The streets at night
The park sets its own tempo. Mornings belong to runners and dog walkers; summer evenings bring picnics, bicycles and music drifting over the grass; after dark the paths empty quickly, and the only light comes from scattered lamps and the windows of the houses along its edge. The surrounding streets are some of the quietest in central Amsterdam, which is exactly why guests choose them, and exactly why a little discretion is wise. Townhouse hotels often run a small reception that closes late in the evening, leaving a night bell or a door code for returning guests; tell us how yours works and she will fit in with it. Apartments on the Vondelstraat and in Oud-West usually have shared entrance halls with tiled floors that echo, so the easiest approach is to meet her at the street door. Please do not suggest meeting in the park itself. She comes to your room, and only ever to your room. The park stays open through the night, but after midnight its paths are best left to cyclists hurrying home.
