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Times
17 hours ago
- Times
Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky review: a grand, stylish Amsterdam stay
The scene is set inside this hotel's belle époque-era Winter Garden: an exclusive jewel box courtyard of palms and peacock colours, accented beneath a 19th-century glass roof. As for the clientele, this is where dapper chaps and well-heeled ladies breakfast late and attend evening high society balls. The lavish restaurant is surely the Dutch capital's best example of turn-of-the-century ambience and both the Winter Garden and its encompassing hotel owe much of their charm to the name above the entrance: Adolf Wilhelm Krasnapolsky, a Polish tailor who arrived in the city in 1856 and set about creating a swinging scene that's lasted until today. But that's not to say Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky is old-fashioned. Yes, it's wonderfully nostalgic, but that marries with Anantara's renowned light touch to make it a classically modern affair, and its rooms and dinner jaunts are a rare and luxurious thing. As for service, it's refreshingly hands-off, unlike so much of Amsterdam's cut and thrust these days. This article contains affiliate links, which may earn us revenue Score 8/10If you're familiar with the Anantara brand, you'll know it for its plush hotels in Thailand, the Maldives and the UAE. It's a similar deal here, as there are 402 rooms, the largest of any in the company's globe-trotting portfolio, and they are spread across 55 canal houses, all of which have been geometrically puzzled together like one giant optical illusion from the Dutch mind-bender MC Escher. The silky colour scheme in each of the rooms is soft and neutral — swan white, porcelain, chiffon and chrome. There is also modern ergonomic Dutch design and a spectrum of deluxe and premium rooms that come with oversized windows, rooftop or canal views and bathrooms of ivory marble and polished wood. For the pick of the bunch, opt for the bumper-sized Grand Premium Dam View, with bathtub basking in natural light. Score 9/10 That Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky has become the focus of chit-chat in the Amsterdam food scene is largely because of the chef Tristan de Boer, born and bred in the city. He is chef de cuisine at the one-Michelin-star White Room, a restaurant as beautiful as the Winter Garden and an ode to the history of the French brasserie. The original restaurant, De Witte Zaal, opened in 1885 and maintains its handsome look with gilded mirrors, marble pillars and striking torso sculptures. Food-wise, it unites the best French ingredients (macarons, ceps, artichokes à la barigoule) with the Dutch kitchen (smoked mackerel, north sea crab, black caviar). Whatever you do, dress up. The hotel's other two talking points are Grand Café Krasnapolsky, a Viennese-style fantasy of cakes, macarons and meringues and a bar focusing on the art of tailoring and created as a hat's tip to Krasnapolsky. Though it's short on subtlety (spot the thimble lights, sewing machine, jumbo pair of scissors, measuring tape edging the counter bar), the Tailor is still fresh and fun for a hotel bar. • Read our full guide to Amsterdam• Best boutique hotels in Amsterdam Score 8/10With so much history, this is a hotel that has a lot to say. Cue a hotel archivist who puts on mini exhibitions (free, year-round) and with snippets that you actually want to know about (Martin Luther King once gave a speech here, for instance). There is also a spa (no pool) and a fitness centre with a 360-degree climbing wall. Bicycles can be booked too. Score 9/10Over the years, Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky has become a monument for locals, with 'Meet me by Kras' becoming a common shorthand. For that reason, there's collective gratitude for its location, right on Dam Square, facing the National Royal Palace, ten minutes' walk from Amsterdam Centraal station and in the mix of the city's loveliest streets. Next door is Wynand Fockink, opened in 1679 and the oldest distillery in Amsterdam. Price B&B doubles from £264Restaurant YFamily-friendly YAccessible Y Mike MacEacheran was a guest of Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky ( • Best boat hotels in Amsterdam• Best hostels in Amsterdam for a backpacking break
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Windermere speedster CJ Bronaugh's gives Gators first top-100 commitment in '26 class
GAINESVILLE — Windermere cornerback CJ Bronaugh's commitment Wednesday gives Florida its first top-100 prospect of a 2026 class rising the rankings by the day. UF moved to No. 13 in 247Sports team composite rankings with the commitment of Bronaugh, considered the nation's No. 12 player at his position and No. 99 overall. He also holds the No. 9 spot in the Sentinel's 2026 Central Florida Super60 football prospects. Advertisement Bronaugh originally committed to Nebraska last fall. But he flipped to UF on Wednesday even after recently visiting Florida State, one of more than two dozen schools pursuing the 6-foot-1, 166-pound speedster from Winter Garden. Bronaugh compiled 30 tackles, three for loss, six interceptions, including three pick-sixes, and four pass breakups in eight games in 2024, according to MaxPreps. But Bronaugh was unstoppable in 2025 as a sprinter, highlighted by a 10.24 time in the 100-meter dash at the Florida Relays — to rank No. 3 all-time in the Orlando area. His 10.34 to win the Class 4A state title might be the last time he displayed his speed away from the football field. 'It's all about summer football workouts and my college visits,' Bronaugh told the Orlando Sentinel last week. 'I'm going to put on some more muscle and keep my speed up. It definitely helps to be fast on the field.' Advertisement Few will be faster than Bronaugh, who won his final 13 100 races, including nine in 2025 with six of them 10.34 or faster. He also had four 200 victories in four tries, including an area-best 20.87 in the 200 for a third school record. Bronaugh is the 13th commitment, and ninth in two weeks, for the Gators and coach Billy Napier. Edgar Thompson can be reached at egthompson@
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Gunshots reported outside Winter Garden City Hall, police say
The Brief The incident was between a husband and wife, according to police. No victims were found at the location, according to police. The investigation remains ongoing. WINTER GARDEN, Fla. - Officials with the Winter Garden Police Department responded to reports of shots fired in downtown Winter Garden on Saturday evening. Police responded to a domestic incident between a husband and wife where shots were fired, according to officials. There were no victims found at the location, according to police. The investigation remains ongoing.
Associated Press
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
SpeedPuzzlingTips.com Refresh: Easier Access for Speed Puzzling, Jigsaw Puzzle Players
Newly updated website offers 100+ informative articles useful to jigsaw puzzle and speed puzzling players of all skill levels. 'We built to be a resource that speaks to the joy and challenge of jigsaw puzzles. The updated website reflects our dedication to supporting the growing speed puzzling community.'— Missy Walker WINTER GARDEN, FL, UNITED STATES, May 27, 2025 / / -- A new, refreshed look to the website was released this week. Known for information about speed puzzling and jigsaw puzzles, the revamped website makes finding information about this hobby easier. Using feedback from the puzzle community, the site was enhance to include over 100 articles written by fellow puzzle enthusiasts, easier to navigate tools and more. This website is an online resource for tips, tricks, and ideas to enhance playing a jigsaw puzzle. The revamped includes hundreds of tips and advice for puzzle players. Whether a seasoned pro or just starting out, this website caters to puzzle enthusiasts. With its user-friendly interface and easy navigation, finding the information about playing jigsaw puzzles has never been easier. What's new on the site: - 100+ articles featuring jigsaw puzzle strategies, community engagement and expert advice. - Event coverage of major jigsaw puzzle competitions across the country. - User-friendly page layout - Tips and guides to help jigsaw puzzle players improve solving times. - New sorting, edge-finding, timing and other techniques for jigsaw puzzle playing. - Fresh ideas for family puzzle nights, team challenges, and puzzle-themed fun. 'The site was built to be a resource that speaks to the joy and challenge of jigsaw puzzles,' says Missy Walker, an editor for the site. 'The relaunch reflects the dedication to supporting the growing speed puzzling community with content that's both helpful and fun.' What sets apart from other puzzle websites is the focus on community. The articles are written by puzzle players for puzzle players, making it a truly authentic and valuable resource. From tips on how to improve speed and accuracy to ideas for hosting a community own puzzle events, this website digs deep into the world of jigsaw puzzles. Plus, regular updates and new content is being added weekly. The site is free to explore and is exclusively dedicated to speed puzzling and jigsaw puzzles. Keeping to the theme of the community, does donate puzzles to upcoming puzzle competitions. With an easy to fill out form on the site, jigsaw puzzle clubs, speed puzzle clubs and other community puzzle clubs can submit requests for puzzles to use at events. 'Being part of the puzzle community is important,' said Walker. 'We look at every request and see how to help. With a number of resources at our fingertips, the chance to offer puzzles, donations and arrange other opportunities so puzzle players can enjoy their competitions is possible. Do consider filling out the form on the website and sharing what might need for the next puzzle event.' offers tips and valuable advice help enhance and enjoy a jigsaw puzzle experience. Visit today and join the growing community of speed puzzlers from around the world. Missy Walker Speed Puzzling Tips [email protected] Visit us on social media: LinkedIn Instagram Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Associated Press
17-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Insurance Marketing Coalition Responds to DOJ Allegations: A Call for Perspective, Clarity, and Consumer-Centered Reform
Winter Garden, FL May 16, 2025 --( )-- Following is a statement from Insurance Marketing Coalition in response to DOJ allegations: The Insurance Marketing Coalition (IMC), representing ethical marketing leaders in the Health and Medicare insurance ecosystem, acknowledges the seriousness of the recent allegations raised by the Department of Justice regarding practices among certain carriers and digital marketing intermediaries. This moment demands more than reflection. It calls for education, clarity, and a fair understanding of how this market operates. Most brokers and agents operate within a fragmented and highly restricted landscape. This is not a marketplace with open access or equal footing. The current regulatory framework allows carriers to select which brokers and agents can represent their products. At the same time, brokers must invest heavily in onboarding, compliance, and operational resources to represent even a single carrier. The result is a system where no participant enjoys a level playing field. The DOJ's complaint assumes financial arrangements distort competition, but it overlooks the deeper constraints that are already built into the structure of this industry. Second, the complaint seems to confuse the act of marketing with unethical behavior. We reject that assumption. Yes, brokers and agencies advertise. That is not improper. In a privatized system with overlapping coverage options and varying plan types, marketing plays a critical role in consumer awareness. Millions of Americans have gained knowledge of supplemental benefits because they saw an ad, spoke with a licensed agent, and received guidance tailored to their situation. The reality is far more nuanced than the headlines suggest. Benefit Awareness: Widespread outreach has helped more than half of eligible beneficiaries enroll in Medicare Advantage plans. These plans often offer benefits such as dental, vision, and hearing that traditional Medicare does not include. Product Choice: While no broker can represent every plan, they are required to disclose what they do and do not offer. Many go beyond what's required by helping consumers understand the range of options available in their area. Human Support: Licensed agents and brokers speak with thousands of Americans each day. Many of those conversations do not result in a sale. Still, agents complete needs assessments, explain drug coverage, and help consumers understand provider networks and budget requirements. Unlike government-run call centers, our members offer real-time, personalized guidance without long waits or rushed answers. During the most recent Annual Enrollment Period, this commitment became even more important. Several carriers made the decision to exit entire plan regions for 2025. In many cases, consumers were reassigned to different plans or left without coverage entirely. While official notices were sent, they were often overlooked. Brokers and agencies stepped in to help. Through advertising, outbound calls, and educational campaigns, they helped consumers understand what was changing and what actions they could take. Yes, bad actors exist in every industry. Health insurance is no exception. The DOJ has identified examples that deserve scrutiny, but these examples are not the norm. To suggest that all brokers, agencies, and marketing organizations operate with disregard for ethics is inaccurate and unfair. IMC continues to advocate for reforms that protect consumers, support independent brokers, and improve transparency. We encourage legislators and regulators to meet with us and learn how this market functions in practice. We believe that better understanding will lead to better policy. Accountability is important. So is accuracy. And so is preserving the access, guidance, and service that millions of seniors depend on each year. About IMC The Insurance Marketing Coalition (IMC) is a non-partisan, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting ethical marketing practices in the Health and Medicare insurance industry. We represent a diverse community of agencies, brokers, and marketing organizations committed to consumer empowerment, informed choice, and transparent coverage support. Rachel Honoway Vice President, Insurance Marketing Coalition [email protected] Contact Information: Insurance Marketing Coalition Farzin Espahani or Rachel Honoway 801-707-7139 Contact via Email Read the full story here: Insurance Marketing Coalition Responds to DOJ Allegations: A Call for Perspective, Clarity, and Consumer-Centered Reform Press Release Distributed by
