The 11 best boutique hotels in Amsterdam

When you pictured your trip to Amsterdam, De 9 Straatjes (the nine streets) is probably the district you had in mind: full of cyclists and boutiques and stroopwaffels and beautiful tall buildings lined up along the canal. But you can’t imagine The Dylan until you’ve seen it in real life. This high-end boutique has Tardis-esque rooms that range from spacious doubles to luxury suites, across the hotel’s Original and Serendipity buildings.

All rooms are beautifully clean and decked out with Aesop soap, coffee, tea and a minibar, with varying views out onto the courtyard and beyond. The superior suites are particularly special, some of which are loft style with two floors, characterised by exposed beam ceilings. There’s a 24-hour concierge number and room service for breakfast in bed – or pastrami sandwiches and chicken burgers (more suited to your second dinner after a few drinks, perhaps). 

But for your first dinner, head to The Dylan’s restaurant OCCO, which looks out over its courtyard (in summer, you can dine out on the terrace, but we weren’t so lucky). Or, opt for Vinkeles, The Dylan’s second restaurant, which has a private room bookable for 14, and just earned its second Michelin star. This is one for your special occasions. 

Time Out tip: Have the perfect day by renting one of The Dylan’s bikes, cycling to Vondelpark and stopping for a coffee, spending a few hours at Anne Frank Huis and then heading to the world-famous Winkel 43 for its apple pie and cream.

This attention to detail at The Hoxton isn’t limited to design – it extends to the bicycles that you can take for a spin around the city, the map in your room that features decent places to eat and drink nearby, the super-friendly receptionists and the little breakfast bag that gets hung on your door in the morning so that you’ve got something to take the edge off your rumbling belly. There’s a double-height ceiling that reaches through to the second floor of the building and makes the whole space feel roomy, while the soft lighting and plump armchairs make it dangerously easy to spend an entire afternoon in here with a glass of wine and a book instead of seeing the sights.

Time Out tip: Don’t miss the photo booth that’s tucked away at the top of the stairs opposite the entrance. You may not be able to take the place home with you, but at least you can get a little memento.

Once upon a time, this seventeenth-century canal-side building was home to a humble 12-room guest house. Nowadays, it’s one of the city’s most beautiful boutique hotels, featuring 91 rooms and two suites. Each and every room is uniquely decorated, with a love of maximalist patterns, colours and quirky accessories. We defy anyone not to feel a sense of joy just looking at this décor.

As the name hints, Catalonia Vondel is pretty close to Vondelpark, alongside main attractions like the Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, and upmarket shops. Housed in an Art Nouveau building, this four-star boutique is quite the historic charmer on the outside while simultaneously displaying sleek, modern, and functional interiors inside with the odd pop of color to keep it fun. Cool amenities include bicycle rental and an on-site restaurant, Joost Eat serving up brasserie-style cuisine. Don't mind if we do...

Want to keep it very mindful and demure? We hear you. This rather well-kept secret of a hotel is the opposite of the grand gestures of the Amstel hotel, and the epitome of understated glamour. Rooms are elegantly dressed in a mix of warm neutrals, charcoals and brassy accents that really elevate even the smallest detail. In other words, it's all very chic. Along with incredible canalside views, you can enjoy an exquisite dining expereince at the on-site restaurant, The Living Room. If you need an extra treat, in-room massages are also available. 

Time Out tip: Your special request is their command, so get chatting to staff ahead of your stay to make it extra special. 

Not one of the city’s poshest boutique hotels, but certainly one of the cutest and coolest. Tiles, paintings and knickknacks galore adorn the walls and surfaces of this lovely place which, best of all, is part-hotel, part-cocktail bar. The interiors deliver a knowing wink to quintessentially Dutch art and culture that will make you smile.

This interesting hotel comes in size ‘large’ but don’t let its sizeable exterior trick you into thinking it’s all faceless corporate splendour. Far from it, in fact. Located where ships historically set sail for Jakarta, this place has much of the feel and personality of a boutique venue. The Indonesian link extends into the hotel’s interiors (check out those lush indoor palms) and food offerings, plus there’s some lovely views of the river to enjoy.

Set in a townhouse on a charming tree-lined street in the heart of the Dam, this place is one of the city's most stylish secrets - well, it was. Complete with spa and a wine bar - is just a kitten-heeled skip away from the designer shops of PC Hooftstraat.

This former youth prison has been re-invented as one- to five-star accommodation complete with a new 'cultural embasssy'. Lloyd features the work of hotshot Dutch designers, Atelier van Lieshout and Marcel Wanders.

If the Sofitel Legend isn't already on your radar it should be. It's kind of legendary. And we mean that in stature and service. Just moments from Dam Square, the hotel sits in a beautiful former convent dating back to the 15th century, the hotel carries a classic elegance throughout and offers its guests a wealth of dining options, a spa and a fitness suite where you can enjoy a range of fitness including yoga.

In need of a dose of Dutch elegance? Then we recommend a stay at this stunning 5-star for its stunning stately home vibes. The intrigue begins with twenty-five restored homes dating back as early as the 17th century - expect a real grand, high-ceiling moment - private gardens and an exquisite on-site menu. Interior-wise, everything is thoughtfully curated with a mix of unique antique pieces and sleek, contemporary furnishings. Very cool. And if a little pampering in the Dam is what you have in mind, then The Beauty House is worth paying a visit. Here, you'll enjoy a high-end yet 'down-to-earth' service for hair, body and facial treatments.