From a converted printing house to a revamped bridge keepers, the best hotels in Amsterdam are absolutely delightful
Choosing the right hotel is a hugely important part of any holiday. How many times has the perfect trip been ruined by shoddy service, leaking showers and uncomfortable beds? Too many times for our liking, so we’ve taken it on our broad shoulders to ensure that this never happens to anyone ever again. Ambitious? You better believe it. These are the absolute best hotels in Amsterdam, guaranteed excellence.
The Dutch capital has no shortage of accommodation options, but there is something about our pick of 18th-century canal houses, converted bridge keeper's houses and printing factory-turned boutique hotspots that win the day. If you’re looking for a tip-top place to bed down after a day out exploring the city’s best museums, attractions and coffeeshops, you’ve come to the right place.
What 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? 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? 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? 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? 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? An achingly cool waterfront hotel inside the iconic A’dam Tower, Sir Adam offers slick design, unexpected perks and, of course, an in-room record player for its in-the-know guests.
Why go? The hotel will pair you with one of its handpicked hosts who can take you to a sound bowl meditation class and on a luxury canal cruise, plus teach you how to hand-roll a joint (this is Amsterdam, after all). All in all, it makes for a brag-worthy experience.
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? 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.
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? 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.
For such a compact city, Amsterdam packs a huge cultural punch. World-class museums, thriving nightlife, glorious parks and the picture-postcard Canal Ring mean you’ll never be short of things to do while visiting this modern, eclectic, cosmopolitan capital.
