THE 8 BEST HOTELS IN AMSTERDAM

One of my favorite cities in the world, Amsterdam will always hold a particularly special place in my heart. It’s one of the places I visited on my first European backpacking trip in 2006, and since then, I’ve been back countless times, exploring all the nooks and crannies of this beautiful multicultural city.

With fantastic parks, wonderful cafes, world-class art museums, charming canals, and a rich history, there are tons of things to see and do here.

And, no matter what you come to see or do, your choice of hotel can make or break your visit. All located great neighborhoods to stay in, these are my recommended best hotels in Amsterdam:
 

1. Hotel Rho

Hotel Rho is located right on Dam Square at the very edge the neighborhood De Wallen, home to Amsterdam’s oldest church, a cool craft brewery, plenty of cool cafés and restaurants, and, of course, the famous Red Light District. This hotel offers simple but comfortable rooms in a gorgeous former Art Deco-style theater. The rooms are fairly large for the location, have a lot of natural light, and good water pressure in the showers. The decor is a little dated but you’ll get a good night’s sleep here! There’s a substantial breakfast buffet available and free coffee and tea in the lobby too. You can’t beat its central location and price point.

2. Park Plaza Victoria

Located in the Centraal/Centrum district (right across the street from Centraal Station), this hotel set in a 19th-century neo-Classical building has excellent views of the city. The rooms have a very modern and stylish design with comfy beds, a decent amount of natural light, a desk, and stylish bathrooms. There’s an indoor swimming pool, sauna, and gym, and the rooms all have Egyptian linens, walk-in showers, and in-room coffee and tea. Downstairs, there’s a stylishly-designed restaurant serving Dutch and international cuisine. I love staying here. It’s great value for your money.

3. Max Brown Museum Square

Max Brown kicks it up a notch for a mid-range hotel in Amsterdam’s Museum District. Rooms here have lots of natural wood tones, tons of light, comfortable beds and cozy sheets, desks, and the showers have good water pressure. Note that the rooms are on the slightly smaller side but you get a nice quiet sleep here! Bike rentals are available for convenient exploring of this incredibly cycle-friendly city and the hotel’s beautifully designed café has daily bread delivery from local bakeries. There’s a hotel bar open 24/7 too.

4. Hotel La Bohème

Located in Leidseplein, I like this area because it’s right across from the massive Vondelpark. There’s a lot to do here but the area doesn’t have the crowds of the Red Light District so it’s much calmer and quieter. This hotel features simple but clean and comfortable rooms in homey atmosphere (there’s even a hotel cat and a hotel bar with board games). The rooms have a very modern decor with a lot of natural light. Single rooms have shared bathrooms while all the others are en suite (so take a not when you are booking). The staff are really nice and always ready to help you with whatever you need. There aren’t a lot of mid-range hotels in this part of town and I think this one is the best value for your money.

5. Sir Albert

This stylish hotel is located on the edge of De Pijp, a hip neighborhood bordering the Museum Quarter (one of my favorite parts of town). Sir Albert’s rooms all have high ceilings and big windows, and upgraded top-floor rooms even have cathedral ceilings. I love the plush beds and large showers with excellent water pressure. The in-house izakaya serves up delicious Japanese tavern fare. As a guest, you’ll also have free access to a nearby gym and spin classes, and there are bike rentals available right at the hotel too.

6. Hotel Okura

Also located in De Pijp, this high-rise five-star hotel is situated right next to a canal and has incredible views of the city. The spacious rooms are opulent, with incredibly plush beds and furniture, and the bathrooms all have huge bathtubs and rainfall showers. There are four gourmet restaurants on-site, including two with Michelin stars, as well as an indoor pool, wellness center with a spa, and a gym. This is one of the nicest hotels in the city. If you want luxury, stay here!

7. Bed & Breakfast WestViolet

After De Pijp, Jordaan is my favorite part of the city. Crammed with upscale boutiques, elegant restaurants, laid-back cafés, fun pubs, it’s a bustling neighborhood. This cozy bed and breakfast with a resident cat is in the heart of Jordaan on a quiet street. There’s a guest kitchen stocked with ingredients if you want to prepare your own meals, and breakfast is complimentary too. The rooms are simple and airy but come with a desk. There’s also a lot of natural light, which is nice. It’s a cozy spot with really welcoming owners and my favorite in town.

8. Conservatorium Hotel

This erstwhile conservatory set in a gargantuan neo-Gothic building is the epitome of Dutch luxury. The 129 rooms have beautiful views of the neighborhood, plush mattresses, rain showers, and stunning hardwood floors. There are also free bike rentals, an award-winning spa with a state-of-the-art indoor swimming pool, sauna, hot tub, hammam, and massages, and a yoga studio. There are several dining areas including a restaurant, bar, and lounge. It’s the nicest place to stay in the Museum District.