Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky

Amsterdam's best-known hotel is slam-dunk in the middle of the action, directly opposite the Royal Palace, which it challenges in terms of looks, grace and glamour. Facilities here, unsurprisingly, are excellent: there are several restaurants and bars, a ballroom, a beauty salon, and the spectacular glass Winter Garden (a listed monument) is open to non-guests for weekend brunch. Accommodation ranges from the untrammelled indulgence of the Tower Suite to cheaper, compact rooms at the rear, which is what you'll end up with if you book one of the many bargain deals. The least expensive rooms come without baths, but are equipped with super-invigorating multi-head showers.