A design hotel like no other, the Lloyd and its accompanying ‘cultural embassy’ has been dabbled with by some of the finest minds in Dutch design and architecture. Rooms range from one star to five (hence the price variations), but all are done out in such a way as to give arty types and those with an eye for design mild palpitations of pleasure. It’s a spot that defies classification and one where, for once, the hyperbole of the marketing folk is justified. There are regular artists in residence, and the cultural embassy includes a permanent exhibition of the hotel’s history, an extensive library, and runs a ‘matchmaking’ service to bring together Dutch cultural types for creative projects. The only minor grumble is that his lovely 1920s built structure is down by the docks, but even so, it’s a five-minute cycle to the heart of the action.