Amsterdam – the city of Rembrandt and Van Gogh, Baruch Spinoza, and Anne Frank. Born in the late 12th century as a fishing village, Amsterdam became the political and cultural capital of Nederlands. Today we call the city as the “Venice of the North” for many canals flowing through its center. Don’t miss an opportunity to appreciate its splendor. Come and make sure they enjoy the city’s highlights to the fullest. And remember to do it with style by booking one of the best hotels in Amsterdam.
Where To Stay in Amsterdam
The Center of Amsterdam lies at the south shore of IJ. It’s a buzzing hub offering access to the Royal Palace, charming shops of Haalremmerdijk, and the Red-Light District. It’s a perfect location if you love historical or would like to experience Amsterdam’s nightlife. Many of the best hotels in Amsterdam city center lie in the area offering easy access to the city highlights.
Moving further away from the Center, you’ll find Grachtengordel or Canal Ring. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a heaven for history buffs and shutterbugs. You can spend hours exploring centuries-old mansions and hidden courtyards. The area’s draws include the floating Flower Market, quaint boutiques of Nine Streets, and Anne Frank’s house. Not to mention the lovely canals that you can cruise all day long. In addition, the western part of Grachtengordel borders with Jordaan. This former working-class quarter, now known as an enclave for artists and designers.
If none of the above sounds like your cup of tea, try the sophisticated Musuemkwartier. This affluent neighborhood houses the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. During the day, the area buzzes with daytrippers. But in the evening, once the crowds leave, it radiates a quiet, refined atmosphere. What’s more, on the neighborhood’s edge lies Vondelpark, Amsterdam’s largest green space. Here you can escape the noise of the city center and enjoy nature. It’s something to consider when choosing between the best hotels in Amsterdam, city center or not.
Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht – a concept by Hyatt
11
Set in the Amsterdam canal belt, Andaz welcomes you with comfort and luxury. Waters of the Prinsengracht canal peacefully reflect the hotel’s elegant facade. But as soon as you cross the threshold, a surprise awaits you. In contrast to the classic exterior, Andaz’s interior carries a quirky hue of a futurist, Dutch-inspired design by Marcel Wanders. The modern decor doesn’t rob the Andaz rooms of warmth and coziness. Each room boasts a king bed and a sitting area where you can unwind over favorite Netflix shows and minibar drinks. Window views include Amsterdam’s canals, the hotel’s landscaped garden, or the interior lobby. You may not want to walk away from your windows!
In case you need to do some work, the hotel offers fast, free Wi-Fi and coffee/tea-making facilities. They’ll keep you right on track. And once you finish your tasks, you can head to a tranquil or get some exercise in the on-site gym. You won’t also lack other types of entertainment. That’s because Andaz offers bike rental, boat tours, and library access. Not to mention that the hotel stands only a short walk away from the fashionable Jordaan and the night scene of Leidseplein.
As befits one of the best hotels in Amsterdam city center, Andaz also spoils with excellent dining options. The hip Bluespoon Restaurant stands out with a creative approach to European cuisine. Many of its seasonal ingredients come from the hotel’s herb and vegetable garden. There is also a polished bar with an open bar counter overlooking the waterfront. We really recommend trying it. The view is spectacular, and the handcrafted cocktails worth the morning headache.
Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam
10
If The Grand doesn’t swap you off your feet, we don’t know what could. This stylish hotel boasts a Dutch Classicist facade and a warm, French-inspired interior. It stands in the very heart of historic Amsterdam, 5 minutes’ walk from Dam Square and Royal Palace. Both The Grand and Andaz made you our list of top 11 gay-friendly hotels in Amsterdam.
The Grand features 179 plush rooms and suites overflowing with modern amenities. You can enjoy a walk-in rain forest shower, a flat-screen TV, and a Nespresso machine in each space. You get standard free Wi-Fi. But if you want to be 100 percent sure that your online meeting goes undisturbed, you can also request higher-speed Internet for an extra charge. Likewise, if you wish for an even more upmarket experience, you can book one of The Grand’s suites. Those come with Bose entertainment systems and butler service. In some, you’ll get kitchens, dining rooms, and hammams, too.
Staying at the Grand comes with plenty of perks. For once, you have access to the hotel’s ritzy spa with a heated indoor pool and gym. There’s also The Garden Terrace – an inner garden, where, weather permitting, you can relax there over a drink or coffee. But, if you’re looking for more gourmet experience, dine at Bridges. This on-site restaurant focuses on serving the best seafood in town. It also has a fitting selection of fine wines. But no worries if you crave something more down to earth. The Grand also features a more casual bistro Oriole serving Mediterranean feasts. Besides, you also get The Flying Dutchman – a traditional Dutch brown café offering imported and local spirits. Sounds inviting, doesn’t it?
Conservatorium Hotel
9
Time to switch our location and move to Museumkwartier – home to Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk Museum, and Van Gogh Museum. Here stands another gem among the best hotels in Amsterdam city center, Conservatorium Hotel. Set in a former music conservatory, the hotel boasts a splendid Neo-Gothic facade and elegant contemporary interior. Each room offers floor-to-ceiling windows and brushed-oak flooring. The warm colors and high-quality linens invite you to fall asleep in a large, comfy bed. You also get several extra perks, including free Wi-Fi and a private min-bar.
While staying at Conservatorium, you get complimentary access to the hotel’s spa. The place is a dream come true for anyone seeking relaxation. Inside awaits you a whirlpool, sauna, Watsu pool, and indoor swimming pool. Not to mention dozens of oriental massage treatments you can request. When it comes to food, the Conservatorium Lounge is a must-visit. Located inside a striking glass atrium, the restaurant is a heaven of plush sofas and coffee. Alternatively, you can head to Taiko, an award-winning Asian restaurant and bar. The venue is famous for its sushi and signature Orient-inspired cocktails. It also features in-house DJ performance three days a week. Oh! We shouldn’t also forget to mention that Conservatorium lies only a 10-minutes walk from the starting point of a half-day bus tour across the Dutch countryside. It’s a perfect opportunity to see local windmills, try regional cheese, and put on traditional clogs.
The Dylan Amsterdam
8
How do you feel about shopping? Would you like to bring some high-quality gifts from your Amsterdam trip? Spoil yourself with a fashionable watch or treat your spouse to a glamorous pair of shoes? If you answer yes to any of those questions, standing in the heart of the Nine Streets shopping district Dylan is the right lodging for you. The sleek lodging will charm you with its 17th-century facade and a classic interior. Refined guest rooms boast cozy elegance. As soon as you cross the threshold, they greet you with a flood of warm natural light and subtle colors. In some, you’ll find canopy beds. Others feature loft bedrooms or cathedral ceilings. Amenities such as free Wi-Fi, Bose sound systems, and flat-screen TVs are on hand.
Dylan should be a top choice not only for fashionistas hunting for a new trophy. Foodies also should consider this location. After all, it’s both one of the best hotels in Amsterdam city center and home to the Michelin-starred Vinkeles. This gourmet heaven occupies an 18th-century bakery with garden views. It serves sophisticated French cuisine complemented by a selection of excellent wines. There’s also a more casual Bar Brasserie OCCO where you can unwind over a cocktail. And if you ever decide that you must lose some extra calories, Dylan features a well-equipped gym, too.
Hotel TwentySeven
7
No other upmarket lodging stands as close to the historic center of Amsterdam as Hotel TwentySeven. Located opposite to Madame Tussauds Museum, the opulent property overlooks the Royal Palac and Dam Square. It’s not an easy feat to become a guest of this sumptuous lodging. After all, TwentySeven offers only sixteen suites. But what rooms are those! Plush, individually designed with handmade fabrics and oak wooden floors. They all come with soundproofed windows and doors. You can completely forget about the outside World while watching Netflix or reading.
TwentySeven makes sure that you eat as well as you sleep. Expect a mouthwatering experience in the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant. The venue spoils with exquisite European cuisine and wine. Likewise, an on-site bar will provide you with an impressive selection of whiskeys and probiotic cocktails. You can also relax there over Dutch beer and free Wi-Fi. But pay attention! TwentySeven doesn’t offer fitness club access. So, instead of a morning treadmill run, you must find a different way to lose extra weight. Try to a 2.5 hour long Amsterdam walking tour. It starts just behind the corner.
Pulitzer Amsterdam
6
We are moving now to Jordaan, a former workers’ quarter full of old homes, offbeat art galleries, and cafes. Here stands upmarket Pulitzer Amsterdam occupying 25 interlinked 17th and 18th-century canal houses.
The lovely lodging greets guests with bright, sophisticated decor. You’ll discover here some unusual in-room accessories – vintage telephones and bike repair sets. But, you also get plenty of more traditional technological perks such as free Wi-Fi or a minibar.
Staying at Pulitzer comes with extra perks. You’ll find here a cozy fitness center and a lovely inner garden connected with the on-site café Pause. There is also a trendy Jansz and Pulitzer’s Bar voted Best Hotel Bar in Amsterdam in 2019. And let’s not forget about the best! At Pulitzer, you can book a canal cruise on a classic 1920s-style salon boat together with a suitable selection of bites and drinks.
De L’Europe Amsterdam
5
De L’Europe is a state-of-art hotel overlooking the Amstel River. The lodging neighbors with the renowned floating Flower Market on the Singel Canal. Rain or shine, the area radiates vibrant colors and sweet fragrances. De L’Europe befits its neighborhood. Set in a 19th-century mansion, the plush hotel features an interior full of elegance and refined colors. Each room boasts a replica of Dutch master paintings. Some guest spaces offer balconies with river views. Others spoil with a panorama of historic streets and squares. Amenities include Apple TVs, Bose sound systems, and motion-detecting floor lighting.
De L’Europe is one of the few best hotels in Amsterdam city center with an indoor swimming pool. The hotel also features a luxurious wellness center and a fitness studio. Likewise, if you are a foodie, you can enjoy a fabulous Michelin- starred Bord’Eau. There is also a more casual brasserie Marie offering meals indoor or on the hotel’s waterfront terrace. And if you’re looking for evening entertainment, head to the iconic Freddy’s Bar. The venue serves signature cocktails and beer on tap accompanied by live piano music.
Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam
4
Let’s move further south of the Flower Market. We are now at the fashionable Herengracht Canal. Here stands Waldorf Astoria. The grand hotel occupies six 17th-century canal palaces. Inside, await individually decorated rooms, upgraded suites, and lofts with canal and inner garden views.
For your comfort and convenience, plush furnishing comes with wooden desks and spotless bathrooms. Entertainment-wise, Astoria offers a free bike rental service. You also can book a bike tour or local culture class at the lobby desk. Once you finish sightseeing, come back to the hotel and head to the on-site Guerlain spa. Its selection of luxurious wellness treatment to choose is one of the most extensive in town. Alternatively, you can drop at the local fitness center or jump into the indoor swimming pool.
You decide that it’s time for a snack, stop at one of Astoria’s for dining venues. The venues offer an array of experiences from a sleek brassier to an iconic eatery or intimate bar. You won’t get bored. And even if you do, Astoria neighbors with some of the finest restaurants in town. We’re sure you’ll find at least one to enjoy.
Luxury Suites Amsterdam – Member of Warwick Hotels
3
Among the best hotels in Amsterdam city center, Luxury Suites is the one that stands the closest to the city’s Jewish quarter. Portuguese Synagogue and the Jewish Historical Museum are both within a short walk. Here, you’ll also find the starting point for the Life of Anne Frank and the World War II Walking Tour.
Luxury Suites occupied a redbrick building overlooking the Oudeschans Canal. The ritzy hotel offers elegant, spacious suites with a fully equipped kitchen and a minibar. In each room, you’ll find king bedding and a seating area where you can relax after a long day. Upgraded suites boast canal views and soaking tubs. Activity-wise, you get access to an indoor fitness club. Likewise, you can book an in-room massage or seek a concierge to arrange a city tour. An on-site restaurant offers an excellent selection of Japanese cuisine. Besides, you can unwind over a beer or cocktail in a chic hotel bar.
Ambassade Hotel
2
Ambassade comprises ten adjoining historic mansions overlooking the Herengracht Canal. This upmarket hotel stands 10 minutes’ walk from the Anne Frank House. Dam Square and the Royal Palace are barely 600 meters away. Befitting its neighborhood, Ambassade will spoil you for comfort with its refined French-inspired furnishing. Decorative pillows and soft linens encourage you to stretch on the bed and enjoy a new TV series on the hotel’s flat-screen.
There are plenty of perks that come with staying in this hotel. One of them is a superb library boasting over 5000 books and a bar with delectable vintages. Alternatively, you can dine in the exclusive Brasserie Ambassade. The venue specializes in French cuisine. As a guest, you also get a discount to the on-site floatation center.
Pillows Luxury Boutique Hotel Anna Van Den Vondel Amsterdam
1
Pillows Luxury Boutique Hotel is the last but not the least on our list of the best hotels in Amsterdam. With this upscale property, we move to the Vondelpark neighborhood. This lush green area is perfect if you look for a serene atmosphere and long walks. Museumkwartier is also in a walking distance.
Set in an elegant 19th-century mansion, Pillows will charm you with chic, vibrant decor. The property features a private garden with some rooms overlooking the green space. You’ll love staying here – each guest space features a queen-size bed with premium bed linens that beg to be used. In addition, you get a walk-in shower and a wireless sound system. Now, you can listen to your favorite music while taking a bath. In upgraded suites, you can enjoy a morning coffee on a terrace or a French balcony. Meanwhile, if you crave something to eat, try the hotel’s The Living – an open space where you can enjoy full meals, bits, and bites all day round. And if you think that’s not enough, step outside and explore the dining scene of Vondelpark. The refined area is home to many sophisticated restaurants and polished bars.
Recommended Restaurants / Bars in Amsterdam:
- In ʼt Aepjen – Don’t miss this famed traditional Dutch pub that used to accept sailors’ monkeys as a payment. You’ll find here candle-topped tables, wooden floor, and a cozy vibe that will make you chat for hours over drinks. Founded in 1519, In’t Aepjen doesn’t have a website, but you’ll find it on Zeedijk 1.
- Dinner Train – This rolling restaurant takes you on a breathtaking tour through the Dutch countryside. As you pass tulip fields and windmills, the staff serves refined local-inspired meals.
- Restaurant de Kas – One of Amsterdam’s best restaurants is basically a greenhouse where you eat what grows there. Menus change daily, depending on produce picked from the garden that day.
Recommended Activities In Amsterdam:
- Get on the bike – The best way to see Amsterdam is to take the city is a bike ride. After all, the city has more bikes (1 million) than people.
- Albert Cuyp Market – This lovely street market came to life in 1904 and now consists of over 300 stalls. You’ll find here everything from fruit and vegetable to clothing and cosmetics, both domestic and imported. The area is also famous for many ethnic restaurants and bars.
- Try a raw herring – While it may sound a bit scary to the first-time visitors, you should certainly give a try to this local delicacy. Get your snack from a haringhandels or herring carts serving up this Dutch specialty all over the city.
