Leafy, quirky neighborhoods, world-class museums, and a spider’s web of Golden Age canals – Amsterdam has it all. The Dutch capital, a.k.a. the Venice of the North, is all about fabulous dining and drinking scenes, vintage shops, and treasure-packed structures. It’s also one of the best places to go for structures with glorious pasts; think former almshouses, old schools, converted canalside mansions, and more. That’s why some of the best, most expensive hotels in Amsterdam also include historic hotels, besides contemporary ones, of course. So, you can expect rooms of all sizes and shapes and interiors ranging from the headily luxurious to hip. Plus, they have all manners of decor, right from the zenith of contemporary design to organized antique-store clutter.
Not just the builds but even their offerings are some of the most amazing in town, whether it’s their Michelin-starred restaurants and bars or decadent subterranean spas. Here’s a lowdown on the priciest Amsterdam stays, which are the best way to top off an exclusive experience in the Dutch capital.
Table of contents
- Pillows Maurits at the Park
- Pulitzer Amsterdam
- The Dylan Amsterdam
- W Amsterdam
- Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam
- Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam
- Hotel Okura Amsterdam
- InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam
- Hotel TwentySeven
- Conservatorium
- De L’Europe Amsterdam
- What is the best length of stay in Amsterdam?
- What is the most luxurious part of Amsterdam?
- Which part of Amsterdam is best to stay?
Pillows Maurits at the Park
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Travelers seeking an urban oasis in the city will love Pillows Maurits at the Park, which lies on the edge of the leafy Oosterpark, one of Amsterdam’s greenest spaces. Despite lying steps from lively bars, restaurants, and shops, this intimate hotel feels like an escape from the hustle and bustle. Sitting in a former medical university, the design team has put in a huge effort to preserve every historical detail — and it shows. Think colorful, glazed bricks and stained glass windows.
One of the most unique features of this hotel is the many nesting boxes, which means that you’ll hear frequent birdsong breaking out every few minutes. The rooftop Fitz’s Bar, a plush, speakeasy-inspired space, is perfect for drinking cocktails during spring and summer. With excellent park views, it’s always buzzing with a hip and friendly crowd. Moreover, the two restaurants, Van Oost and the Spring Brasserie, serve delicious meals, right from breakfast to dinner.
You’ll love the rooms with classic canal views or more bucolic park views. What’s more, they’re peppered across an old structure and a new wing, but all have floor-to-ceiling windows, elegant decor, and swish mod-cons. While the entry-level Luxury Rooms start at EUR 500 (USD 540), the Grand Suite costs EUR 1,250 (USD 1,340).
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Pulitzer Amsterdam
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in Amsterdam’s central Negen Straatjes (Nine Streets) shopping district, The Pulitzer Amsterdam overlooks the Prinsengracht canal and boasts a unique setup. That’s because its digs are spread across 25 historic canal homes dating to the 17th-18th century! The exterior might be historical, but the interiors are utterly modern — think walls lined with brass trumpets, an archway of books, and muted hues accented by jewel tones.
The quirky interior theme continues at the Art Deco-style Putlizer’s Bar, where you can enjoy a few cocktails before you head to the onsite restaurant Jansz for dinner. What makes staying here luxurious is that you can enjoy a private cruise on the canals every afternoon in the hotel’s very own private boat, The Tourist. The best bit? They can even arrange for floating picnics!
Canal view rooms offer direct views of Amsterdam’s most famous attraction, while Collector’s Suites each have their own private entrances. Luxe Le Labo toiletries and clever bike repair kits can be found in every room. When it comes to the rooms, they’re of all sizes and shapes. However, they all come with Luxe Le Labo bath products and clever bike repair kits; Amsterdam’s one of the world’s most bicycle-friendly cities, after all. While the Classic Queen room costs EUR 600 (USD 650), the Pulitzer Suite (for 2) costs EUR 1,250 (USD 1,340). However, the most expensive room is the Merchant Suite, which costs EUR 3,800/night (USD 4,070)!
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The Dylan Amsterdam
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Just like other Amsterdam hotels, The Dylan has lived many former lives—first, as a theater and then as a kids’ orphanage before it transformed into the intimate and elegant boutique hotel you see today. It’s exclusive, intimate, and quietly detached from Amsterdam’s hurly-burly, but the interiors are all about historical details. Think a sleeker, dark-marble bar, a fireplace, club-like armchairs in the lounge, and exposed brick walls. The dining scene is the highlight here. For instance, the Michelin-starred restaurant Vinkeles, a former 18th-century bakery, is famed for its French cuisine. On the other hand, you can enjoy brasserie-style bites at OCCO, which has splendid views of the charming courtyard.
The hotel’s sophisticated aesthetic continues the design of all rooms but with three different themes — marble and brass Amber, grey and brown Serendipity, and bronze and copper Loxura. Moreover, there are also more traditional rooms like the Loft suites, complete with exposed beams. While the larger ones have canal views, the cozier ones face the lush and romantic courtyard. While the entry-level Duplex Rooms cost EUR 680 (USD 730), the Luxury Suites with canal views cost EUR 2,000 (USD 1,150).
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W Amsterdam
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Imagine a hotel sitting in a 1906-built bank and a 1920s telephone exchange building – only the W can do this! Welcome to the W Amsterdam, which is one of the most stylish and edgy of Amsterdam’s expensive stays. With canal views on one side and rubbing noses with some of the top things to do in Amsterdam, the location couldn’t be more central.
The sparkly and eager staff live up to W’s trademark ‘Whatever/Whenever’ service, and they can take care of anything and everything. However, the hotel’s amenities stand out, like the rooftop bar at Exchange, which is a hot hangout with events, parties, and whatnot. The star, though, is the rooftop pool at Exchange, which has a heated outdoor pool. You can follow it up with a visit to the subterranean AWAY Spa, which lies in the bank vaults. Wrapping things up are four restaurants/bars; the Michelin-starred Duchess and The Butcher at the bank, Mr Porter atop the Exchange, and the W Lounge.
The rooms and suites range from compact to spacious, but they all have (very) open-plan bathrooms, large mirrors, plush beds, Marshall sound systems, and Espresso machines. The entry-level King Room costs EUR 400 (USD 430) and is the cheapest entry-level room on this list. However, the WOW One-Bedroom Suite with views of the canal costs a cool EUR 2,200 (USD 2,360).
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Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam
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Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam lives up to its name. This luxurious grande dame is spread across three structures: a historic canal house, a 1930s former city hall, and a 17th-century Admiralty building. Together, they form the stately and quietly elegant retreat, at the center of which sits the most stunning and verdant garden courtyard we’ve ever seen in the middle of a city. It’s no wonder it’s one of the best hotels in Amsterdam.
The building was formerly a monastery-cum-lodge for royal visitors, before the Art Deco additions made it Amsterdam’s elegant City Hall. In fact, the white marble floors and high ceilings maintain the sense of grandeur even today, with the secluded courtyards adding to the tranquility. At the same time, the good-sized pool and the small spa feel like excellent boutique amenities, and the majestic Art Deco chambers are still used for functions. Two restaurants, Bridges and the Oriole Garden Bistro, serve everything from breakfast casual to genteel dinners. Did we mention that the hotel has cycles and its own horse-drawn carriage and boat for sightseeing? Yes!
Perhaps this is the only hotel we’ve seen in a long time when a ‘courtyard’ view is probably prettier than any other one. While rooms are spacious and chic, suites have butler services. Entry-level Superior rooms start from EUR 550 (USD 590), and the Royal Suite costs EUR 2,450 (USD 2,650).
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Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam
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The Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam sits on a quiet street overlooking the spectacular UNESCO-designated Herengracht canal. The former 17th-century home of Hendrik Hooft, one of the city’s most influential mayors, saw lots of royalty and noble families, making it a true slice of Dutch history. In fact, there are many testaments to its historic past, like high ceilings, a grand staircase, and marble fireplaces.
It’s not easy to hit the balance between friendly warmth and appropriate formality, but this Waldorf outpost manages to do it like a boss. For starters, there’s a large, semi-formal 17th-century-style garden, which is great for spending time and is overlooked by most of the hotel’s amenities. Besides the spacious gym, there’s also a lovely indoor pool and a tranquil Guerlain Spa. Two restaurants, Peacock Alley and the two Michelin-starred Spectrum, make up the dining scene here. However, the basement speakeasy Vault Bar, a former bank vault, is a rare find, as it’s home to some of the hardest-to-find Scotch whiskeys in the world.
Even standard rooms and their bathrooms are exceptionally spacious. What’s more, all digs boast classic good taste in the form of grey, cream, and muted blue hues, espresso machines, Queen Anne tables, and all-around bathroom mirror lights. Even the standard, entry-level King Deluxe view rooms cost EUR 1,250 (USD 1,340), the highest for entry-level ones on this list. Plus, the One-Bedroom Canal View Suites cost a whopping EUR 2,900/night (USD 3110).
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Hotel Okura Amsterdam
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The serene, Japanese-owned Hotel Okura Amsterdam sits in a 23-story building with panoramic views right outside the trendy De Pijp. The exceptional Asian hospitality is complemented beautifully by the zen-like, calming interiors and excellent, attentive service.
When you enter, you’re treated with grand hotel grace but without any sign of stuffiness. What’s more, three of the four restaurants here — Sazanka, Yamazato, and Ciel Blue — have Michelin stars! Plus, they serve everything from classical Japanese kaiseki and modern Dutch to international fare. One of the best amenities here is the Nagomi Spa and Health, which offers a sublime spa experience. Not only does it have a Turkish steam room and a Japanese stone garden, but it also has treatments from French skincare brand Sothys. Also, did we mention the 60-foot pool? Yep.
Many rooms boast formidable views, but they all come with eminently luxurious bathrooms and beautiful wooden surfaces. Moreover, Executive room guests have access to a private 22nd-floor lounge with complimentary snacks and drinks. While Superior-view rooms start at EUR 570 (USD 610), the Presidential Suite costs EUR 3,300 (USD 3,540).
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InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam
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The ritzy and historic InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam offers an authentic glimpse into Amsterdam’s past. Tucked on the outer edge of the canal ring overlooking the Amstel River, this grand dame has housed everyone from the Rolling Stones and David Bowie to Queen Elizabeth II. Even though it was built in 1867, the hotel isn’t overwhelming or stuffy. Instead, a lobby gleaming with white marble and a sweeping double staircase made us feel like modern royalty.
Despite its long and illustrious history, the service is anything but stiff or formal. Rather, it’s friendly, warm, and engaging. Among the amenities, the 15-meter-long river-facing pool is an absolute favorite. In fact, the river views are so mesmerizing that the small but well-equipped fitness center is also very popular, as is the wellness center with a hot tub, steam room, and sauna. And even though there’s just one restaurant, the Amstel, it offers a superb dining experience, including afternoon tea.
If you were impressed by the amenities, wait until you see the rooms and suites reminiscent of pre-revolutionary France. Think antique work desks, pastel floral prints, white wallpaper, and huge marble bathrooms with deep-soaking tubs. While the entry-level rooms cost around EUR 600 (USD 650), it’s worth upgrading to any of the river-view rooms, which are worth the splurge. The Royal Suite, though, is the ultimate in luxury, costing EUR 3,750/night (USD 4,020).
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Hotel TwentySeven
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The suites-only boutique Hotel TwentySeven is the inimitable brainchild of Dutch design stars Cris van Amsterdam and Wim van de Oudeweetering and hotelier Eric Toren. Perhaps it’s the one place that completely comprehends and embraces the term “more is more.” With every inch of it adorned and draped with sumptuous fabrics, hand-blow chandeliers, and high-end furnishings, TwentySeven is OTT to its last brick.
Amenities
If there ever were an opposite to Dutch Minimalism, then this would be it. Every surface is shiny, adorned, or draped: sculpted Brand van Egmond lights, Pieree Frey silks, and Rubelli damasks. Even though it doesn’t have a pool, spa, or fitness center, the other onsite perks more than makeup for it. We’re talking about the dining scene in the form of the third-floor Michelin star Bougainville, which is one of the city’s hottest tickets. Plus, there’s Bar TwentySeven, with its creative cocktail list that’s made it “the” place to see and be seen in the city.
Rooms
Despite being located right across from busy Dam Square, any noise goes unnoticed, thanks to all suites being fully soundproof. What’s more, they all feature crystal light fixtures, plush velvet sitting, and marble bathrooms with luxe Lanvin and Lalique bath products. Did we mention that every suite comes with its very own butler? Yes! It’s probably why, even though entry-level Junior Suites cost EUR 900 (USD 970), the Grand Terrace Suite (for 2 people) costs EUR 3,800/night (USD 4,070)!
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Conservatorium
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The dazzling renovation of a 19th-century bank turned music school turned luxury hotel resulted in the swanky Conservatorium. With the Stedelijk Museum, Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, and Concertgebouw on one side and Armani, Gucci, and Cartier on the other, you know the hotel is right where it’s meant to be.
Amenities
The weighty 19th-century structure, which was the Sweelinck Music Conservatory for many years, retains original features like stained glass and wall tiles. Moreover, the spacious, glass-enclosed lobby lounge impresses right from the outset and functions as everything from a coffee stop-pff to a sit-down meal place at the brasserie.
You’ll love the ‘Human Library’ of knowledgeable locals who offer concierge service but a more relaxed version. The heavenly spa, Akasha Holistic Wellbeing Centre, is inspired by natural elements and even has an 18-meter pool with tea and fruit beside it and a large fitness center. Two restaurants, the ultra-chic Taiko, serving mainly Japanese fare, and Barbounia, serving Mediterranean fare, up the drinking and dining offerings here.
Rooms
The rooms are extremely spacious by Amsterdam standards, and all share high ceilings, espresso machines, and complimentary smartphones with EU calls and free Wi-Fi. In fact, the grander suites even have swish Sennheiser headphones! While the entry-level Duplex Rooms start at EUR 1,000 (USD 1,100), the suites cost significantly more. The Penthouse Suite, the priciest room in the hotel, costs EUR 9,700 (USD 10,400)!
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De L’Europe Amsterdam
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De L’Europe Amsterdam is a magnificent grand dame in the beating heart of the city. It sits in a regal 19th-century Renaissance structure at the Rokin Canal and the Amstel River crossroads. In fact, its location is where the city’s former defense walls sat, and the structure was formerly a ‘gentleman’s inn of distinction.’ It’s been owned by the Heineken family since the 1950s, and now its walls are chock-full of impressive Dutch art.
Amenities
The amenities here are plentiful – and wonderful. Firstly, there are not one but five dining establishments on the property, including two bars and a trattoria. The airy Hoofdstad Brasserie, with its myriad mirrors and open kitchen, is delightful upscale dining, while the lobby lounge with a pianist and singer is the perfect setting for afternoon tea. Our favorite is Freddy’s Bar, with brass-tipped tables, mirrored bars, and rich wood. Besides the small gym with views of the Amstel, there’s now also a gorgeous Le Spa with a blue mosaic-lined pool with a jet stream and a Jacuzzi.
Rooms
Even the entry-level Superior Deluxe Rooms are huge, 376 sq ft, compleye with tall windows and splendid views of the canal. What’s more, all rooms come with plush beds, white marble bathrooms with bathtubs, Blaise Mautin products, and Nespresso machines. In fact, the tiny orchid, which is tucked in a marble crevice in the bathroom, is a marvelous addition. While the entry-level rooms cost EUR 900 (USD 970), the Royal Penthouse Suite is the priciest stay on this list – it costs EUR 10,200/night (USD 11,000)!
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What is the best length of stay in Amsterdam?
The city is quite small, so three days is the ideal amount of time to spend exploring Amsterdam.
What is the most luxurious part of Amsterdam?
Amsterdam’s Museum Quarter, a.k.a. Zuid, is classic, chic, and full of history. Here, you can expect to find the city’s most expensive hotels, shopping, restaurants, bars, and even homes.
Which part of Amsterdam is best to stay?
Overall, the historic central Canal District is probably the best place to stay. Other neighborhoods, like the uber-charming Jordaan, the museum-filled Zuid, and the happening De Pijp, are also great places to stay.
