Historic wonders: celebrating Holland’s rich past in the city of Arnhem

This is a translation of the original city of Arnhem article in Spanish, available here: /ciudad-de-arnhem/

During my time as a tourist in Holland, my first contact was with the seductive city of Arnhem. It is a place of great natural beauty that gave me truly enriching experiences. Arnhem is located in the east of Holland, and is a modern gem recognized as one of the country’s centers of art and design.

The city of Arnhem – A genuine charm in Holland

What impressed me most about this city is its testimony of resilience in the face of the disasters of World War II. In fact, it was great to see the buildings that survived from that time masterfully restored and rescuing the essence of its deep history. In the city center I could see a large network of hotel chains and magnificent restaurants that give the place that classy tourist warmth.

Accompanied by my friend and guide, Lucy Roderick, we explored two fantastic sites that exude elegance and majesty. I am pleased to share some details with you in this article.

Hotel Walburgis Residentes en la Ciudad de Arnhem

Heading to the Walburgis Residenties Hotel in the heart of Arnhem, we could already see two majestic 50-meter towers in the distance. In the past, these would be the iconic symbol of Arnhem’s oldest sanctuary: Walburgis Church.

On foundations dating back 700 years, history intertwines with contemporary luxury to give way to a beautiful hotel with six unique and ostentatious double and quadruple suites. Each room with its names tells its own story through themes of genuine places and characters of the time. These are: The Kröller-Müller Museum, Burgers Zoo, Sonsbeek Park, King Louis Bonaparte, The Battle of Arnhem and The Roman Fort of Meinerswijk.

Upon entering the hotel we received a very warm welcome from the reception staff. But, when we realized, we were already being transported to Roman times, without suspecting that it was just the beginning of what would be a stay full of pleasant sensations and a lot of pleasure. My friend and I had the privilege of booking the Grand Luis Bonaparte Suite, which we accessed via an elevator to the highest part. This was a room for 4 people, spacious, comfortable and pleasant with two bedrooms and two bathrooms.

A hotel to admire and contemplate

The place has all the comforts that qualify a high-class hotel: a fully equipped kitchen with modern appliances, and a very pleasant and comfortable living room with furniture that preserves the charm of the Royal Palace on Dam Square. During the tour, it was inevitable to stop and contemplate every detail so meticulously prepared, where nothing had been improvised and everything has meaning. We came across top-quality finishes, religious artifacts that recall the past, paintings and thematic photographs… everything revives crucial moments in Arnhem’s history.

Amé el diseño ancestral de las paredes, muebles, camas y lámparas con estilos propios de la época antigua. Al mismo tiempo, estas se contrastaban de manera armónica con las elegantes piezas de baño, la fontanería lujosa de cobre y la tecnología avanzada de nuestra época moderna.

Although each room had its own theme to evoke an event, place, or emblematic character in history, baroque and contemporary styles dominate the interior decoration of each one, as well as the common areas of the hotel. In general, all the decoration contrasts in harmony with the Gothic interior of the church tower. Within all the rich history and energy that these medieval towers keep, an appreciable fact is that King Louis Bonaparte also left his mark in this place. Staying at the Walburgis Residenties hotel in the beautiful city of Arnhem was, without a doubt, a unique experience. It was a journey through time that allowed my guide and me to relive each chapter of what this monumental church was 700 years ago.

Shabú Experience Restaurant in the city of Arnhem

At meal time, we opted to enjoy Asian specialties. This led us to visit one of the most prestigious Japanese restaurants in the city: the Shabu Experience.

Named after a delicious Japanese dish, Shabu Experience specializes in Asian cuisine where each dish reflects the Japanese philosophy of appreciating simplicity, technique, and the purity of natural flavors. And the prices? They are totally reasonable when you compare the quality of the ingredients and the quantity consumed. In fact, the All You Can Taste concept promoted by the place allows you to enjoy different dishes without having to pay more.

To reinforce this aspect, just look at the excellent ratings that this restaurant has from good food critics on popular sites such as Tripadvisor and the like.

A distinguished and special menu

In the extensive à la carte menu, we had the option to choose between two sections. The first part included dishes such as Shabu Shabu, Akami Tataki, misoshiru soup, and vegetable tempura. Rice and noodles are also on the menu for those who prefer traditional classic preparations. The other section of the menu, dedicated to the sushi bar, offers dishes such as nigiris, makis and sashimis, with preparations that follow – carefully – step by step the ancestral processes. My colleague and friend chose to order a Shabu Shabu, a dish that consists of thin slices of meat and vegetables that are cooked by submerging them in a broth called kombu dashi. Later, I learned that the name “Shabu Shabu” comes from the sound made by stirring the ingredients in the hot broth. This method is the one that – precisely – highlights the freshness and quality of the ingredients.

In addition to Shabu Shabu, the emblems of Japanese culinary tradition take center stage on the menu. These are characterized by their attention to detail, the freshness of the ingredients, and the artistic presentation of the dishes. In particular, I had the pleasure of enjoying an omakase, a dish whose choice of ingredients is in the hands of the chef, so the final result was linked to his creativity and ingenuity.

Unparalleled enjoyment

When the order arrived, I was surprised with succulent grilled eggplant and sweet miso sauce. It is a delicious Japanese condiment obtained by fermenting soybeans and grains with sugar, maple syrup, mirin and lemon juice. In addition, this dish included sashimi, raw salmon cut into thin slices in a symmetrical shape, accompanied by delicious sushi. Additionally, we enjoyed a plate of bull tuna with black hake marinated in sake and lemon, which complemented the perfection of the main course. Every bite managed to elevate my sense of taste, and it was here that I was finally hooked by this culinary gem of Japanese food.

A space for the enjoyment of all the senses

In addition to fine Asian cuisine and elegant space, this restaurant offers a quiet atmosphere with a quiet, relaxing and familiar atmosphere. In fact, many chose to enjoy their dishes from the large covered and heated terrace, to contemplate the outside on these winter days. Getting to Shabu Experience was not a problem for us either. Its location in the city center is ideal, even close to rush hour. Keep in mind, if you visit the city of Arnhem in Holland, in addition to enjoying its natural beauty, its cultural heritage and its history, remember that you can live an unforgettable experience by staying at Hotel Walburgis Residenties. But, do not hesitate to give the key point to your trip with the enjoyment of high-level Japanese gastronomy that the Shabu Experience offers you. I would, without hesitation, repeat my experience! In other publications I also tell you more about my experiences, mainly in the beautiful Dutch capital, which also keeps priceless treasures of historical wonders.