Feeling Magazine Belgium, September 2003

Where is it?
On Leidsestraat, right in the center of Amsterdam. Before you know it, you’ve walked by it, because the entrance lies hidden between the shops. A parking spot is hard to find, so we decide to take the train. The streetcar from Central Station will bring you right to the doorstep of the guest house, by foot it is a fifteen minute walk.

Sleeping above the movie stars
Marcel’s Creative Exchange is next to ‘de Uitkijk’, de oldest remaining movie theater of the Dutch capital. Two rooms are actually right above the screen, but because of the sound isolation, you won’t notice. ‘De Uitkijk’ was established in 1929 and was known because of the modernistic – volgens sommige Spartaanse – interior. Almost 75 years later the theater has been thoroughly restored and two movies are shown every day. If you ask Marcel nicely, he might be able to arrange free tickets for you.

Passion for design
The four rooms are design addict’s dream. Marcel Breuers famous Wassily chair is opposite our bed and around the little table we drink tea at, we discover Alvar Aalto stools. Around the house are design classics by amongst others, Charles and Ray Eames, Philippe Starck en Paul Kjaerholm. But the true delight is in the details. The glass jar with delicious old fashion candy makes us happy as a child and the vase with beautiful white tulips make things complete. But what really gets us excited is the discovery of our own hifi stereo system. For what is better than enjoying the view on the balcony, a glass of wine in your hand and your favorite music in the background?

Food and Culture
• Just like all roads lead to Rome, Marcel’s guesthouse leads to the best spots in Amsterdam. The Rijksmuseum and the Stedelijk Museum are only a five minute walk. And the Balie on the Leidseplein, a meeting place for young creative people, is around the corner.
• If you’re hungry, you don’t have to go far either. Turn right and you’ll find yourself on the classy Prinsengracht. We dined at Van Puffelen, a wonderful, real Dutch restaurant. For all who prefer more intimate surroundings, the Lange Leidsedwarsstraat seems an endless string of cozy restaurants.
• You can leave your tourist guide at home: just ask Marcel what you’re looking for and he’ll present you a city map and all necessary information. A cozy bar, a trendy interior design shop, or Amsterdam’s best coffeeshop, he knows it all.