As the 17^th-century capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam is one of the most compelling historic cities in Europe. Boasting museums packed with treasures, ancient palaces transformed into hotels, boutique shops selling vintage gems, and magnificent classical music venues, the city will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time!

To stop the city from sinking into its famous canals, the area is supported by a whopping 11 million wood poles. Even some of the trees in the popular Vondelpark are protected from slipping into the water by them!

No trip to Amsterdam is complete without cruising along the picture-perfect canals. You can travel up to 60 miles along the city’s winding 165 waterways on some of the most charming boats you’ve ever seen.

There’s a huge selection of places to stay in Amsterdam. From awe-inspiring palaces and ultra-cool retreats to one-of-a-kind hotels and charming boutique rooms, you’ll be spoiled for choice.  There are so many great places to stay in Amsterdam that you might find it impossible to choose just one. To help you out, we’ve put together a list of the best hotels in Amsterdam so you can enjoy your perfect getaway!

Don’t forget to check out our web story: 12 Cool Boutique Hotels in Amsterdam

Where to Stay in Amsterdam

If this is your first visit to Amsterdam, we recommend you stay in Centrum, the most central part of the city. This neighborhood is full of life and is bursting with things to see and do. From the city’s most important landmarks and attractions to fantastic dining options and some of the coolest Amsterdam hotels, Centrum is a great choice if you’ve never been to the city before.

Negen Straatjes is a top pick if you want a more laid-back atmosphere with a trendy vibe. This neighborhood literally translates as “Nine Little Streets,” which crisscross over the city’s three main canals. 

In this area, you’ll find artisan specialty shops, chic boutiques, designer cafes, and some of the best boutique hotels in Amsterdam. It’s a truly beautiful place that will reward you with tons of great photos ops.

The Canal Belt (West) Area is a great place to stay for sightseeing. This part of the city is where you’ll find the Anne Frank House, countless grand mansions, and the Farmers’ Market. It also has excellent tram connections, allowing you to zip to many other parts of the city in just minutes.

For a more cultural and luxurious experience, stay in the Canal Belt (East) Area. Here you’ll find some of the most opulent palaces you’ve ever seen, charming canal walkways, award-winning restaurants, world-famous museums, and fascinating art galleries!

The 12 Best Boutique Hotels in Amsterdam

1. Misc Eatdrinksleep

Ideally located if you want to be in the center of all the action, Misc Eatdrinksleep is surrounded by some of the city’s best attractions. The Nieuwmarkt Square, Chinatown, Amstel River, and the Old Jewish Quarter are all within walking distance, as is the Amsterdam Central Station. 

There’s also a fantastic selection of cafes, bars, and restaurants on your doorstep, so you don’t have to venture far if you don’t feel like it.

This 17^th-century boutique hotel features just six rooms, each of which is entirely unique. Rooms at the front of the building have wonderful canal views, as well as large bathrooms with rainwater showers and white-noise machines to help you sleep. The rooms at the back of the building have picturesque garden views and windows on both sides, allowing you to enjoy a blissful cross breeze during the summer.

Although there isn’t a restaurant on-site, you can enjoy an excellent breakfast each morning made up of goodies from local bakeries, butcher’s cut meat, Dutch artisan cheese, and fresh fruit.

2. De L’Europe

Undoubtedly one of the best hotels in Amsterdam, De L’Europe is a five-star hotel built on the remains of a late-medieval fortress. Located along the Amstel River, in the beating heart of the city, the hotel is just a short walk away from Amsterdam’s most popular attractions, as well as countless cafes, shops, bars, and restaurants.

If you’re a foodie, you’ve got to make a reservation at Flore, a Michelin-starred restaurant that dishes up the best of local, seasonal cuisine. Before your gastronomic treat, stop at Freddy’s Bar for a classic cocktail you can sip in a gorgeous environment with old-world charm.

Le Spa by Skins Institute is another highlight of the hotel. Featuring a swimming pool, hot tub, sauna, 24-hour gym, and a comprehensive array of treatments and massages, this is the place to unwind and get into full vacation mode.

Despite the hotel’s impressive facilities, it’s the accommodation that will really amaze you! The rooms and suites are beautifully appointed, highlighting timeless designs, modern must-haves, and the emblematic Amsterdam spirit that will make your stay unforgettable.

3. Pillows Anna van den Vondel

Hidden away inside a fully-renovated 19^th-century property, Pillows Anna van den Vondel is the perfect place to stay when you want to be close enough to visit all the city’s main attractions while being far enough away to enjoy a good night’s rest. Located next to the peaceful Vondelpark and just steps away from the nearest tram stop, this hotel enjoys the best of both worlds!

Guest rooms are strikingly bright and airy, with white walls, soft carpets, plenty of natural light, and fantastic views. The large beds are covered in some of the most delicate and sumptuous bedding you’ll ever experience. For an even better night’s sleep, upgrade to one of the superior rooms, and you’ll be rewarded with a plush king-size bed.

Instead of a reception, the hotel has Living, a place where you can enjoy a drink, have something to eat, and meet new friends – all while you check-in!

While the all-day dining menu is superb, we recommend you make a reservation for the afternoon tea. Available in sweet and sweet-savory options, these gourmet delights are bursting with delicate handmade treats and are the perfect way to reenergize after a morning spent sightseeing.

4. Conservatorium

One of the best Amsterdam hotels if you plan on visiting the city’s museums, the Conservatorium is just steps away from the Van Gogh Museum, Moco Museum, Concertgebouw, and Rijksmuseum, as well as some of the city’s most glamorous shopping streets. Everything is so close you won’t have to bother with public transport if you don’t want to.

There’s a huge range of rooms to choose from here. For a simple, short stay, consider the Superior Guest Room. Featuring natural colors with hardwood floors, a large workspace, a queen-size bed, and a bathroom with rainwater shower and luxury amenities, this room has everything you need.

If you’re celebrating a special occasion, go all out on the Van Baerle Suite. Boasting a prestigious corner location with remarkable views, this suite has an open-plan living area, a warm travertine stone bathroom with a solid stone oval tub, and top-of-the-line headphones to use during your stay.

Whichever room you choose, you’ll have free access to the sprawling Akasha Holistic Wellbeing spa, where you can indulge yourself with a whirlpool tub, swimming pool, hammam, sauna, treatments, massages, and relaxation zones.

5. Hotel Seven One Seven

For the chance to stay in an opulent canal-side mansion with all the elegant atmosphere of a stately home, choose Hotel Seven One Seven. Set directly in front of the canal and just a short walk away from both the Anne Frank House and the Rijksmuseum, this hotel is a great place to base yourself if you want to see the best the city has to offer.

Accommodation comes in the form of nine spacious rooms, each of which is unique and named after a prominent person from history. Antique furniture and classic decor blend seamlessly with high-speed Wi-Fi access and modern bathrooms with walk-in rainwater showers, providing the perfect balance of old and new.

The most important meal of the day is served in the charming breakfast room each morning. We recommend the local sausages from Brandt & Levie – they’re amazing! You can also retire to the drawing-room for afternoon drinks, including local gins and beers. Although there isn’t really a restaurant on-site, staff are happy to deliver simple dishes to your room for you to enjoy.

6. Pulitzer Amsterdam

Set within 25 beautifully restored houses, which date back to the 17th and 18th centuries, the Pulitzer Amsterdam is one of the most unique Amsterdam hotels. Once the place where important trade deals were made between merchants, the prestigious property now hosts international travelers keen to explore Amsterdam’s stunning canals.

Inspired by the ancient history and design of the original canal houses, each accommodation option at this hotel is truly one-of-a-kind. From simple rooms with queen size beds, bright pops of color, and enviable canal views to deluxe suites with multiple levels, funky instrument decorations, and genuine antiques, there’s something for everyone here.

The hotel’s open-air Pulitzer Garden restaurant is a must-visit during the summer! Here you can treat yourself to a delicious coffee in the morning or a glass of wine to accompany your pasta dish in the afternoon. For something a bit more formal, head to Pulitzer’s Bar, where you can enjoy an innovative twist on a classic cocktail in speakeasy-inspired surroundings.

7. Hotel de Hallen

Set inside a building that was previously a tram depot, the Hotel de Hallen has its own special vibe. The four-star boutique hotel has kept the original tramlines but revamped the rest of the building, turning it into an urban-vintage hotel that invites you to relax and unwind.

The guest rooms are stylish, minimalist, and provide you with everything you need to wake up feeling ready to explore the city. COCO-MAT king-size beds, full-size bathtubs, walk-in rainwater showers, luxury toiletries, air conditioning, Nespresso machines, and mini-fridges come as standard. Upgrade to a Junior Suite, and you’ll be able to relax your weary legs in your own private hot tub!

All the public areas are decorated with eye-catching pieces of art. So many, in fact, you’ll think you’re in one of the city’s galleries! From the restaurant Remise47 and the hotel’s sleek bar to the spacious sun-kissed terrace and the cozy lounge zones, every inch of the Hotel de Hallen is chic, trendy, and welcoming.

8. The Dylan

Easily one of the best Amsterdam boutique hotels, the Dylan is almost too good to be true! Boasting an excellent location along the Keizersgracht canal, within easy reach of all the city’s best landmarks, this five-star hotel is sure to impress.

The Michelin-starred Restaurant Vinkeles is a must-visit during your stay. Set inside an 18^th-century bakery, this gourmet hot spot dishes up modern French cuisine with a classic twist. 

As a guest, you can also enjoy excellent international meals and Bar Brasserie OCCO. Don’t miss out on the High Wine tasting experience at OCCO. It includes four wines, four nibbles, and is amazing!

Guest rooms are the most spectacular part of the hotel. With stunning views, luxurious bathrooms with Frette robes and designer amenities, and high-end B&O sound systems as standard, whichever room you choose, you’ll feel like royalty. 

For a unique experience, treat yourself to a Loft room. Tucked into the upper-most part of the hotel, these exclusive spaces feature original wood beams, minimalist furniture, and serene garden views.

9. Ambassade Hotel

A magnificent family-run hotel set in one of Amsterdam’s best shopping areas, Ambassade Hotel is lucky enough to have designer boutiques, gift stores, art galleries, and countless restaurants right on its doorstep. Despite its central location, the hotel is surrounded by peace and tranquility, guaranteeing you a great night’s sleep every time.

The 56 guest rooms are spread throughout buildings constructed in the 17th, 18th, and 20th centuries, giving them their own character. Because of this, each room is one-of-a-kind, with its own shape, size, color scheme, and features. Despite their differences, all rooms include a spacious lounge area, free Wi-Fi access, a minibar, a laptop-size safe, air conditioning, heating, and complimentary BVLGARI bathroom amenities.

Art and literature play a hugely important role at the Ambassade Hotel. In the Library Bar, more than 5,000 books can be found by authors who have stayed at the hotel, and literary events are held throughout the year inside the Literaire Salon. There’s also an impressive collection of Cobra Art on display in various parts of the hotel. It includes more than 800 pieces and is like an art gallery itself!

10. The Hoxton

An inviting hotel made up of five canal houses, the Hoxton is an excellent place to stay if you want to make the most of the city’s vibrant nightlife. Within easy reach of lively bars, cool lounges, buzzing clubs, and amazing restaurants, you don’t have to go far to have a great time! 

Thanks to Lottie’s, you don’t even have to leave your hotel. From lavish brunches in the morning to brasserie-style dishes in the evening and boozy late-night cocktails, the hotel’s on-site restaurant always has an energetic vibe you’ll get swept up in.

Embracing the originality and peculiarities of the canal houses, the Hoxton’s accommodation options are fantastic. From rooms with monumental ceilings and lofts boasting original wood beams to spaces with custom-made hexagonal mirrors and studios with authentic herringbone flooring, the decor at this gorgeous hotel will take your breath away.

If you’re staying a week or more, we recommend the Biggy Room. The largest of them all, this room includes a king-size bed, a large TV above a fireplace bookshelf, a spacious modern bathroom, and remarkable canal views.

11. The Pavilions Amsterdam, The Toren

Tucked away in the Canal District, within easy reach of cool cafes, trendy art galleries, and artisan boutique stores, the Pavilions Amsterdam, The Toren is one of the most sophisticated hotels in the city. Spread out over two 17^th-century buildings once home to important merchants, the rooms are every bit as beautiful inside as the canal views are on the outside.

Flamboyantly appointed with black velvet wall decorations, red silk sheets, and mood lighting, these guest rooms perfectly set the scene for a romantic break. The deluxe rooms come with charming garden views, whirlpool hot tubs, and plush bathrobe and slipper sets. 

But if you’re celebrating a special occasion, we suggest you splurge on a suite. The most spacious choice and located on the top floor of the main house, each suite includes a double rainwater shower and an aromatherapy steam cabin for an extra-special stay.

Start and end your day at the Lounge Bar. Here you can dig into a sumptuous breakfast buffet with made-to-order specialties in the mornings. In the evenings, pop over again for small plates, platters, and appetizers to compliment an excellent selection of wines and gins.

12. Breitner House

For the chance to feel like royalty, book a room at Breitner House. An incredibly beautiful Amsterdam townhouse found overlooking the Oosterpark, this intimate property is made up of just two suites.

The strikingly decadent George Breitner Suite looks almost identical to what it was like in 1882. Shelves loaded with old books, a miniature bed canopy, amazing wall murals, a genuine fireplace, intricately carved ceilings, and impressive chandeliers are just some of the things you can expect to enjoy in this room.

Choose the Isaac Israels Suite, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by authentic paintings, antique furniture, an extravagant dining room, and an Italian bathroom with a walk-in shower. Thanks to the suite’s unique position, you can walk straight from your bedroom out into the garden. 

Whichever room you stay in, you’ll be treated to daily goodies created by the hotel’s pastry chef, as well as a luxury champagne breakfast each morning. Although there are no other dining options available on-site, you’ll find a bunch of great choices in the immediate area.

That completes our list of the 12 best boutique Amsterdam hotels! Did we miss any cool boutique hotels in Amsterdam? Comment below so we can add them to the list!

SHARE THIS ON PINTEREST