Amsterdam Luxury Hotel Steals the Spotlight During Annual Light Festival

AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS--(Marketwired - Dec 12, 2013) - Since 2009, Amsterdam has illuminated its canals and Amstel river every winter to spectacular effect. Sculptures, projections, boat tours and concerts enliven the historic city center for nearly 50 wintry days, and this year is no exception. During December 2013 and January 2014, the Amsterdam Light Festival will once again enchant visitors and locals alike, while the Renaissance Amsterdam Hotel offers a unique way to experience both the mystery and the charm.

Because these Amsterdam accommodations are physically connected to the breathtaking, 17^th-century Koepelkerk (which was once upon a time a Lutheran church), it stands to reason that it would host one of the event's concerts. After all, with 996 square meters of space, a beautifully restored organ and the sort of ambience that only comes with authenticity, the Koepelkerk makes an ideal concert venue.

Fortunately, the planned performance did the space justice. On December 5, 2013 -- just in time to kick off the festival -- the concert starred the world-class harpist Remy van Kesteren with lighting designed by De Theatermachine. Kesteren entertained his audience with the help of his band mates, the saxophonist Ties Mellema and the percussionist Ramon Lormans.

Concerts like this give guests the perfect excuse to try one of the hotel's restaurants in downtown Amsterdam. After all, the property encourages a variety of dining experiences, from classic Marriott dishes to sipping a drink or two at the hip 2B Lounge & Bar, to experiencing a traditional Dutch street-side bar meal at Koepelcafé.

But if travelers need an extra incentive to head to the Netherlands this winter, the Amsterdam hotel deals are extremely persuasive. The Amsterdam Light Festival promotion includes a deluxe or family room, buffet breakfast, Internet access, an evening canal boat tour (replete with a glass of Glühwein) and a 20-percent discount at either Koepelcafé or the Amsterdam Marriott Hotel's upscale Midtown Grill.

Between the package offers at Amsterdam's best central hotels and the city's groundbreaking Light Festival, Holland is the place to visit for a magical wintertime experience.

Travelers interested in booking the Amsterdam Light Festival package should use the promotional code P51 when making reservations, and they must stay two or more nights before January 19, 2014. For more information, guests may click here.

About the Renaissance Amsterdam Hotel
It's not every day that a stylish contemporary hotel comes attached to a 17^th-century church, but at the Renaissance Amsterdam Hotel, that's just the first of many attractions. Newly redesigned, the 402-room property includes plush bedding, broadband Internet and HDTV in the guest rooms and suites, as well as 24-hour access to the fitness center. Ranked by Condé Nast Traveler as seventh among the top 25 hotels in Northern Europe, this property can facilitate unforgettable events in its 16 high-tech meeting rooms, which include the historic and stunning Koepelkerk that was built in the 1600s. Dining is just as satisfying, thanks to the casual Koepelcafé and hip 2B Lounge and Bar. Plus the historic city center is just steps from this property, where the extraordinary greets guests around every turn.