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The Dutch are planning to stop tourists from buying and smoking cannabis in Amsterdam and other cities.

The famous coffee shops, where small amounts of cannabis have been legally bought and smoked since 1976, have become a major industry and a popular attraction for many visitors. Turnover is estimated to be in the region of £1.6 billion ($2.7 billion) per year.

But the Dutch government wants to stop ‘drug tourism’ and is planning a system under which licensed coffee shops would have to introduce a members-only pass. This would prevent non-locals from buying the drugs.

In July, a government commission declared: “Coffee shops should again become what they were originally meant to be: vending points for local users and not large-scale suppliers to consumers from neighbouring countries. The situation has got out of hand.”

But Raymond Dufour of the Netherlands Drug Policy Foundation says there could be a challenge to the ban in the courts. “We have a problem with European law here, as all European citizens should be treated equally,” he said.

He said there was also the danger that the trade would be driven underground as in many other cities.

by Andy Moreton

Luxique has a first rate selection of luxury hotels in Amsterdam and many other Dutch cities.

I spent a day in Paris a couple of weeks ago and was impressed to see the cycle-renting service Vélib working very effectively, in spite of problems with theft and vandalism.

Cities all over the world are making big efforts to go green and encourage people to cycle rather than drive. Amsterdam has always been in the vanguard of this, but Copenhagen is making a bid to become the world’s friendliest city for cyclists. It has good reason - the Danish capital is hosting the UN climate change summit at the end of the year.

At present, about a third of people in Copenhagen already cycle to work, school or university – there are 217 miles of cycle routes. “The city has worked consistently to improve things for cyclists,” said Andreas Rohl, who’s in charge of the city’s cycling programme. “For people here, going on a bicycle is a bit like brushing your teeth, you don’t think much about it!”

Two of the city’s main bridges have recently had a makeover to encourage more people to cycle. One is now completely car-free, the other includes double cycle lanes on both sides. Other cycle-friendly measures are being considered.

Barcelona and London are among the other European cities openly committed to improving cycle routes.

by Andy Moreton

Luxique can offer a choice of five of the best luxury hotels in Copenhagen - from the Nyhavn 71, ‘a rustic warehouse conversion’, to the smartly refurbished Avenue Hotel.

If you’re visiting the Dutch capital, Amsterdam, this spring, a pleasant day out might be to the international flower exhibition called Keukenhof.

This year is the 60th anniversary of the exhibition, which attracts some 800,000 international visitors every year. Over the past few months, more than seven million flower bulbs have been planted throughout the park in preparation.

The 2009 show will commemorate the fact that 400 years ago, Henry Hudson discovered the island of Manhattan and founded the settlement of New Amsterdam, which later became New York. A spectacular flower mosaic, produced from more than 25,000 bulbs, will depict the Statue of Liberty.

The vast park is situated in Lisse, south of Amsterdam. I’m told that the Amsterdam Tourist Information Office (situated just opposite the Centraal Station in the city centre) offers a joint ticket at the cost of about 20 Euros (£18 / $26), which includes admission and a bus connection from the city.

The exhibition will be opened by Queen Beatrix on March 18th. Public admission runs from March 19th to May 21st from 0800-1930. More details at http://www.keukenhof.nl/

by Andy Moreton

Book your luxury hotels in Amsterdam through Luxique – we have a varied selection.

I’ve written recently about Venice’s efforts to improve its image and now I hear Amsterdam is following suit. (See “Tracing The Traders In Tat” and “Venice Battles The Boors“)

The authorities in the Dutch capital have unveiled plans to clean up the city’s old town and red light district by halving the number of coffee shops - where marijuana is bought and smoked legally - and brothels.

They’re concerned that, although it’s a popular tourist destination, the red light area is also a magnet for organised crime. A council spokesman said: “We can still have sex and drugs, but in a way that shows the city is in control.”

In addition to its blitz on sleaze, the city will spend £30 million ($44 million) to try to attract hotels, restaurants, art galleries and boutiques to the heart of old Amsterdam.

Opposition to the scheme is led, not surprisingly, by coffee shop owners and the prostitutes’ union. They believe that, far from reducing crime, it will encourage drug dealers and prostitutes to go underground in areas where they were banned.

The prostitutes’ spokeswoman blamed the European Union for pressurising Holland into tightening its laws. “Once we were a free country,” she said. “Now they tell us what to do.”

City officials are bending over backwards to help, so to speak – they’ve promised retraining for prostitutes and coffee shop employees who lose their jobs.

by Andy Moreton

Luxique has a fine selection of luxury hotels in Amsterdam and a helpful Amsterdam city guide.

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Amsterdam – the Heineken Experience – has just re-opened after an extensive refurbishment and expansion.

Among many new elements, guests can experience an interactive journey through the brewing process of the famous lager beer and will have the opportunity to create and take home their own personalised bottle of Heineken.

The working stables and famous Heineken shire horses will also be accessible through a newly constructed ‘stable walk.’

“We are very proud of the unique experience we’ve created,” said Hans Maris, manager of the Heineken Experience. “The new approach brings to life our passion for the quality of the beer we brew, our great respect for people, cultures and the world in which we live and our commitment to the responsible enjoyment of our brands.”

A revamped website for the attraction has also been launched, offering guests the option to book their visits online (www.heinekenexperience.com).

by Andy Moreton

For your visit to the Dutch capital, Luxique offers a selection of the finest luxury hotels in Amsterdam.

You know how it is. You’re having a quiet drink at the hotel bar and Angelina Jolie asks you for a light.

What do you mean it’s never happened to you? Well, all I can say is that you’ve been staying in the wrong joints. Allow me to mark your card with a view to a bit of celebrity-spotting in some of the luxury and boutique hotels of Europe.

If you happen to be in Paris and want to catch a glimpse of Ange, try the award-winning George V or, to give it its full name, the Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris. This Paris luxury hotel is one of her favourites.

Now, if a place is good enough for George Clooney, it should do for you and me and I’m reliably informed that George and the cast and crew of Ocean’s Twelve stayed at Hotel Le Bristol.

Another classic luxury hotel in Paris is the Ritz, the last point of departure for Princess Diana and Dodi Al Fayed that tragic August night in 1997. The Ritz has always been a mainstay for the rich and famous – Coco Chanel lived in a luxury suite there for more than thirty years. These days, you might at any one time bump into Nicole Kidman, Gwyneth Paltrow or Uma Thurman.

Luxury Rome hotels abound. The Hassler Hotel, at the top of the Spanish Steps, has in the past welcomed everyone from Juan Peron to Audrey Hepburn and the Kennedys. Clooney likes this one too, while just recently it hosted the photocall for the movie Get Smart with Anne Hathaway and Steve Carell.

Not far away is the Hotel de Russie. This historic hotel was a favourite of Picasso and today is a popular meeting place for the bright young things from the worlds of fashion and media.

The Hotel Eden is a luxury boutique hotel in the heart of Rome which prides itself on its elegance and tact. It would never release its guest list, of course, but my source tells me that it’s welcomed the likes of Jane Fonda, Pierce Brosnan and Richard Gere.

The luxury hotels in London have names that resonate throughout the world – the Dorchester, for instance. It was here that Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton spent one of their honeymoons in 1964. Recently pictured arriving were Jerry Springer and Forest Whitaker. Michael Jackson and Tom Cruise have been guests, too.

The Ritz is the Grande Dame of London luxury hotels and has played host to any number of celebrities over the years, including Edward VII, Churchill, Chaplin and Judy Garland. It’s never lost its charm and these days is fashionable with celebrities like Julia Roberts, Johnny Depp and Hugh Grant.

One of the newer kids on the London block is The Lanesborough, a former hospital in fashionable Knightsbridge. It’s pricey, sure, but you might be lucky enough to run into Madonna, Jim Carrey or Leonardo di Caprio.

Amsterdam is one of the most laid-back capitals in Europe and a popular destination for celebrities. The Intercontinental Amstel is arguably the most beautiful and prestigious of the luxury hotels in Amsterdam and has welcomed royalty, government leaders and film stars. Jennifer Aniston took a room with a river view last month and the Rolling Stones have also pitched up there.

The Dylan Hotel in Amsterdam has also been much visited in the past by royalty. These days it’s favoured by international personalities who welcome the discretion and privacy that are the hallmarks of Anouska Hempel-designed luxury boutique hotels. It’s so discreet, in fact, that I couldn’t possibly reveal any names.

So, splash out, be a celebrity for a day, a weekend or a week – live like a star, but don’t make a habit of it. As Charlie Chaplin once said: ‘The saddest thing I can imagine is to get used to luxury.’

by Andy Moreton

A travel company is offering a service from London to New York – overland.

The trip of 14,000 miles across three continents and thirteen countries takes 18 weeks and costs just under £5,000 ($10,000), one-way. There’s just one flight involved – from eastern Russia to Alaska across the Bering Sea.

Ozbus (www.oz-bus.com), which already runs a London to Sydney service, is planning the New York run from spring of next year. Owner Mark Creasey said: “The incredible success of our London to Sydney programme has proved to us that today’s adventure traveller is looking for the unusual journey.”

He said many who book London-New York will see more countries in one trip than they have during their entire lifetime. “There aren’t many journeys where the highlights could include Amsterdam, Berlin, Moscow, Tibet, the Great Wall of China, Siberia, Alaska, the Rockies and Niagara Falls,” said Creasey.

The price tag includes budget accommodation, tour leaders and some meals. The company believes the whole package could work out much cheaper than four months of independent travel and be much less hassle to arrange.

by Andy Moreton

Amsterdam had a particular problem when it joined other cities around the world in banning tobacco smoking in public places.
Millions of people flock to the Dutch capital every year to smoke marijuana legally in licensed ‘coffee shops.’
The law, which came into force on July 1st, covers all cafes and restaurants – including the coffee shops. So the cannabis users are allowed no tobacco and have to light up pipes and cigarettes loaded with pure marijuana, which many find too strong … and too expensive.

The manager of one of the shops commented: “It’s the world upside down. In other countries they look for marijuana in the tobacco, here they look for tobacco in the marijuana.”

Luxique has a selection of luxury hotels in Amsterdam and a helpful Amsterdam city guide.

by Andy Moreton

That Sunday Times survey also asked travelers what made a stay in a hotel really enjoyable. The most popular answer: ‘A big comfy bed.’ Ah, bless.

Now, as far as hotel beds are concerned there are big beds, queen-sized beds, king-sized beds and beds that can only be described as ‘Can you hear me over there on your side?’

The Lloyd Hotel and Cultural Embassy in Amsterdam’s Eastern Docklands boasts that each of its five-star rooms has a feature that will surprise even the most well-traveled guest. In one there’s a massive fibre-glass bath in the centre of the room; in another, a grand piano; in a third, a bed thirteen feet (four metres) wide. Excuse me? Yes, thirteen feet wide – you could sleep eight people in it.

I suppose an orgy is out of the question? Well, perhaps not. The suite is sound-proofed and the management have a very open mind, as you’d expect in Amsterdam. “We do not control how our guests are using it. We sometimes get families staying there, or couples or friends,” said a spokesman.

The cost of such a room in this quirky hotel might be on the high side, but when you divide it by eight bedfellows, it could be a bargain.

By Andy Moreton