A jewel amongst the channels 

What would you do if the Librije boutique hotel, with one of two Michelin three-star restaurants in the Netherlands is located in Zwolle, a hundred kilometers from Amsterdam where I am?

Getting there took me only an hour and a half. The Librije hotel is a 20 minute walk from the train station, located in the vicinity of attractions which include: Grote Markt, Grote Kerk, Stedelijk Museum and Museum Fundatie., as well as Anningahof Sculpture Park. Built in what was the women’s prison, in a magnificent eighteenth century building.

It takes courage to convert an old 1739 prison into a five-star hotel. Jonnie and Thérèse Boer, a young couple, make the perfect team, one an inspiring idealist and another a thriving entrepreneur have successfully managed to create a very special atmosphere in the heart of the Hanseatic city of Zwolle.

I stayed at the Librije hotel, welcoming me with a glass of champagne at the hotel’s courtyard, which had a very pleasant climate. When it was time for dinner I had the option to walk or being led by the restaurants butler to the Librije cuisine.

 

 

In spring and summer butlers accompany the guests to the restaurant De Librije in one of the boats, Jimmy or Isabelle, baptized in honor of the children of Jonnie and Thérèse.

Having an experience of an 8 “course menu” , Belgian food tastings, as well as  French and Dutch being the basis of pure ingredients by kitchen supplier in the area, with wine pairing suggested by Thérèse, host and winemaker. Something that I highly recommend since the food and service were excellent from start to finish!

Peas with goat cheese and curry, Atlantic crab with black garlic, celery and vanilla prawns with kombucha, cod with cabbage, “Spar Pines” and whole almonds, barbecue with tomatoes, watermelon radishes and oranges, strawberries with goose liver and green marrow with beets, lamb, and goat cheese madras curry, venison served with bread and goat butter with red grapes.

 

 

 

The attention to detail is remarkable (especially those who stayed at the hotel, a five minute walk from the restaurant) and seems to have no limits. Librije cuisine is of the highest quality, without sacrificing taste and integrity of the main ingredients. Compared with its 2-star Michelin little brother Librije Zusje, offers a haute cuisine and a similar atmosphere. The ingredients are inspired by the philosophy of Grand Chef Jonnie Boer, enjoying full freedom and imagination that knows no limits. Their motto is: PASSION for cooking, wine and gastronomy.

The nineteen rooms and suites are old cells transformed into amazing settings, modern design with original features such as doors and bars of the first cells. The old wooden building and window grant the historical impact of the former prison, still visible. The windows open and overlook a lovely courtyard.

Could be, numerically speaking, as relatively modest. However, the small size means that there is an exuberance of attention to detail.

Each room is spacious, visually stunning in a modern contemporary style, each one with its own character, both in color and design and devoid of conventional or ingrained habits. All the comforts can be found, from integrated systems for iPad, to the Auping beds, amazingly gratifying with high quality linens. Things get more luxurious in the junior suites, in addition to separate sitting areas, they flaunt a residential look.

There are a couple of stewards in the halls, dedicated to perceive the whims of customers and satisfy them.

 

 

 

The Hotel has several junior suites

Scabrum: a suite with a living room and bedroom. Both spaces have a private bathroom and toilet, ideal for families or for business trips.

Bubbles: This suite features “Bubbles”, the bedroom has a champagne cooler.

Magnolia:  a beautiful honeymoon suite which owns a spacious living room, the bathroom is furnished with a comfortable round tub, steam room, and Swarovski crystals on the wall.

Vanilla: a bright and spacious suite with a cluster of silver items which is equipped with a hot tub and infrared sauna. A beautiful room where relaxation is the priority.

Wine lovers can enjoy a very special atmosphere in the former monumental building, vaulted cellars offer the “Wine Bar Librije.” The name speaks for itself, I found a variety of wines and a wide selection of delicious cheeses and sausages. This bar offers twelve wine bottles always open for customers, or beer, they also offer a wide range of digestive drinks and cocktails. It is the perfect place to close a deal or just meet friends.

The old courtyard is the perfect place to grab a snack, or to perform a ceremony and a wedding reception or give place to a business meeting. In bad weather, the use of a pagoda tent covers the patio. Both in summer and winter the temperature is very pleasant.

How ever, magic doesn’t end here, a space to develop your culinary arts is also available.

 

Info

Librije’s Hotel

Spinhuisplein 1

8011 ZZ Zwolle

Tel. 038 - 853 0000

E-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

Text: Beatriz Nevarez ± Photo: COMMUNIQ / LIBRIJES WINKEL / hrs static / SITE EDITROR