ENGLAND - Clink Hostels, providers of stylish accommodation and social travel experience, have opened the doors to their first mainland European residence in Amsterdam. The official opening will take place on the 17th of September but doors are open to guests from today, the 19th of August.
On the opening, Liam Doyle, Managing Director of Clink Hostels has commented "ClinkNOORD is an exciting and unique addition to Amsterdam and the Clink family. A magical blend of Dutch style with creativity and modern comforts, this hostel offers guests an innovative and authentic local experience, linking them to Amsterdam and providing the perfect launch pad from which to explore this amazing city."
ClinkNOORD is just 400 metres and minutes by foot or bike from Amsterdam's Centraal Station in the exciting, up and coming Overhoeks district. Like its sister hostels in London, Clink78 and Clink261, ClinkNOORD is setting new standards for social hosteling by bridging the gap between hostels and hip hotels.
ClinkNOORD is housed in the former Royal Dutch Shell head office and laboratories, a beautiful 1920's building that offers spectacular views across the city. It has been sympathetically renovated to enhance original features whilst creating relaxing social areas, an atrium, a cafe, a library, a bespoke self-catering kitchen where guests can make and share food, and flexible spaces for meetings and events. ZincBAR will be the nucleus that draws guests and creativity together, providing regular live music, DJs, talks and performances.
The Overhoeks neighborhood has a strong focus on culture and the arts, which resonated with Clink and their unique approach to hosteling. ClinkNOORD's neighbours include many respected arts venues; the EYE Film Museum, the A'DAM Tower, the Tolhuistuin multimedia centre and band venue, Paradiso. The heartbeat of the area is a longstanding community of creatives who live and work locally. In tune with the vibe of the area and the energy of the city, ClinkNOORD embraces and engages with creativity in a new way for hostels.
The Clink team envisages a building that provides a canvas for local and travelling creativity. Local designers and architects have been involved in developing a building that is both modern and authentically Dutch. On this canvas, local creatives will showcase what Amsterdam has to offer, linking the hostel guest experience to unique artists, galleries and experiences around Amsterdam.
Nine 'ClinkCREATIVE' programmes include initiatives that will see temporary and permanent pieces of art and performances created in the hostel. With the support of the arts council of Amsterdam, a number of Artists in Residence with take up year-long residencies in the hostel as part of the ClinkAiR project. Further to its success in London, 'Stay & Play' is back, seeing performing bands receive free accommodation. Other concepts such as 'Stay & Scribe', 'Stay & Create', and C-LAB (the in-house venue to house pop-ups and innovative projects) aim to attract writers, artists, musicians and performers alike.
Accommodation includes a mix of private and dormitories, many with stunning views of the city, river, waterways or the surrounding parkland. All rooms have air-conditioning, Wi-Fi and the crucial elements required for a great stay. The property also offers a cafe, bar, event space, commercial catering, self-catering facilities, laundry and tour planning services. A home away from home for city explorers.
