The Best Hotels in Zaandam, the Netherlands, for Every Traveller

Ever wanted to sleep under the label of a giant advertisement for cocoa powder? Book one of the Taste Deluxe Rooms at this hotel for your chance (the city’s known for its chocolate). Firmly connected to its roots, this four-star property made up of a crazy storybook-style stacking of various traditional houses – the Dutch Zaanse style – is modern, quirky and takes pride in reflecting the rich history of the region. It only uses traditional products – hot chocolate included – and local craftspeople. The wellness club here offers the opportunity to wind down in the Finnish sauna or Turkish steam bath or while away an hour with a massage.

The Zaan Hotel in Zaandam is a short train ride away from Amsterdam, offering you access to all the canal-based action of the big city but with the comfort and convenience of a quieter town. The architecture is in keeping with the 17th-century Zaanse building style, and the rooms feel Scandi-luxe, with soft plush furnishings, romantic muted tones and sultry lighting. The on-site Brasserie Tsar serves a delicious organic breakfast buffet and à la carte dinner.

This stylish boutique hotel sits in the centre of Zaandam on Dam Square. Manzo’s has 10 rooms, with warm Loft Suites at the back of the hotel and the dark and moody City Suites at the front, each with a king-size bed with 300-thread-count cotton bed linen, a sunken bathtub and a large smart TV. Pop down to the hotel restaurant, Manzo’s Bar & Bistro, for lunch or dinner and a drink.

Waking up here will feel like opening your eyes inside a box of Dutch souvenirs. From the window, you’ll see colour-blocked old Dutch 17th-century buildings, a working windmill and the River Zaan, with plenty of distant meadows. The owner, Sharon, has the rooms done up in a way that’s authentic but also modern and comfortable. You can be in Amsterdam in 15 minutes via train. Breakfast is included.

This B&B trades on “small-town hospitality”, which is evident in the friendly service and charmingly chintz decor. Sitting along the River Zaan in the middle of the Zaanstreek, it’s still only a short train ride into Amsterdam and 2km (1mi) from a lively area of shops and eateries. Take advantage of being close to the water with some swimming, boating and fishing. It’s also possible to rent bicycles for €5 per day at the hotel. The lounge has an open fire, a blissful place to end a busy day of sightseeing.

To give you an idea of how big this juggernaut of a hotel is, it has 13 conference rooms and 143 luxury rooms, along with a wellness centre on the sixth floor, complete with a swimming pool, sauna and gym. There’s also a decent restaurant and bar. Van der Valk Hotel Oostzaan is both fancy and functional, and the staff at the front desk are very friendly and helpful.

You’ll feel like you’re staying in a design showroom at Boutique Hotel No 43, as the interiors are stylish, with plenty of potted plants, ’60s vintage-inspired furniture and flashes of gold. The building sits on Stationsstraat near the Zaanse Schans windmill-dominant neighbourhood, and you can reach all sights in the Zaanstreek and cute local restaurants with ease. This hotel is a self-check-in operation so that you have full freedom, but the hosts are happy to reveal their hidden gems should you need some direction.

It might look like a family home from the outside, but De Oude Slaght packs a style punch with its industrial-chic interiors, including exposed brick walls, Edison light bulbs and vertical gardens in the rooms. The building was once the office of the municipal slaughterhouse of Zaandam, built in 1934 by the Zaanse architect Jan Schipper. The leafy garden is a modern sanctuary with a hot tub, a sauna and loungers. Hosts Gabrielle and Hille will take good care of you.

This house can sleep up to four people, and Joan, the owner who lives in the main house, will serve you a tasty breakfast and help you find your way for the day. It sits close to the centre of Zaandam and is only 25 minutes by train into Amsterdam. The old-school record player is a major draw, with an impressive selection of vinyl. There’s also a lovely garden in the back.