DoubleTree, Amsterdam Centraal - 2 July 2016

For me, Amsterdam is, if not an architectural desert, somewhat of a no man's land. That is going to seem controversial but the historical buildings are not, to my eye, the most attractive and the modern buildings, especially away from the centre, fall well short of being aesthetically pleasing. I was pondering this on my latest visit and wondering if, in being designed to combat a cool, wet climate, they have missed out on soul. The DoubleTree Hotel at Centraal Station comes close to having some character without being wholly attractive. On my return from the stifling architectural dullness of Sloterdijk, the light fell kindly on the hotel in a shot which includes one of the countless and ceaselessly fascinating bike parks.

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