Amsterdam City-Center Hotels Unite in Helping Out the Area's Biggest Animal Shelter

AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS--(Marketwired - Dec 16, 2013) - With so many cossetted pets sporting designer sweaters and posh strollers nowadays, it might be easy to forget that these privileged few are indeed the few. Plenty other furry friends end up rescued or donated to organizations like the Animal Shelter Amsterdam, a haven of hope for abandoned animals. But at the Amsterdam Marriott Hotel and the Renaissance Amsterdam Hotel, the staff members didn't forget. Instead, they recently rolled up their sleeves and got to work to provide the hands-on support organizations like this one need.

Located in Amsterdam New West, the Animal Shelter of Amsterdam can accommodate up to 180 dogs and 480 cats while also offering daycare and grooming services. There is, in other words, plenty for volunteers to do. And so, on November 1, 10 associates from these two hotels near Amsterdam's iconic canals made their way to the sprawling shelter to help out with the day-to-day duties. They scoured kennels and hutches, did laundry and performed outdoor maintenance tasks like clearing leaves and cutting down bushes. By the end of the day, these volunteers had the satisfaction of seeing the difference their work made at the shelter.

The day came as part of Marriott's Global Customer Appreciation Week, when properties around the world find a new way each day to thank their customers and communities for their support. Considering the two hotels' prime but distinct locations -- one hotel resides in Amsterdam's museum quarter, while the other Amsterdam hotel is near the historic Jordaan quarter -- the week afforded unique opportunities for staff to express gratitude and explore Marriott's concept, Spirit to Serve.

Both properties, however, boast some of the most stylish and modern hotel rooms in Amsterdam that include broadband Internet, clean-lined furnishings and opportunities to upgrade to Executive or Club Levels. So when guests enjoy the amenities of either of these two properties, they can rest easy knowing their comfort and convenience translate to positive changes within the local community.

About the Amsterdam Marriott Hotel
With 396 guest rooms and suites, a central location near the lively Leidseplein and 12 futuristically redesigned meeting rooms, the Amsterdam Marriott Hotel is an appealing place both to work and play. Its casual Sorel's Midtown Bar and Lounge and upscale Midtown Grill are ideal for a quick bite in between meetings, or a leisurely culinary experience after a day of sightseeing. Amsterdam's restaurants, shopping and cultural highlights, meanwhile, are just steps from this modern hotel.

About the Renaissance Amsterdam Hotel
Positioned within the city's historic downtown, the recently renovated Renaissance Amsterdam Hotel embodies the best of the past and the future. Case in point is the 17^th-century Koepelkerk, a former church that is attached to the hotel and now functions as a spectacular event space. Visitors enjoy equally impressive accommodations with plush bedding, broadband Internet and HDTV in their guest rooms. Three dining options, meanwhile, meet demands for creative menus, stylish meeting places and convenience. It's no wonder, then, that this hotel was ranked by Condé Nast Traveler as seventh among the top 25 hotels in Northern Europe.