The July offers a home away from home with two new aparthotels

Photography by Claire Menary

In its two latest projects, Boat & Co and Twenty Eight, The July lets life unfold behind closed doors, with visitors afforded a corner of Amsterdam to call their own. Thoughtfully considering the needs of the modern traveller, The July combines the personality, independence and convenience of apartment living with the seamless services of a hotel: with wellness centres, in-house restaurants and co-working spaces in the lobby.

Leading the transformation of both projects, Martin Brudnizki Design Studio took inspiration from the surrounding city in the design. The July – Twenty Eight features headboards inspired by the silhouettes of Amsterdam’s iconic canal houses, while Delft blue tiles decorate the bathrooms and playful accents of ‘Dutch orange’ are reflected throughout the interiors.

Located in the heart of leafy Amsterdam South, The July – Twenty Eight takes its name from the Olympic Games that took place back in 1928, with the stadium sitting directly opposite. Guests and residents benefit from an array of in-house amenities, as alongside a dedicated work-spot within each apartment, the building boasts a co-working lobby space and a 24/7 honesty bar-brasserie, offering a breakfast spread of Dutch cheeses, freshly baked artisan breads and seasonal fruit.

Sustainability also plays a key role; The July – Boat & Co standing at the water’s edge in the Netherlands’ first climate-neutral city district, Houthaven. A waterside stay for the eco-conscious, the building is primarily powered by solar energy and caters to Amsterdam’s two-wheeling way of life through a partnership with Roetz (who use recycled bicycle frames) to provide bikes for guests. Even the menus at Boat & Co’s restaurant, Vessel, are made from discarded tomatoes – more widely, the project earning a BREEAM Excellent rating.

Brudnizki picked a warm, soft and welcoming colour palette, featuring ochre living-room walls, teal open-plan kitchens and yellow accent chairs. The furniture has all the hallmarks of elevated Dutch design, such as eclectic vintage or upcycled chairs and statement beds upholstered in Christopher Farr fabric.

Billed as ‘low-key luxury’, massages can be enjoyed in the comfort of Boat & Co’s apartments or guests can choose to unwind in the sauna. Some of the home-from-home touches throughout the apartments include recipe books and those bikes for use, with elevated extras such as a laundry, grocery, flower shop and childcare services on site to helps guests live like a local.

Guests can also enjoy an evening meal at Vessel, Boat & Co’s onsite restaurant. Combining modern classics with family favourites, the light-filled atrium dining space is complete with breath-taking river views and a dramatic plant-filled pergola dining area.