The Best Boutique Hotels in Utrecht

The Court Hotel is a charming boutique hotel run by Utrecht natives Paul Westra and Hans Pieters. It was once the city’s courthouse. Each of the bright, colourful rooms include a host of additions such as an ultra-comfortable double box spring bed and Anyah eco-friendly toiletries. The hotel occupies a prime location next to Utrecht University Hall, whilst Utrecht Centraal is just a 10-minute walk away.

Housed in a restored 18th century building, Hotel Simple is an excellent option if you’re looking for the classic Utrecht experience overlooking the Domkerk (church). Each of the cosy guest rooms feature items from the building’s long history, from exposed beams to rich wood panelled floors and vintage furniture. The hotel’s popular in-house restaurant, Simple, is well worth a visit in its own right; it has a delicious seasonal menu that changes monthly.

From the outside, you’d be forgiven for thinking this hotel is a modest guesthouse in central Utrecht. Step inside and you’ll find a luxury, contemporary hotel. Each of the guest rooms are carefully designed with bespoke furniture and cosy coffee corners to curl up in with a book. For longer stays, check out one of the Anthony’s loft apartments, featuring a kitchenette – you’ll feel like a local in no time.

First built nearly 400 years ago, today the Hotel Beijers has been lovingly restored by antique lover and Dutch TV personality, Bert Degenaar. During its lifetime, the Beijers has been a city palace, art gallery, boarding school and bookshop. Inside you’ll find 15 beautifully-styled guest suites with brightly coloured walls and sash windows. Treat yourself to the breakfast in bed option, which will arrive at your door in a picnic basket.

The NH Centre is a sleek, modern hotel in the middle of the city’s old town. Close to the city’s Domtoren and collection of museums, this hotel is the perfect option if you’re looking to get the most out of Utrecht’s cultural quarter. Book a front-facing room for views across the picture-perfect Janskerkhof Square and flower market. Pets are welcome and late check-out is available.

Once the setting of a 14th century monastery, the Grand Hotel Karel V embodies that peaceful atmosphere. Rooms are classically styled; ask for one with a view of the Domtoren. The hotel’s courtyard terrace, dotted with restaurant tables, is one of Utrecht’s best kept secrets; enjoy a light lunch of orzo with asparagus and wild garlic in the summer months. Other facilities include an in-house spa, offering a sauna, steam room, jacuzzi and selection of treatments.

A little away from Utrecht’s centre, this modern hotel offers 146 rooms decorated with quirky themes. The eccentric Holland suite comes with clog-shaped bed and the Dutch Masters’ suites are decked out in classic art prints. Beyond the rooms, the real draw here is the indoor pool, as well as two bars and a bowling alley onsite. Enjoy breakfast overlooking the serene canal where herons can often be spotted.

Every room at Zies is named after a type of Old World grape, as a tribute to the hotel’s onsite Mediterranean style wine bar and bistro. Besides excellent wine and delicious southern European meals, you can expect box spring beds, original fireplaces and rain showers in the rooms. Come morning, you’ll receive a breakfast bag to your door with homemade yoghur, jam, fresh orange juice, fruit and organic banana bread or carrot cake. Utrecht’s city centre is less than one kilometre away.

Ten individually designed, luxury suites make up Mary K, an 18th century canal house built onto the side of the city’s most famous waterway, de Oudegracht. Each one features quirky design touches: Mary’s Comfort Double includes a hanging basket chair and cartoon mural, whilst the Royal Rooftop Residence has a bathtub in the centre of the room, Portuguese tiling and a golden wall. If you’re looking to impress your other half, request prosecco on arrival and breakfast in bed for two.

The second entry on our list by Utrecht hoteliers Paul Westra and Hans Pieters. Mother Goose was once one of the most notorious squats in the city. Now it’s an elegant hotel just across from the historic Ganzenmarkt square. Exposed brickwork, curved wooden beams and handcrafted furnishing hark back to the building’s history, whilst the all-white rooms create a modern feel. Fresh juice, hot croissants and eggs for breakfast can be delivered to your room on request.

The Malie Hotel is a luxurious old mansion-turned-hotel, suited for couples looking for a romantic break. It’s located between Utrecht Science Park and the city centre. The lobby has a homely feel, decorated with books and pot plants, whilst the rooms feature soothing neutral tones; book the Suite for its king-sized bed and private roof terrace. Downstairs, the leafy garden is a popular hangout for a late afternoon drink.

This four star boutique hotel is housed within a 300 year old mansion that was once a temporary eye hospital, converted by one of the fathers of ophthalmology, Franciscus Donders. Rooms, ranging from simple doubles to family rooms suited for those with young children, are decked out in simple monochrome. Expect quirky prints, super comfortable beds and dinner delivered to your room.