when i stayed at the lloyd hotel in amsterdam last year, i was shown a little preview of their soon-to-be launched sister hotel, the exchange. now recently opened, the new hotel is located on one of the liveliest and oldest streets of amsterdam and is part of ‘the red carpet’ – an urban renewal project that is aimed at giving the damrak a more diverse and fashionable look.

developed in close collaboration with the amsterdam fashion institute, each of the rooms are dressed as if they are models on the catwalk and as diverse and inspiring as the neighborhood the hotel lies in. the romantic at heart can fall asleep in a marie antoinette-inspired room where a huge dress drapes over the walls and on to the bed, while if you prefer a more minimal look you can opt for a room that is based on the old fairy tale of the emperor’s new clothes.

i have to say, i was quite sceptical when the hotel’s directors, suzanne oxenaar and otto nan, spoke of the designs for their new concept hotel but looking at the fabulous imagery above i am almost completely sold!

although i’m not sure how comfortable i would feel sleeping underneath those upturned yet watchful eyes…