Eurostar today marks an historic milestone in the expansion of international high-speed rail as it embarks on its inaugural journey from the UK direct to The Netherlands.

InterContinental Hotels Group has welcomed Mike Robinson to the role of general manager of the upcoming Kimpton De Witt, set to open in spring 2017. The property will be the first Kimpton Hotel & Restaurant outside of the Americas.

The final touches of Pulitzer Amsterdam’s extensive restoration have been put into place, and the iconic 45-year old hotel celebrates its grand opening today with the completion of a quintessentially Dutch redesign across its labyrinth of 25 Golden Age canal houses. The re-opening of Pulitzer Amsterdam’s Prinsengracht canal side of the hotel sees the unveiling of areas including the main entrance and lobby, the inner gardens, a two-storey gym, as well as a further 145 guestrooms and suites.

The newly restored Pulitzer Amsterdam has announced its launch for February 2016, bringing a new interior design to the hotel that showcases the building’s heritage and architectural splendour. This follows a phased restoration of the former 45 year-old Hotel Pulitzer to reposition its 25 interlinked Golden Age canal houses as one of Amsterdam’s leading luxury hotels.

Amsterdam and Airbnb have announced an agreement that will promote responsible home sharing and simplify the payment of tourist tax for hosts in the city. Under the agreement the city and Airbnb will work together to provide hosts with clearer and more accessible information on the rules for home sharing. Airbnb will also simplify the payment of tourist tax by collecting and remitting on behalf of hosts.

For years it has been seen as a rite of passage for teenagers from across the UK, but the weekend break to the Netherlands to enjoy cannabis-selling coffee shops has taken a serious blow. From January, coffee shops in the southern provinces of Limburg, North-Brabant and Zeeland will be designated as private members clubs, effectively barring foreign visitors.