lobby.
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