HotelChatter

For a place purporting itself to be steeped in Dutch tradition, we're hearing reports of a somewhat jumbled cross-cultural aesthetic: Italian Designer Piero Lissoni spearheaded its transformation, bringing in touches like Asian rugs and tribal masks into rooms, while a decidedly Eastern influence can be found in the on-site Akasha Holistic Wellbeing Center, where guests can balance their inner "elements" with zen/Turkish bath-esque treatments. What, no scooters and canal boats?

Tiny though it may be, one of the perks we're hearing about at The Conservatorium is size-related: over half of its rooms are double-height duplexes, according to one report, paying homage to the building's vaulted ceilings. Fringe benefit Number Two: Each guest is assigned a personal host (or what the hotel deems guests' know-it-all Dutch "friend") during their stay, so if you're more a private and self-sufficient traveler, you may want to stress that you're cool fending for yourself to avoid being doted on to the point of annoyance.

Rooms in the lofty space start at €325 per night. Whether that's music to your ears depends on just how much you're willing to dish out for a duplex and buddy-for-hire during your stay in the "Venice of the North."

[Photo: Design Hotels Facebook]