The Yays – Crane Apartment

Sleeping in an industrial crane while visiting Amsterdam.

Dutch company Yays is a new travel and hotel concept. Restoring historical building, the brand offers concierged boutique apartments that blend heritage and contemporary design with an impressive customer service. Currently, locations include Amsterdam and Barcelona, but the brand will no doubt expand in the future to other popular destinations. Among the company’s hotels, the crane hotel Amsterdam stands out thanks to its past. The iconic Figee crane dates back to 1957. It was built on the KNSM Island, in an industrial harbor which was a veritable bridge between The Netherlands and the rest of the world, after the end of WWII.

Now, the island has transformed into a thriving, bustling creative hub with art galleries, restaurants, and local shops. The restored and renovated Yays – Crane Apartment offers a memorable travel experience while also providing direct access to this vibrant neighborhood in Eastern Amsterdam. Designed by Dutch designer Edward van Vliet, the apartment welcomes guests into a refined space. The decor features original industrial elements as well as modern details. If Copenhagen’s The Krane has a stark minimalist decor in shades of gray and black, the Crane hotel Amsterdam boasts a brighter interior. Wooden floors complement steel beams, while modern furniture adds more style and comfort.

The three shipping containers stacked inside the crane’s frame provide generous space. Indeed, the apartment contains two bedrooms and a modern bathroom with a large bathtub and a separate shower. A living room and a fully equipped kitchen with a dining area complete the list. The top bedroom boasts a glazed wall, providing gorgeous views of Amsterdam. Apart from the accommodation, Yays also offers a range of services. These include airport pickup, Yays bikes to explore the city on two wheels, housekeeping as well as the company’s signature concierge service. Photographs© Yays.