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Q&As

10 Questions: Herman Klok, NH Collection Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky

In our General Manager series, we catch up with heads of hotels for personal stories and insider perspective. This week, we get to know Herman Klok of NH Collection Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Q Best hotel room at the property:
A

The Tailor Bar since it’s such a warm and inviting place. I love the way the designer incorporated the hotel founder’s original profession into the design of the bar—for example, a tailor’s measuring tape at the bar counter and scissors on the wall. Partially covered by a glass rooftop, the connected outside patio is a great spot to enjoy tailor-made cocktails throughout the year. In 2017, The Tailor won the best ‘Hotel Bar of Amsterdam’ award.

Q The hotel’s most interesting detail, service or historical tidbit:
A

At the heart of the hotel, one can find the monumental Winter Garden, built in 1889. The glass rooftop allows natural daylight to come in, and here we serve our famous Collection breakfast.

Wijnand Fockinck is just around the corner; the distillery has prepared liqueurs and genevers daily since 1679.
Q Favorite drink at the nearest bar:
A

Wijnand Fockinck is just around the corner; the distillery has prepared liqueurs and genevers daily since 1679. There is a small tasting room where you can sample genever by bowing to the drink and slurping the first sip from a traditional tulip glass.

Herman Klok
Q Favorite dish at the nearest restaurant:
A

At The White Room by Jacob Jan Boerma, there is a signature dish with langoustine with beetroot, combava and cresses from their own garden. It’s a really light, lemon-like dish. When I eat something amazing, I close my eyes and my thoughts drift away on the explosion of flavours.

Q The neighborhood shop or boutique you love:
A

Opposite the hotel there is an amazing luxury warehouse called de Bijenkorf, offering quite a range, from a shop-in-shop Louis Vuitton to men’s socks. I like to go here, not always to buy, but also to get inspired.

Q Best touristy activity or outing to do in your city:
A

Without a doubt, this has to be a canal tour. Once in a boat on the water, your pace slows down and relaxation sets in whilst you enjoy views of the historical city.

Q Best non-touristy activity or outing to do in your city:
A

Located on the south side, one of the best hidden gems is the Amsterdam forest. At the heart of the forest, there is an area where you can hire a boat or canoe. Please don’t tell anyone!

Q Outside the hotel lobby, what’s your hobby?
A

Currently, I am running three times a week with a group to prepare for the Lisbon Rock and Roll Marathon in mid-October.

Q Your last holiday destination:
A

I stayed a couple of days in London and really loved the Andaz, which is one of the nicest hotels I’ve seen. It has great food and beverage outlets, such as the Catch Champagne Bar. Additionally, I love the restaurant Sushi Samba at the Heron Tower.

Q Your next holiday destination, planned or wished:
A

I’m really looking forward to an upcoming 10 days in New York, where we’ll stay at a hotel close to Times Square and take advantage of the theater, museums, shopping, ball games and all the fantastic restaurants.