A Look At Holland’s 5 Most Unique Venues
Did you know the Netherlands is home to some of the most unique meeting places in Europe? Only in Holland could you find a meeting room on a boat or in an old cigar factory! In this article Janet Newenham, of Meetingsbooker.com, takes us on a quick tour of 5 of Holland’s most unique venues.
1. Escape to the country at De Hofstede
How would you like to have your next family meet-up or business meeting smack bang in the middle of the beautiful Dutch countryside? If a meeting surrounded by green fields and centuries-old castles and estates is your cup of tea, then De Hofstede is the place for you. Lying only 11km from the Dutch city of Utrecht, this beautiful farm has meeting rooms for up to 20 people with warm, stylish interior combined with state-of-the-art-meeting equipment. A truly unique setting!
2. Go Green at Showkas Arendshoeve
Green is the central theme in this peaceful venue, which was once a fully operational greenhouse! Knowing that you are sitting in a venue that was previously the seeding ground for many of the beautiful plants and flowers that the Dutch are so famous for is sure to put a smile on your face. Just a stone’s throw from Amsterdam Airport Schipol, this ‘Garden of Amsterdam’ is sure to give you a peaceful and pure experience of nature.
3. Unleash your inner scientist at Lab 111
Perfect for science fans or conventions of a scientific nature, Lab 111 has to be one the most unusual meeting venues in all Holland. The venue is in fact a converted pathological anatomy laboratory, which essentially means a building where dead people’s bodies were examined! Nowadays the building fulfils an important function as a meeting place for the arts and creative sector of Amsterdam, allowing creative types to meet in a relaxed and inspiring environment.
4. Get your sea legs on board the SS Rotterdam
If you have been put in charge of organizing the biggest event of your life thus far, and need a space that can cater to anywhere between 0 and 40,000 guests, and you’re looking for a venue that your guests will truly never forget, the SS Rotterdam is the place for you. Overlooking the river Maas and Rotterdam’s vibrant skyline, this former flagship of the Holland America Line, is pretty spectacular. Every room on this ship has its own story to tell, and you will surely have your own stories after spending a night on board!
5. The Cigar Factory
Probably not your idea of a healthy venue for your next gathering, but the ‘Sigarenfabriek’ (Cigar factory in English) is actually an incredible place to meet in style. This unique building, the former home of a cigar manufacturer, is perfect for team building sessions or informal meet ups and even allows you to prepare and cook your own meals in the large open plan kitchen. Based close to the city of Utrecht, the Sigarenfabriek is a venue rich in history that would create a special ambiance for any event.
