Amsterdam, Kingdom of the Netherlands, is the picture-perfect Dutch capital heralded for its artistic heritage, elaborate canal systems lined with narrow gabled-façade houses, and cobblestone streets are best reminders of the city’s 17th century Golden Age. Amsterdam is steeped in history and a purposefully progressive city from turn of the century grandeur to cutting-edge contemporary architecture. Here, you can explore the Old Masters art collections, dine in innovative cafes, and cruise by the city’s most historical sites, beautiful buildings and charming landscapes through the waterway. To make your visit to the Dutch Capital a once in a lifetime experience, we have line-up a list of five-star hotels and luxury boutique properties that will make your stay in Amsterdam as authentic as possible.
#1. Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam
The Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam is nestled in an exclusive neighborhood on the city’s historic Canal Ring. The Hotel is located along a stretch of the most prestigious properties in the Golden Bend and traverses a collection of six adjoined 17th and 18th century mansions with unique history and exquisite architecture. Interestingly, the heritage of these glorious properties has been mindfully preserved to retain its intimacy so you may experience Amsterdam at its finest when your stay in these luxurious abodes.
The Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam truly is a masterpiece with its savvy blend of old-world elegance and contemporary charm. Here, you will be treated to lavish amenities including a serene Guerlain Spa, an indoor pool, the renowned Michelin-starred Spectrum restaurant, and your own personal concierge who is assigned to you upon arrival.
In addition, the well-appointed rooms overlook the vibrant Herengracht canal or the private courtyard with verdant gardens. Essentially, the rooms and bathrooms are both exceptionally spacious, contemporary in style and luxuriously designed with tones of muted blue, cream, and grey palettes. The Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam’s suites are highlighted by its thoughtfully preserved period architectural elements that are preferred by its frequent guests for its more singular charm.
#2. W Amsterdam
The W Amsterdam is located just steps away from the Royal Palace and Dam Square which is distinguished by an effortless mix of Dutch heritage and hip design.
The Hotel is uniquely divided across two structures: Exchange Building – a trendy hot spot for guests and locals; and Bank Building – an exclusive and sophisticated city retreat.
The W Amsterdam offers you the best of both worlds. If you prefer the lively party scene, the Exchange Building is where you need to be. In addition, it is home to the vibrant W Lounge, a heated rooftop pool overlooking the Royal Palace, and modern steakhouse Mr. Porter. Alternatively, if you prefer a more quiet and tranquil environment, it is recommended that you book a room in the Bank Building. Here, you can indulge on its lavish Away Spa, Fitness Gym and detox bar – X Bar.
The Exchange offers 172 guestrooms including 10 suites while the Bank Building has 66 rooms and stylish suites. All rooms are equipped with a luxury W bed with 400 thread-count cotton linens, open-concept bathrooms and upscale bath amenities for a pleasurable stay in the city.
#3. Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam
The Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam is teeming with history and has played host to European dignitaries and luminaries the world over.
The Hotel is nestled right in the midst of the famous Amsterdam Canal District and housed in an erstwhile Admiralty Building in the 17th century and former City Hall in the 1930s. Today, the Hotel is an oasis of calm within an effervescent city known of its colorful night life district.
The Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam has high ceilings and immaculate marble floors that maintain a sense of grandeur while its French interiors softens the historic interiors with warm colors and innovative design touches to achieve a contemporary feel.
The Hotel is also home to private courtyards that adds to its tranquil charm amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. It boasts of 178 spacious guestrooms and suites that offer butler service. Moreover, its award-winning restaurant Bridges serves Dutch cuisine with a French twist to satisfy your appetite for inspired gastronomy.
Here, you should expect nothing less from the Sofitel brand of service that brings the art of French hospitality in the helm of its luxury hotel collection.
#4. InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam
The InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam is reminiscent of a splendid turn-of-the-century palace from the gilded age of Dutch history. It is heralded as the grand dame of the city and has played host to the likes of Queen Elizabeth II, David Bowie and The Rolling Stones among other luminaries.
The Hotel is nestled along the river Amstel and its visitors cannot help but be enchanted by its old-world charms and gracious service. Around the river Amstel, it is a mere 10-minute walk from the opera house, Waterlooplein market and Jewish Historical museums.
As such, its 79 rooms and suites belong to another era altogether but is quite the advantage for guests with its massive space outfitted in an elegant style that combines beautiful antiques and handmade porcelain with top-of-the-line amenities and luxurious marble bathrooms. It also designed with high ceilings, wide corridors and picture windows with views of the river Amstel.
Without a doubt, the InterContinental Amstel’s stunning façade and equally beautiful interiors has etched its esteemed status as one of Amsterdam’s most iconic hotels. Not to missed are the outstanding dining offerings at La Rive, Amstel Brasserie, and Amstel Lounge for excellent cuisine and gorgeous river views this side of the city.
#5. The Dylan Amsterdam
The Dylan Amsterdam is situated within a former 17th century theater on Amsterdam’s Keizersgracht canals. During its heyday, audiences would travel far and wide to attend its plays by the likes of Shakespeare and Voltaire.
The Hotel was rebuilt after a fire in 1772 and the building that remains in present time is a harmony of its thespian heritage combined with a modern design aesthetic to create its unique character. The Dylan Amsterdam affords itself of a relaxed Dutch quality of an inner-city boutique hotel sanctuary that favors a more comforting ambience over flashy decors.
As such, the forty rooms at the boutique hotel follow a design theme ranging for the chic black and midnight blue Kimono collection to the bright white and minimal lofts. Meanwhile, its impressive collection of suites offers extra space and comfort such as its namesake the Dylan Thomas Suite with its decadent interiors and shuttered windows overlooking the garden below.
Most importantly, satisfying your wanderlust is an easy feat when you stay at The Dylan. In fact, this luxury hotel sits in a prime location ideal for exploring Amsterdam that is near the cross section of the city center and stylish Negen Straatjes shopping district.
#6. The Hoxton, Amsterdam
The Hoxton, Amsterdam is located along a beautiful canal in the heart of the Negen Straatjes shopping district set in five historic canal houses.
The Hotel is within a walking distance to major museums and trendy shopping spots on its doorsteps. It is home to 111 well-appointed rooms that are sleek and modernist in design with some unique vintage accents such as a retro-style digital radio, vintage alarm clock, a clean-line desk and abstract brass-wire lampshades among other interesting conversation pieces. In addition, The Hoxton’s fashionable Lotti’s restaurant and lobby lounge is popular among the locals.
Here, you can feel the vibe of the progressive neighborhood of free-thinking people. To manage your expectations, The Hoxton is not your typical five-star hotel but rather an upper-middle-range establishment.
Nonetheless, its prime location in Amsterdam’s inner canal ring aside from its design-conscious philosophy is enough reason for the hotel to be included in this list. Suffice to say, its vintage-hipster vibe that feels both trendy and sophisticated merits a visit for the mindful luxury traveler.
#7. Hotel Seven One Seven
The Hotel Seven One Seven is centrally located on the scenic Prinsengracht canal that is set in a beautifully restored canal mansion. Its prime canal-side location gives you access to the city’s tourist attractions by foot or by tram. It is an upscale hotel with nine guestrooms tastefully decorated with period furniture, original artworks and stylish adornments plus modern conveniences such as rainfall showerheads, mini bars, flat-screen televisions among other amenities.
As such, the atmosphere of this turn-of-the-century mansion house feels more like a posh private residence rather than your typical hotel. Adding to its charm is a cozy library with fireplace, lounge, and courtyard patio. However, since it is a small boutique hotel, there is no restaurant or bar but its central location and personalized service definitely fill the gap.
Seven One Seven is the closest you can get to authentically experience living in a stately Amsterdam canal house. Essentially, its nine ample-sized rooms are individually decorated and provided with comfortable modern meds and loungers that blends seamlessly with antique furniture and other modern amenities for a pleasurable stay.
#8. De L’Europe, Amsterdam
The De L’Europe, Amsterdam has been revered by the city’s elite since opening its doors in 1896. The Hotel is located in the heart of the Netherland’s capital that overlooks Amstel River. It is the ideal setting to connect with Amsterdam as it is a symbolic representation of what makes the historic city an attractive destination.
Suffice to say, De L’Europe Amsterdam is an iconic custodian of Dutch culture that bridges the time between heritage and modern luxury. It is housed in a 19th century Rondeel Building; a setting where Old World charm embraces contemporary luxury design as showcased in its classically designed guestrooms. The hotel is home to eighty-eight classic accommodations while the new Dutch Masters Wing maintains 23 contemporary suites.
Likewise, all rooms and suites come with the latest state-of-the-art technology such as an Apple TV, Bose surround sound systems and free high-speed internet access throughout your stay. To satisfy your appetite for fine cuisine, the luxury Hotel is also home to a Michelin-starred restaurant Bord’Eau and offers an impressive wine list of over 850 labels.
#9. Conservatorium Hotel
The Conservatorium Hotel opened in 2011 but the building’s history dates back to the 13th century. It was originally designed by the Dutch architect Daniel Knuttel as the Rijkspostspaarkbank, the national savings bank of Amsterdam that sparked the reemergence of the Museum Quarter at the end of the 19th century (1897).
The Hotel is located in the true heart of the city district – Museum Square. Here, the city’s crown jewels are literally steps away such as the Van Gogh Museum, Concertgebouw, Rijkmuseum, Vondelpark and Amsterdam’s most indulgent shopping neighborhood.
The Conservatorium Hotel has been heralded as an architectural masterpiece that combines a landmark heritage building with graceful contemporary design aesthetics.
Likewise, you will certainly enjoy its fine selection of restaurants, bar, lounge and the 1,000-square meter Akasha Holistic Wellbeing. Essentially, it is home to the most comfortable and peaceful spaces for that needed rest. All guestrooms are designed with thoughtful details, modern conveniences and services to ensure the perfect retreat during your visit in Amsterdam.
#10. Pulitzer Amsterdam
The Pulitzer Amsterdam is a luxurious property well-situated in the Central Loop of the city. The Hotel consists of a block of twenty-five exceptionally restored 17th and 18th century canal houses and a labyrinth of inner gardens.
The privately-owned Pulitzer is nestled in a prime location facing two canals that is in close proximity to the Anne Frank House and the Royal Palace on the Dam. Moreover, it is just a mere leisurely walk to the Negen Straatjes shopping quarter and ten minutes from Museumplein by tram.
Essentially, the Hotel’s 225 guestrooms and suites are individually decorated to create the feeling of warmth and charming escape within the city’s hustle and bustle. Many have fine canal views and all come with the potted history of whichever canal house you find yourself staying in.
Likewise, modern art from the hotel’s collection finds its way inside the rooms with color schemes of muted pastels and golden beige with luscious touches of lime, yellow and purple add to a relaxing stay.
#11. Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht
The Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht is situated in the city’s Jordaan district with a rather unassuming exterior façade that blends with the rest of the neighborhood. Nonetheless, it has hip and stylish interiors adorned with quirky furnishings that adds to its unique character and boutique hotel charm.
Suffice to day, it brings Dutch history and culture inside with its design and architectural choices.
The Hotel has 122 luxe guestrooms that are sought after since the hotel is nestled in a quiet area between the Prinsengracht and Keizergracht canals. Additionally, The Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht is also steps away from Amsterdam’s famous Nine Streets as well as the Anne Frank house, Van Gogh Museum, and a variety of interesting bars and cafes.
Not to be missed is the gourmet Bluespoon restaurant; a hot spot for the stylish crowd which is a destination in itself. Here, you can sit at the chef’s table near the open plan kitchen for a special dining experience unlike any other.
#12. Hotel Okura Amsterdam
The Hotel Okura Amsterdam is rooted in the art of Japanese hospitality amidst a luxurious five-star setting in the trendy district of De Pijp. This 23-storey building towers over the low-rise buildings of Amsterdam but in a more tranquil environment.
Here, prepare to be transported into a whole new level of service and authentic experience unlike any other in this side of the city. The Hotel Okura Amsterdam is home to four superb signature restaurants, a tranquil spa that boasts of the biggest hotel pool in town, and guestrooms that are comfortably spacious characterized by a relaxed luxury and zen-like calm.
The rooms come in Superior and Executive categories but are as spacious and relaxing; then as you go to a higher level, the higher room rate applies but affords you with more stunning views of Amsterdam. Conversely, when you opt to stay in an Executive room, this provides you with access to the private lounge on the 22nd floor with complimentary drinks and snacks while enjoy the marvelous views of the city below.
#13. Grand Hotel Amrath
The Grand Hotel Amrath is one of the most respected luxury hotels in Amsterdam and is housed in a distinctive Art Deco building that has been in the cityscape since 1912.
The Hotel is nestled within a 100-year old building that served as the headquarters for a number of shipping companies and is now a national monument of its glorious shipping past.
In addition, the former Shipping House is an historical landmark that carries the shining beacon of Dutch architecture proudly. Eventually, it was converted into a luxury hotel to serve as host to the many travelers that visit Amsterdam lured by its Old World and progressive charm.
Most importantly, its guestrooms are specious with high ceilings and big bathrooms for a pleasurable stay experience. Its bright carpets and wall fabrics are based on original designs and are adorned with period pieces and Art Deco-style furniture and lighting fixtures. Truly, a stay at the Grand Hotel Amrath is an experience right at the lap of Dutch luxury and heritage.
#14. Hotel Twenty-Seven
The Hotel Twenty-Seven is located in the heart of where the action is in Amsterdam. It is near the Royal Palace and the main museums are just 15-minutes away by tram. Interestingly, this extraordinary Hotel feels more like an elite private club that your typical five-star hotel.
Seemingly so, it is nestled within the bustling Dam Square and housed in a gorgeous landmark building. As its unique name suggests, this boutique property offers an exclusive “Suites Only” accommodations on the third to the seventh floors of a 1916 building right in the center of town. As such, there are only sixteen ultra-exclusive suites located above Amsterdam’s most impressive private club.
Essentially, you will be assigned your own personal butler during your stay in one of the suites and attended to by its polite and helpful staff.
There is also an excellent restaurant and cocktail bar with elegant “Guests Only” VIP lounge adjoining the bar. Here, you will be taken into a global gastronomic journey at the Michelin-starred Bougainville restaurant to guarantee a luxe dining experience.
#15. Hyatt Regency Hotel Amsterdam
The Hyatt Regency Hotel Amsterdam is located on a busy street on the edge of the Plantage district. It is a tad away from the central district but is well-served by public transport.
The Hotel is a purpose-built modern structure in a up and coming hip neighborhood in Amsterdam which blends seamlessly into three adjacent 19th century townhouses. The Hotel draws attention for its top location, sustainable and eco-friendly luxurious vibe, and refreshing Botanical inspired decors ideal for that conscious traveler seeking a newer perspective in the city.
Likewise, its accommodations feature bright and spacious guestrooms with all the comforts of an urban getaway. All rooms offer a refreshing ambiance and are elegantly decorated with botanical-themed artworks. Suffice to say, Hyatt Regecny Hotel Amsterdam is your fresher alternative to the city’s vibrant hotel scene.