The best hotels in Amsterdam for a city break by train
The Dutch capital is not known as the old master of city breaks for nothing. As we settle into the cooler months, Amsterdam with its cosy candlelit pubs, twinkling cobbled streets and historic architecture really comes into its own - and the best hotels in Amsterdam offer a terrific base to explore this epic European city break destination.
One of our favourite places to explore on the Continent and as iconic as Paris or Florence, Amsterdam is a treat at various times of year, whether you're travelling for a city break in March, or heading there for a late-summer escape in September.
It's super-easy to reach Amsterdam these days thanks to Eurostar's direct service from London to Amsterdam Centraal, which at a smidge under four hours makes it perfect for a romantic weekend break. With low-cost flights to the city, you can get there on a budget, too.
Once you're there, you'll want to see the famous Sunflowers in the Van Gogh Museum or head to Prinsengracht and visit Anne Frank Huis, where the heroic young Jewish girl hid from the Nazis in World War II.
By day, wander around the misty, atmospheric canals of the Grachtengordel, pick up a family heirloom from the art galleries and antiques emporiums in Spiegekwartier, or waft past the fragrant cafes of the now rather kitsch Red Light District. After dark, hunker down in a cosy canal-side bar, dine in candlelit bistros or have a full blow-out in one the many Michelin-starred restaurants.
Amsterdam is the city you can visit a thousand times and still discover something new. Its hotels are as chic as they come: think luxury canal-side marvels and unexpected boutique hotels.
The Dylan, for instance is a five-star hotel on the banks of the Keizergracht Canal with design-led rooms and a Michelin-starred restaurant. For something different and only 10 minutes from Dam Square, Inn on the Lake is an adorable inn with history and a picturesque setting.
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The Dylan, Nine Streets
Perched on the banks of the Keizergracht Canal, The Dylan pulls together a stylish vintage-slash-vogue look with its polished wood-panelling, quirky curio and cool, colourful contemporary art. Stay in one of the 40 design-led rooms, all brimming with modern art and mid-century modern furniture, while some overlook a private courtyard.
Dine downstairs in the Michelin-starred Vinkeles restaurant, where Executive Chef Jurgen van der Zalm serves contemporary cuisine in the old bakery. Or make full use of The Dylan's own canal boat, which guests can book out for dinner or drinks while cruising the waterways.
W Amsterdam, Centraal
Smack bang in the heart of the city, the W Amsterdam offers a super-stylish stay just seconds from The Dam, the Royal Palace and the Canal District. Housed in a former 1920s telephone exchange and a turn-of-the-century bank, the hotel has a unique appeal. A highlight is the W's signature rooftop terrace and open-air pool which overlooks the Royal Palace, while a snazzy spa lives in the bank's underground vaults.
Rooms are spread across both buildings and guests can choose to stay in Bank or Exchange. Choose between Cozy, Fabulous, Wonderful and Sublime room levels, yet all are stylishly decked out in neutral tones with flashes of colour. A trio of excellent restaurants, including the Michelin-starred The Duchess housed in the bank's former counting house, will ensure hunger is never an option.
Andaz Amsterdam, Prinsengracht
Housed in a Seventies library overlooking Prinsengracht, the Andaz Amsterdam is an excellent example of contemporary Dutch style. Designed by Marcel Wanders, the interiors take you on a journey through the city's Golden Age, the Delft years to creative modern Amsterdam, like a Dutch Alice in Wonderland. Hop on one of the hotel's free bikes and explore the nearby Nine Streets district, or simply relax in the house spa.
Wanders' distinct, eclectic style reaches the 122 bedrooms, which often feature tulip chairs and curious artworks, like a giant fish-turned-spoon. The best ones have floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the canal. After a day of exploring, relax with a creative cocktail in the lounge, followed by an exemplary Dutch-style dinner served in Bluespoon.
Hotel V Fizeaustraat, Amsteldorp
For something a little different, consider venturing outside of Amsterdam's main tourist hub and stay at the Hotel V Fizeaustraat in Amsteldorp. This imaginative modern hotel housed in a former office block is just seven minutes by metro from Centraal Station or a 15-minute tram ride from Museumplein.
There's a distinct Seventies vibe to all the rooms – parquet flooring and wicker peacock chairs, anyone?– which are more spacious than you'd find in the city centre. Almost all have floor-to-ceiling tinted windows which infuse the rooms in warm light, while some have views over a local canal. And you don't need to venture far for dinner, the Lobby restaurant is a mid-century modern treat which serves an ever-changing seasonal menu.
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Hotel Okura Amsterdam, De Pijp
For something a little more style-led, take a 15-minute cab ride from Amsterdam Centraal to the trendy De Pijp district and the uber-stylish Hotel Okura. This luxury Japanese hotel brand offers a more contemporary alternative to the period hotels found in the Canal Belt. Its Zen-like ambiance stretches out to the rooms, which largely have sweeping city views.
It's also become the place to go for topnotch Japanese food and between its four restaurants has a dizzying three Michelin stars. For pre-dinner cocktails head to the Twenty Third Bar, a fancy rooftop champagne bar on the 23rd floor, or relax in the luxe Nagomi Spa, home to a soothing swimming pool.
The Hoxton, Centraal
Overlooking the heavenly Herengracht canal, The Hoxton has bagged a prime spot in De Negen Straatjes (Nine Streets). Like many Amsterdam hotels, The Hoxton sits behind the facade of a strip of canal houses and oozes mid-century modern style. Kick back with the locals in the Hoxton's lounge bar, which serves topnotch Dutch genever cocktails and has live jazz on Sundays. Alternatively, settle down for a long, lazy supper in Lotti's restaurant, which also serves brunch and breakfast.
Choose between Cosy and Roomy rooms, which all have parquet floors and beamed ceilings and fit seamlessly with the Hoxton's mid-century style and Seventies retro vibe. Some of the best rooms have spacious 1930s style shower rooms decorated with white metro tiles and exposed brass pipes.
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Once the home of the lauded 19th-century impressionist painter, George Hendrik Breitner, his opulent townhouse is quite unlike any other hotel in Amsterdam. Moments from the expansive Tropenmuseum in Amsterdam-Oost, Breitner House was once a bohemian hangout of all the Dutch artists of the 19th century.
There are just two suites, both dripping with classic oil paintings and exquisite antiques, and each have a separate drawing room for lounging around in a smoking jacket. Every morning, guests are heavily indulged in a gourmet champagne breakfast, a lengthy ritual served in the dining room overlooking Oosterpark.
NH Collection Amsterdam Doelen, Amsterdam Centre
Located smack-bang in the centre of the Canal Ring, the NH Collection Amsterdam Doelen is the place to stay for history and art lovers, as it was famously home to Rembrandt's The Night Watch, which once hung on its original 17th-century walls. A former shooting range, the Doelen is the oldest, and some say the best hotel in Amsterdam.
The light, airy rooms have a contemporary feel, and most have canal views, while the daily breakfast buffet is fit for a king. While there is no formal restaurant on site, there are plenty of great dining places on the doorstep. And if you really want to push boat out, stay in the original Rembrandt Suite, where The Night Watch was first discovered, and where a replica now hangs.
Pulitzer Amsterdam, Nine Streets
Spanning almost a street of beautifully restored canal houses hailing from the Golden Age, for a real touch of luxury you can't beat the Hotel Pultizer on Prinsengracht. Located in the lively Nine Streets area, always a favourite with visitors and locals alike, the Pulitzer mixes it up with contemporary and classic Dutch style.
Generously sized rooms feature both antique furnishings and modern artwork, some with exposed brick and oak beams, and views over the canals. On the ground floor is the chic Pullitzer Garden for alfresco dining, Pulitzer's Bar, which has the smoky vibe of an old-fashioned gentlemen's club, and Jansz, a bright and modern all-day restaurant. Guests can also book one the hotel's canal boats for a private cruise.
Inn on the Lake, Broek in Waterland
Some of the best hotels in Amsterdam are the ones you least expect, like the oh-so charming Inn on the Lake in Broek in Waterland, a historic merchant's village just a 10-minute drive from Dam Square. Surrounded by water and dotted with quaint clapboard houses and steepled wooden churches, it's like stepping into one of Vermeer's paintings.
This tiny boutique hotel housed in a 17th-century rectory overlooks Het Havenrak Lake. There are four suites, each decorated with a warm, country vibe, and a relaxed restaurant in the conservatory. It's a popular spot for wild swimmers, who come for a brisk dip in the lake. Other guests might enjoy a soak in the hot tub or relaxing on the deck with a tipple or two from the honesty bar.
The Kimpton De Witt, Centraal
Mere steps from Centraal station on Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal, the Kimpton De Witt has to be one of the best-placed hotels in Amsterdam. While the outside is a little urban – a modern mash up of a former office building and two 17th-century houses – step inside and it's a calm, contemporary space with a rash of colourful furnishings and walls encased with modern art. Rooms are equally as serene, but with flashes of Delftware blue and a modern take on Vermeer classics.
Like all Kimptons, the De Witt is not shy of offering a decent freebie or two. Don't miss the 4pm Wine Hour, where guests can enjoy complimentary wine and snacks and a mingle with fellow guests. There's also an all-day tea bar, offering all manner of delicious brews, while the adventurous can borrow one of the hotel's branded Van Moof bicycles to explore the area.
Park Centraal, Vondelpark
Well placed for the Rijksmuseum, Vondelpark and the antique shops and galleries of the Spiegelkwartier, Park Centraal is an imposing pile with a beautiful zinc-topped domed roof and views over the canals. Originally built in 1840 as a tearoom for affluent Amsterdammers, who'd come to warm up with a bowl of snert (thick Dutch pea soup) after a brisk walk around the park. It's been a hotel since 1880 and recently sympathetically revamped to reflect the glorious Golden Age of Amsterdam.
All rooms and suites are decorated with a vintage palette; think powdery blues, dark polished woods and rich gold trims, while parquet floors, vintage phones and Dutch blue crockery all add to its gilded renaissance. On the ground floor is Momo, an acclaimed Asian restaurant, and Bar Claes, which serves the best negronis in town.
Canal House, Jordaan
If it's all about location, look no further than The Canal House, which is a three-minute stroll from Anne Frank Huis. Tucked behind the ornate façade of two 17th-century merchant's houses, this comfortably plush and oh-so charming hotel has soft focus views over the Keizergracht Canal in Amsterdam's chichi Jordaan district.
There are 23 rooms, all beaming with mid-century modern style and warmly decorated in a contemporary palette of slate-greys, rich plums and cream. There's no restaurant, but there is a fancy bar which serves posh snacks and cocktails, plus a rare private garden accessible to hotel guests only.
Hotel Jakarta, Java-eiland
For one of the quirkiest hotels in Amsterdam, venture out of the Canal District and stay in this beautiful and ecologically minded waterfront hotel. Located on the man-made Java-eiland in the Eastern Docklands, where trading ships would depart for Indonesia, Hotel Jakarta has sweeping views of the Ij yet is only a 15-minute journey by bike or tram from Amsterdam's historic old town.
A five-storey high atrium brings plenty of light and space, while a jungle of tropical plants and acres of bamboo wood give it a resort vibe. And after a busy day exploring the city on the hotel's bikes, relax in the spa or dine out on Indonesian fusion cuisine in the restaurant.
Hotel TWENTY EIGHT, Amsterdam South
Moments from the former Olympic Stadium built for the 1928 games, Hotel TWENTY EIGHT in the south of the city is one of Amsterdam's rare hotels which offers secure on-site parking - ideal if you've travelled to Amsterdam by road. It's close to the green expanse of Vondelpark and the museum district, while the city's historic district and Canal Belt is an easy Metro ride away.
The hotel is great for families as it offers spacious one-and-two bedroom apartments, all stylish with a hint of Seventies vibe - muted tones, polished teak and the odd vintage treat - and is ideal for spending a few days or even longer exploring and getting to know the city and its surrounds.
Hotel Arena, Amsterdam Oost
Once the city orphanage and now an elegant hotel, Hotel Arena blends chic Dutch minimalism with authentic 19th-century features such as vaulted ceilings, wrought iron and stone staircases and grand windows overlooking Oosterpark. Although located in a quieter corner of this bustling city, it's a pleasant 20-minute wander through the leafy park to the Canal Belt and historic centre.
The 140 rooms are bright and airy, some have two floors and separate sleeping areas, but all bring a modern vibe to the old building. Dine out in the garden-themed restaurant or just relax of a cocktail in the mid-century-modern lounge adorned with velvet furnishings and wood-panelled book shelves.
Hotel Estheréa, Nine Streets
Minimalist is not the adjective you would use to describe Hotel Estheréa. Absolutely stacked with glorious colour and character, this large family-run hotel overlooks Singel, one of the city's oldest canals in the heart of Negen Straatjes, or Nine Streets, which is famed for its stylish boutiques, antiques stores and restaurants.
There are 90 delightful rooms, all plushly decorated with rich fabrics, colourful wall coverings and unique or antique furnishings. Some rooms have wood-panelled feature walls, others offer four-poster beds and canal views. Breakfast is a grand and bountiful affair with waffles, pancakes and pastries to eggs, cold meats and salads, which will set you up for a day of exploring.
Conservatorium Hotel, Museum Quarter
To really push the Dutch barge out, spend the weekend in the luxurious embrace of the Conservatorium. Housed in an imposing neo-Gothic former bank, the hotel is regularly crowned the best luxury hotel in the Netherlands. In the heart of the Museum Quarter, guests bounce between Van Gogh and Vermeer as they explore the city's finest museums, while a canalside stroll takes you to the private galleries, cosy bars and stylish boutiques of Jordaan.
All the rooms are spacious and elegantly decorated, often with views over attractive corners of the city. However, the five-star service goes the extra mile with complimentary smartphones to use and a swanky full-service spa with an 18-metre indoor pool.
The Craftsmen, Canal District
Located in the beating heart of Amsterdam's Canal Belt, you simply can't beat this charming and stylish boutique hotel for location. Housed in a trio of 17th-century canalside buildings, each of The Craftsmen's 14 rooms are themed and named after a different local craft. Rooms including The Bookbinder, The Cartographer and The Shoemaker, all feature the original trappings unique to their trade, as well as covetable and unique furnishings and modern bathrooms.
For a real treat, stay in one of the hotel's two lofts situated on the top floor of the building which have views over Amsterdam's canals and zinc-topped spires. Guests can learn more about the history of the houses from the intricate mural painted across the hotel staircase.
Hotel Seven One Seven, Prinsengracht
Once a 17th-century sugar trader's residence, this elegant boutique hotel set in a grand canal house is simply brimming with Dutch charm. At Hotel Seven One Seven, there are nine rooms overlooking the canal, all named after classic authors and composers, and beautifully styled with highly covetable antiques, an abundance of plush soft furnishings and spacious bathrooms, some have deep roll-top tubs.
While there isn't an official restaurant as such, the drawing room and library serves an array of locally distilled gins, craft beers and snacks which can be enjoyed in front of the roaring log fire. There's also a small courtyard terrace, where guests can enjoy breakfast on warmer days.
Mr Jordaan, Jordaan
For the real Amsterdam experience, you can't beat staying in one of the city's grand canal houses. Overlooking the peaceful Bloemgracht canal, Mr Jordaan is a hip boutique hotel packed with canal house character. Moments from Anne Frank Huis and the district's renowned antique shops, wine bars and chichi restaurants, it's also a 20-minute tram ride from the Rijksmuseum.
Inside, you'll find exposed brick, raw beams and an eclectic mix of vintage and contemporary furnishings. Rooms vary in shape and size, as these canal houses often dictate, but all exude a warm, neutral style and many have waterside views. A top-notch continental breakfast packed with Dutch specialoties like ontbijtkoek, a spiced breakfast cake, is served on a large communal table near the lobby.
Motel One, Waterlooplein
Close to the RAI Convention Centre and the acclaimed Rembrandt House Museum, Motel One offers cool, contemporary – not to mention budget friendly – alternative to the Centraal hotels. It's a 15-minute walk or short hop on the tram from the historic canal belt, The Dam and Centraal Station, making ideal for an easy weekend in the Dutch capital.
Cosy, comfortable and packed with local style, the lobby is the heart of the hotel and kitted out with low-slung Chesterfield sofas, velvet bucket chairs and eclectic lighting. Guests also benefit from a 24-hour bar and lounge, which serves good snacks and an impressive collection of local gins. All the rooms are simple and smart, if not particularly spacious.
Ambassade Hotel, Canal District
Overlooking Amsterdam's grandest canal, the Ambassade Hotel has a been a favourite with visiting authors for more than half a century. Spread across 11 canal houses, this sprawling hotel blends hip Dutch style with elegant Louis XV antiques, swathes of Impressionist art and a vast literary collection left by visiting authors.
The Ambassade's lavish rooms and suites are all individually styled with plush fabrics, antique-style furnishings and original architectural features. Our favourites have beamed ceilings and views over the canals. On the first floor there's a chic brasserie which serves classic French dishes overlooking the canal as well as a fine breakfast to set you up for a day of culture.
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The July - Twenty Eight, Zuid Amsterdam
Taking its name from the 1928 Olympic Games, which were held in the nearby stadium in Zuid Amsterdam, this sleek and stylish apartment hotel has a hip Seventies vibe and is perfect for longer (or comfier) stays in the city. The Museumplein and Canal Belt are easily reached by a local tram. For guest convenience, there's a gym, sauna and laundry on-site, as well as a funky lounge with a 24/7 honesty bar.
The studios and apartments are smartly decorated with flashes of pastels and cool, contemporary/vintage-style furnishings. All have kitchen areas, as well as comfy beds topped with hand-made mattresses. A 'boutique breakfast' with artisan breads, granolas, fruit and yoghurts is served in the lounge, setting you up for some olympic sightseeing.
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