Amsterdam is one of my favourite European city breaks – and being so accessible to London, I visit time and time again. As a result, I’ve had the pleasure of staying in various different Amsterdam hotels over the years and I now have my firm favourites.
With so many Amsterdam hotels to choose from, I’ve put together a guide that focuses on the cream of the crop. If four and five star luxury, style and service is your thing, then I’ve got you covered with my handpicked selection.
Whether you hanker after a 1,000 square metre spa, dining at a restaurant with two Michelin stars or a property with a real sense of place, I know you’ll be able to find it right here.
Boutique elegance, marble bathrooms, smart cocktail bars and much more can all be yours in the Venice of the North.
Waking up to Amsterdam in a dreamy hotel room always makes my trip that little bit more special. I’ve combined my experiences visiting this wonderful city with recommendations from fellow travellers to bring you 20 of the best hotels in Amsterdam for a luxurious canalside city break.
1. Hotel The Noblemen
Best for: Decadent decor
Address: Leidsegracht 14, 1016 CK Amsterdam
Hotel The Noblemen is a unique, boutique property located around a 10 minute walk from Dam Square.
Canal views guarantee those staying here an authentic sense of place, and the decor is also awash with drama and decadence – I really appreciate the spectacular artwork.
All rooms are named for prominent noblemen, hence the name. I’d recommend staying at this Amsterdam hotel if you want a gorgeous spa and sauna on the premises.
Hotel The Noblemen also offers coffee machines and lounge areas in all accommodation, and some also come with a private terrace.
As a picture-perfect property in a prime location, I really think that this one takes some beating.
2. Hotel TwentySeven
Best for: Location, location, location
Address: Dam 27, 1012 JS Amsterdam
Hotel TwentySeven is a five star property in what I’d argue is the city’s finest location. For deluxe Amsterdam accommodation in the thick of things, the 16 exclusive suites here cannot be bettered.
Royal Palace views, suites with silk fabrics and original artworks and a Michelin-starred restaurant all await.
Hotel TwentySeven in Amsterdam also offers a plush cocktail bar, 24-hour room service, oak flooring, marble bathrooms and personalised guest services.
Plus, it’s soundproofed throughout for an uninterrupted night’s sleep, which is such an important touch if you’re a light sleeper like me.
For VIP benefits like free room upgrades and late check-outs, I’d recommend booking via ASMALLWORLD.
3. Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam
Best for: Palatial living
Address: Herengracht 542-556, 1017 CG Amsterdam
From one of the leading brands in the business, trust me when I say that this contender for the best hotel in Amsterdam has a lot to tempt the luxury traveller.
The Waldorf Astoria is set along the Herengracht, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Accommodation can be found within half a dozen of the city’s fine 17th century palaces.
For me, the highlight is the Guerlain spa that offers a sauna, gym and swimming pool, as well as treatment rooms.
There’s also a range of bars and brasseries for a fine dining experience or a relaxing drink.
Guests staying here can enjoy free use of the hotel’s bikes, for the most iconic way to get around this canalside city and an activity I really love in Amsterdam.
Book here for perks like free room upgrades and complimentary breakfast.
4. Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Maurits At The Park
Best for: Green space
Address: Mauritskade 61, 1092 AD Amsterdam
The Oosterpark in Amsterdam is home to Pillows Maurits At The Park, which is housed in a former university building.
I adore this park, which is a glorious green space in the heart of the city, and the hotel is a gorgeous property to match.
Guests at this boutique hotel can enjoy a gastronomic experience to remember at VanOost Restaurant, aperitif and cocktails at Fitz’s Bar, or savour a delicious lunch at the Spring Cafe Brasserie.
The hotel also offers a range of rooms and suites decorated in a fresh, modern and luxurious style.
5. The Hendrick’s Hotel
Best for: Four star prices
Address: Prins Hendrikkade 139, 1011 AS Amsterdam
If you crave a 5 star hotel in Amsterdam but are on a 4 star budget, I’d recommend checking out The Hendrick’s.
It’s certainly something special, and offers more economic twin and double rooms in addition to upscale suites. I think the breakfast here is fantastic and there’s also a bar for evening drinks.
For those exploring the wider area or arriving by train, Amsterdam Centraal station is only around 15 minutes away on foot.
In the immediate vicinity you can also find plenty of tourist attractions, places to eat and shop and, of course, the famous canals.
6. De Ware Jacob Boutique Hotel
Best for: Boutique style
Address: Jacob Obrechtstraat 69, 1071 KJ Amsterdam
If you don’t want to compromise on style, I’m sure that this boutique hotel in Amsterdam offers all the opulence you could wish for.
The four star property is situated in a peaceful part of the city, around a mile-and-a-half from the Royal Palace.
At De Ware Jacob Boutique Hotel, you can book certain rooms with a private terrace and city views.
You can also take advantage of the concierge service when making arrangements for your stay, which is something I’d really recommend.
Elegant decor plus a range of family rooms makes this hotel suitable for all kinds of visitors.
7. Luxury Canal Suite De Heren
Best for: A one-off stay
Address: Herengracht 253 H, 1016 BH Amsterdam
Luxury Canal Suite De Heren is a one-off property that I think makes for a refreshing change from the usual luxury hotels in Amsterdam.
This unique place to stay is located in the heart of the city, and offers almost 500 square feet of private space.
In addition to the bedroom area, there’s living space with a sofa bed. The colour scheme features monochrome shades and neutrals throughout, and there are courtyard views from within.
8. Hotel The Craftsmen
Best for: Local heritage
Address: Singel 83, 1012 VE Amsterdam
Hotel The Craftsmen is within easy walking distance of Amsterdam tourist attractions like Anne Frank’s house and the Royal Palace, so I love the location.
For smart, heritage-style accommodation and superb city views, I believe this is one of the best four-star hotels in Amsterdam.
As at The Noblemen, all rooms here are named after someone – in this case, it’s tradesmen such as the Artist, Bookbinder or Clockmaker.
Some of these offer canal views, and while most accommodate solo travellers like myself, or couples, a few are large enough for a family of four or five.
9. Ambassade Hotel
Best for: Local charm
Address: Herengracht 341, 1016 AZ Amsterdam
If like me you appreciate the personal touch that comes with staying at a family-run property, then the Ambassade Hotel could be for you.
It’s housed within 10 terraced canalside houses in the city centre, and offers 55 rooms and suites plus Brasserie Ambassade and an extensive artwork collection.
For local charm and character, I don’t think you’ll find a finer place to stay in Amsterdam. It’s also ideal for romantic canal-side strolls and water views.
10. Hotel BOAT & CO
Best for: The best of both worlds
Address: Revaleiland 500, 1014 ZG Amsterdam
If you love luxury hotel facilities but also appreciate the space offered by an aparthotel, then I’d suggest checking out Hotel BOAT & CO.
It’s the brainchild of an award-winning hotel group, and is situated by the water in the Houthaven district. You can book a suite, studio or one or two bedroom apartment here.
A delicious daily breakfast is served in the dining room, and there are work desks in the light-flooded atrium for guests’ use. So I’d really recommend this one for business travellers.
The aparthotel also offers a spa, a gym, yoga classes, and a bar and restaurant.
11. The Pulitzer
Best for: Classical elegance
Address: Prinsengracht 323, 1016 GZ Amsterdam
Nestled in the heart of the charming city of Amsterdam, The Pulitzer Hotel boasts a rich history and unparalleled sophistication.
As you step into the lobby, you are immediately struck by the lavish decor, with its antique furnishings and timeless elegance.
The rooms are equally stunning, each one uniquely designed with a tasteful blend of vintage and modern elements, which I love.
From the plush bedding to the sleek marble bathrooms, every detail has been carefully chosen to create an atmosphere of comfort and luxury.
Whether you’re lounging on the impossibly comfy bed, taking a soak in the spacious bathtub, or enjoying a drink on the rooftop terrace, every moment spent in this hotel is befitting of its sophisticated reputation.
I can easily see why it’s one of the most iconic hotels in Amsterdam. For VIP benefits like free room upgrades and late check-outs, I’d recommend booking with ASMALLWORLD.
12. The Dylan Amsterdam
Best for: Michelin-starred dining
Address: Keizersgracht 384, 1016 GB Amsterdam
A member of Leading Hotels of the World, The Dylan is among the finest 5 star hotels in Amsterdam.
This property is also positioned by the Keizersgracht canal, and boasts a Michelin-starred restaurant on site. The upscale eatery is housed in a city bakery dating from the 1700s, which I think gives it a wonderfully quaint touch.
A selection of designer rooms and suites are offered at The Dylan Amsterdam.
Guests can also enjoy refined French fare at the restaurant, relax with a drink in the lounge bar or work out at the fitness centre.
13. Hotel Estheréa
Best for: Families
Address: Singel 303-309, 1012 WJ Amsterdam
Hotel Estheréa sits on the banks of Amsterdam’s oldest canal, the Singel.
I love that this is a hotel where fresh contemporary style meets classic features such as wood-panelled walls. Some of the pretty rooms offer views over the water from within.
I’d recommend this as one of the best Amsterdam hotels for families with children; there are single and triple rooms available as well as twins and doubles.
The hotel has a little library on site, and also provides colouring books for young guests. A hot and cold breakfast with a great range of dishes makes the ideal start to each day.
14. Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam
Best for: Local history
Address: Oudezijds Voorburgwal 197, 1012 EX Amsterdam
In my opinion, this luxurious Sofitel property is the best area to stay in Amsterdam, just five minutes on foot from Dam Square.
The building was a convent during the 15th century, and is sandwiched between two canals.
Stay at this luxe property and you can expect five star style and service. I love that French elegance is the theme for the decor, and the property is also steeped in local history.
Of the 178 rooms here, 52 are luxury suites complete with butler service. You can also enjoy fine dining or afternoon tea at the hotel’s range of restaurants and bars – and I really recommend that you do.
A deluxe spa completes the impressive list of amenities at undoubtedly one of the best hotels in Amsterdam.
Book with ASMALLWORLD for VIP benefits like free room upgrades and late check-outs.
15. Breitner House
Best for: 19th century style
Address: Oosterpark 87-88, 1092 AW Amsterdam
Breitner House is a typical Dutch building overlooking the green spaces of the Oosterpark in Amsterdam. I’d recommend this hotel for an intimate stay and gorgeous old-world style.
Only two suites are available here, and both feature 19th century furnishings, ornate chandeliers and bathrooms with a soaking tub.
I think that the garden is one of the highlights of this property, and guests can live the high life each morning when enjoying breakfast washed down with champagne.
In the immediate area around the hotel you can also find some lovely places to dine at later in the day.
16. nhow Amsterdam Rai
Best for: Modern architecture
Address: Europaboulevard 2b, 1078 RV Amsterdam
If you have a penchant for modern rather than classical architecture, then I know you’re going to love the glittering nhow Amsterdam Rai.
One of the best hotels in Amsterdam, it’s named for the convention centre it’s located close to, and offers slick, modern accommodation offset by pastel colours and feminine touches.
The hotel has a 24-hour reception and offers room service for meals.
An on-site restaurant, bar and gym mean you don’t need to leave the premises when you want to dine in style, unwind with a drink or work out.
17. De L’Europe Amsterdam
Best for: A bucket-list stay
Address: Nieuwe Doelenstraat 2-14, 1012 CP Amsterdam
De L’Europe Amsterdam offers stylish five star accommodation and service by the Amstel River in the city centre. I love that this place oozes sophistication, and no expense has been spared.
In each room or suite you’ll find features like Bose sound systems, Carrara marble bathrooms and even Dutch Masters replicas.
If you’re a foodie like me, you’ll love the restaurant with two Michelin stars and the Le Spa by Skins spa is also set to impress.
If you want the wow factor – plus further facilities like a gym, an indoor pool, a riverside terrace and a piano bar – I’d highly recommend booking this luxury Amsterdam hotel for an unforgettable stay.
Book with ASMALLWORLD for VIP benefits like free room upgrades and complimentary breakfast.
18. YAYS Amsterdam Docklands
Best for: Local life
Address: Cruquiusweg 65, 1019 AT Amsterdam
For second-timers or those who prefer to stay out of the city centre, I think Amsterdam’s Zeeburg district is a solid choice.
The property is just a couple of miles from many of the best things to do in Amsterdam, and offers spacious studios and apartments for up to six adults, or a larger family.
I love that a stay at YAYS Amsterdam Docklands allows you to see a different side of the city.
You can become immersed in local life to the east of the city here, rather than feeling like a tourist 24/7.
19. Conservatorium Hotel
Best for: A spa break
Address: Paulus Potterstraat 50, 1071 DB Amsterdam
If, as many do, you’ve come to Amsterdam to soak up the city’s incredible history, art and culture, then you’ll love the fact that the Conservatorium Hotel is located within the museum district.
This hotel offers an award-winning Asian restaurant and a 1,000 square metre spa with pools, a hammam and more (you’ll definitely find me at the spa!).
Outside, the building is a study in classical Dutch design. But step through the doors and you’ll find contemporary touches such as high thread count linens, the latest tech, rainfall showers and even LCD mirror TVs.
For benefits like free room upgrades and late check-outs, I’d recommend booking with ASMALLWORLD.
20. The Hoxton Amsterdam
Best for: European cool
Address: Herengracht 255, 1016 BJ Amsterdam
I love the Hoxton Hotels and I’ve stayed at various locations. Close to Dam Square and Herengracht canal, The Hoxton Amsterdam is packed with character like its London namesake.
The accommodation and shared spaces are spread across five original canalside houses, and there’s also a hip bar and restaurant on site.
I love that the room categories here have refreshingly down-to-earth names, such as Cosy, Roomy or Biggy with canal view.
DJs spin the tunes in the happening lounge bar each evening, so you never need to wander far in search of a drink or a dance floor moment.
Discover more of my Amsterdam content:
Planning a trip to Amsterdam? Discover my Amsterdam travel guide and YouTube vlog. Or check out my other Amsterdam guides:
- 21 fun things to do in Amsterdam
- 20 best Michelin-star restaurants in Amsterdam
- 15 unforgettable museums in Amsterdam
- 21 amazing day trips from Amsterdam
- 10 most luxurious hotels in the world
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