The 13 best hotels in Amsterdam

What is it? A luxury boutique hotel in the heart of Amsterdam, the De 9 Straatjes (the nine streets). There’s only 41 rooms here, and they all seem to open up into huge, terraced spaces, some with multiple floors. 

Why go? The restaurant and bar OCCO is perfect for your first night in the city, or upscale by booking The Dylan’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant Vinkeles, which seats only 14. This is a special kind of hotel right in the thick of it all (Anne Frank’s house is a few minutes down the road), perfect to make the most out of your trip. 

What is it? Set among the UNESCO World Heritage site, Herengracht, the Waldorf Astoria is made up of six 17th-century canal palaces. And yes, it's as magical as it sounds. It's also a five-star hotel in the heart of Amsterdam, just steps away from Rembrandtplein and the iconic street of PC Hooftstraat. 

Why go? Aside from its five-star qualities from start to finish, amenities include elegantly-styled Dutch rooms and suites, often offering views of the canal, along with roomy bathrooms and free Wi-Fi throughout. Wine and dine yourself in the Spectrum or the Goldfinch Brasserie on-site, or head to Vault Bar for a cosy cocktail.

vWhat is it? With a reputation that precedes it, the 111-room Amsterdam outpost of this boutique chain is the former home of the mayor, so you know it’s got the location and it-factor boxes checked.

Why go? This is the place to stay for professional travellers who don’t want a run-of-the-mill business hotel. The service is always top-notch, the lobby always full and the restaurant menu always satisfies a craving.

What is it? Disused bridge keeper’s houses converted into plush suites with prime access to Amsterdam’s best attractions. 

Why go: Dotted throughout the city, each canal-front suite feels quite different (though all have the creature comforts you’d expect from a hotel). Tinged with history and industrial import, some are national monuments. 

What is it? From humble beginnings as a Second World War-era guesthouse to its present status as one of the city’s best boltholes, this family-run hotel has stayed true to its roots: it’s warm, inviting and just a little bit quirky.

Why go? Grab a drink at Maria’s Bar and find yourself wrapped up in conversation with the hotel’s kind and charismatic staff. You’ll feel totally at home and may even forget that, eventually, you’ll have to leave.

What is it? Renovated in 2016, this 225-room hotel is nestled within 25 otherwise unsuspecting canal houses on the picturesque Prinsengracht. Stylish but modern interiors offer soothing respite after a day of city exploration.

Why go? Tucked away in the trendy Nine Streets neighbourhood, Pulitzer Amsterdam brims with beautiful design and decoration: from the tranquil inner garden and sunny atrium to a slicker-than-average salon boat that can take you canal cruising, champagne in hand.

What is it? A fun hotel in the ubiquitous Amsterdam Noord which feels a bit like staying in hostel but without all the nastiness. Compact, clean rooms, beds operated by remote controls and a dial that turns your room every colour under the rainbow. That sort of thing. 

Why go? Especially for young people, Yotel is a great option. Its bar has an outdoor deck that looks out over the River IJ, and there’s an all-night snack station in the lobby where you can pull your own pint. It’s a perfect opportunity to see the different side of Amsterdam over the river. 

What is it? Part of Sofitel’s luxurious M Gallery series, the INK Hotel – a name that honours the building’s origins as a newspaper office – is a trendy, 149-room ‘bohemian lifestyle hotel’. Translation: this is the kind of place you’ll hope to call home every time you’re in town.

Why go? Conveniently close to Central Station but quiet enough to permit languid sleeping in after a big night out, it’s an ideal base for a quick city break.

What is it? The striking, modernist exterior opens up to reveal a warm and inviting hotel fusing a mid-century aesthetic with contemporary sensibilities. The Lobby, the hotel’s buzzy in-house restaurant, draws locals and travellers alike.

Why go? This hotel offers a lush, green and, perhaps most importantly, quiet neighbourhood setting that doesn’t sacrifice quick and easy access to the city centre and canal belt. This is our pick of the Hotel V bunch.

What is it? Slap bang in the centre of Amsterdam, this bold and artsy hotel is all about the creative side of life – and it doesn’t take its concept lightly. Throughout its communal areas, you’ll find 120 sculptures by Atelier Van Lieshout, making up a massive concept artwork inspired by the theme of life and death. There are original artworks scattered across the 107 rooms too. On top of that, it’s got Arca, a fabulous Portuguese and Asian fusion restaurant, and a serene Finnish sauna and spa.

Why go? As well as its excellent location, unusual decor, and supremely relaxing spa, art’otel also has connections to some excellent things to do in the city. Booking the City Break Experience Package gets you free access to the STRAAT museum, a massive street art gallery with a 160-strong piece collection in an uber-cool former shipyard. The hotel is also partnered with Tozi, a delectable Italian sharing restaurant across town near Vondelpark.

What is it? Perfect for the traveller who’s prone to a bout of homesickness, Zoku’s short- and long-term stay concept revolves around creating customisable, home-away-from-home lofts. Each one is equipped with a kitchen and you need only step outside your door to restock from the complimentary pantry on each floor.

Why go? If you’re riding solo and are keen to make new friends but shacking up in a hostel doesn’t pique your interest, the rooftop bar and restaurant have an easy-going, familiar vibe that will make you want to actually move in.

What is it? Airport hotels have a reputation for being sad, transient places – but this one certainly isn’t. Stripped of the fancy trimmings but offering a 24/7 open kitchen, a well-appointed lobby and a tidy selection of meeting rooms, it makes layovers actually quite bearable.

Why go? The price is right, the movies are free and the bed is huge (like, really huge). With blackout blinds and ambient lighting, each one of the hotel’s 355 rooms does a good job of helping you combat jetlag.

What is it? This space housed a printing press in a past life but now offers a temporary home to students keen on experiencing an on-campus lifestyle – think ping-pong tables and a communal study room – while not actually on campus.

Why go? It’s not just for students – book as a hotel guest or nab a competitive rate for a short stay (anywhere between two weeks to a year). Skip the study space but enjoy the other perks, like an on-site pool and designer bikes available for rent.