A new hotel brand that aims to provide “affordable luxury for the people” is set to launch at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport in early 2008. Named citizenM, short for “Mobile Citizens” (aka frequent travellers), it hopes to provide an alternative experience for those who value personal choice, contemporary design, friendly technology and a proximity to the city centre.
The new 230-room product was conceptualised by globally renowned architect Concrete, and European design giants Vitra and Philips to offer convenient and functional rooms that feature a super king-size bed fitted with luxurious linen and pillows, wall-to-wall windows for natural light, a flat LCD television and Philips ambient lighting technology. Customers will also be able to indulge in amenities from the same people who created similar lines for Comme des Garçons and Viktor & Rolf.
Inspired by the setting on luxury yachts and private jets, each room is 14sqm and includes free internet access and movies-on-demand. Personal settings like preferred lighting, music, mood and temperature can also be customised when making a web-booking at the self-service check-in kiosk, or on the touch-screen mood pad in the room. For added convenience, a personal key card also stores the user’s profile for future stays.
Culinary offerings at the hotel include a 24-hour choice of signature sandwiches, salads, sushi, warm dishes and limited-edition beverages and coffee. A night’s stay starts at US$96, with bookings starting from October 31. The second citizenM hotel is expected to open in the fourth quarter of 2008 near the Amsterdam city centre. More will open in major cities such as London, Berlin, Milan and Brussels.
