Hotel Not Hotel is or isn’t a hotel in the west part of Amsterdam. It is because you can sleep there, it isn’t because it doesn’t exactly resemble a normal hotel. Central to its identity are the rooms and the relaxed atmoshere. Guests are invited to sleep in a restored antique tram cart, a Spanish villa, or in one of the secret Bookcase rooms to name a few. The rooms come with communal bathroom facilities, some have a bathroom inside. Every guest sleeps on a comfortable hotel bed in a minimalistic interior. There is enough room for luggage and of course there are sockets to charge electronics. The building and the many cosy seating areas however tend to make people leave their rooms and interact with each other. The staff can always help you find your way around town, as they are locals. The story The people behind Hotel Not Hotel are Bruno Bont (32) and Tijmen Receveur (30). Bruno has many years of experience as an entrepreneur in several types of businesses, while Tijmen did get a small taste of the hotel business before embarking on this adventure. Bruno and Tijmen want to offer visitors a different kind of headquarters from which to explore the city. They envisioned a big living room, where guests feel at ease. Their place was to be a home that avoids the usual dull rooms, hotel lobbies, or hallways. When you are staying at Hotel Not Hotel, you are staying with friends who can tell you all about this big little town they love so much. Their friends from designers collective Collaboration-­‐O and Dutch design rebel Arno Coenen came up with a collection of unique cottages and rooms. They also created an inviting, laidback hotel bar called Kevin Bacon, named after the down to earth Hollywood actor. Originally, the building was to become a Turkish bazar, but these plans fell through. This created a unique opportunity for the duo. The high ceilings, classic brick arches and walls, the steel bridge between the two sides of the top floor… It’s the perfect backdrop to unwind after a day in the city. The space also turned out a favourite with photographers, directors, and other creative who are looking for an original setting. There are 50 beds in 23 rooms, ranging from 70 euros for a double in the week, to 90 euros in the weekend. Basic rooms come with communal bathroom facilities, while others have bathroom facilities. The neighbourhood is very much on the rise, with new restaurants, bars, and cultural hotspots opening their doors on a regular basis. Public transportation to and from the airport, and also to and from the city centre is fast and convenient. But when the weather is nice, a bicycle is the way to enjoy Amsterdam. The hotel knows this, so it has comfortable Veloretti bicycles for rent. Kevin Bacon Just as the hotel is not really a hotel, the hotel bar is not actually a hotel bar. Of course hotel guests can enjoy their breakfast, coffee, or a cocktail at night. However, Kevin Bacon is ready to serve anybody who walks in the door something delicious. Neighbours, travellers, businessmen, hipsters, nerds, models, gardeners, politicians, lawyers, fire fighters, nurses, plumbers, carpenters, teachers, butchers, dancers, stylists, architects… Who doesn’t like Kevin Bacon?