Luxury Hotels in Amsterdam for an Upscale Stay

Amsterdams beautiful architecture is best seen during a boat trip along the canals
Amsterdam's beautiful architecture is best seen during a boat trip along the canals | Courtesy of De L’Europe Amsterdam / Expedia
Karin Engelbrecht

You’ll find a flurry of five-star hotels complete with water views and Michelin-starred restaurants amid Amsterdam’s Medieval centre, Golden Age canals and eclectic 18th-century districts. Don’t forget to explore the Rijksmuseum and Anne Frank’s House from here by bicycle.

For centuries, Amsterdam has drawn an upscale crowd to its cobblestone streets. It’s home to some of the Western world’s greatest art collections – and in recent years – trendy bars and avant-garde restaurants. Elevate your stay in the Dutch capital with a stay in one of these five-star hotels.

1. Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam

Luxury

A bed, sitting area and chandelier in a chic hotel room at Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam
Courtesy of Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam / Expedia

The Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam is known for its remarkable two-Michelin-starred restaurant, creative afternoon teas and a luxurious spa with some of the finest facials in town. Situated in six 17th-century double-front canal palaces on Amsterdam’s Herengracht, the hotel embodies understated elegance and offers canal or courtyard views from its rooms. If you’re looking to be pampered in the historical centre of Amsterdam, it doesn’t get better than this.

2. Conservatorium Hotel

Hotel

Sun loungers, plates of fruit and a bottle of wine in a wine cooler on the rooftop at Conservatorium Hotel
Courtesy of Conservatorium Hotel / Expedia

The Conservatorium, named after the music conservatory once housed here, was the first property in The Set Hotels portfolio. The company is now responsible for a trio of Europe’s “modern grand hotels”, including Hotel Café Royal in London and Hotel Lutetia in Paris. Conservatorium’s convenient location in the chic Zuid District – right by Amsterdam’s “big three” museums – is a selling point, as is Italian interior architect Piero Lissoni’s sleek redesign of the 19th-century bank building. It’s also home to an excellent underground spa. It’s not surprising that the style set continue to flock here.

4. Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam

Suite Hotel

Seating and small candles on tables in the spacious lobby area at Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam
Courtesy of Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam / Expedia

A genuinely historic Amsterdam hotel, The Grand truly lives up to its name. It was founded as a convent in the 15th century and is famous for being the location of the former Queen Beatrix’s wedding. It has also seen more than its fair share of well-known visitors, from William of Orange to Winston Churchill. Classic and charmingly Dutch, with views of Amsterdam’s oldest canal, the hotel features modern art that contrasts with its centuries-old architecture. The hotel’s extravagant breakfast is another highlight.

5. Pulitzer Amsterdam

Hotel

Seating, trees and flowers in the large courtyard at the Pulitzer Amsterdam
Courtesy of Pulitzer Amsterdam / Expedia

Located in the 9 Streets District, Pulitzer Amsterdam has attractive surroundings – including canals, cool shops and excellent eateries. The hotel oozes Dutch Golden Age romance with 25 creatively interconnected canal houses arranged around a peaceful inner courtyard, The Pulitzer’s inimitable style is a juxtaposition of colourful and clean lines, distinctly Dutch quirks and original Canal District features. It’s all in the details here, from the luxurious Le Labo bathroom toiletries to incredible floral displays and expertly crafted cocktails in the city’s best hotel bar.

6. The Dylan Amsterdam

Boutique Hotel

Seating and a fireplace in the stylish lobby area at the Dylan Amsterdam
Courtesy of The Dylan Amsterdam / Expedia

The Dylan Amsterdam is as lovely inside as it is at first glance through its original Golden Age gates. A theatre where Antonio Vivaldi conducted the orchestra once stood on this site – now it is home to 40 individually designed rooms and suites. You have the luxury of an on-site Michelin-starred restaurant and the Keizersgracht location makes this a handy address for those wanting to explore the tourist trail. You’re on the grandest canal at the heart of the Grachtengordel, near the 9 Streets and Jordaan districts.

7. Hotel TwentySeven

Luxury

Seating in a sitting area and windows with a view of the rooftop terrace at Hotel TwentySeven
Courtesy of Hotel TwentySeven / Expedia

If your definition of hotel luxury is a little over the top, with decadent interiors, an impossibly central location right on Dam Square and a ridiculously high price tag to match, you’re at the right address. The suites here couldn’t be more grand, with rich silks and velvets, copper-threaded wallpaper and voluptuous sofas. Inside the rooms expect Roman-style bathrooms with double-size steam showers and Japanese toilets. However, the personal butler service is the true selling point of Hotel TwentySeven. The staff are professional, polite to a fault and more than happy to go the extra mile.

8. InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam

Hotel

A desk with chairs and a dining table in a grand guest room at InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam
Courtesy of InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam / Expedia

This stately hotel has been an Amsterdam icon ever since its opening over 150 years ago. It’s favoured by Dutch and Hollywood royalty alike for its legendary service. Large classically furnished rooms and little extras (such as private tours on 100-year-old saloon boats) are just a few of the highlights. Whether you choose to take the hotel’s celebrated afternoon tea or dive into its indoor swimming pool, you can do so while enjoying unparalleled river views.

9. De L’Europe Amsterdam

Hotel, Suite Hotel, Chain Hotel, Luxury

A plush seating area, with bookcases, drapes and a chandelier at the De LEurope Amsterdam
Courtesy of De L'Europe Amsterdam / Expedia

Since the old days when it was part of the Grand Tour, the 125-year-old De L’Europe has epitomised Amsterdam luxury. Here, you’ll have all of your culinary whims met at the Michelin-starred restaurant, brasserie or bar. Alternatively, treat yourself to some me time at the tranquil spa. Upgrade to the Penthouse Suite if you really want to splash out it comes with a private canal-side terrace and an extra large marble bathtub.

10. Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht

Hotel, Boutique Hotel

A bed, chair with lamp hanging over it, and artwork of a fish on a spoon on the wall in a hotel room at Andaz Amsterdam, Prinsengracht
Courtesy of Andaz Amsterdam / Hotels.com

A short walk from the attractive Nine Streets District, and looking out over canals, Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht is an opulent retreat. Each of the guest rooms have lively individual designs and feature views across the nearby Prinsengracht canal, the secret hotel garden or the striking observatory-inspired atrium. Andaz has a host of welcome amenities, too, including 24-hour room service, a dedicated concierge team and even a limousine service on request should you want to see the city in style.

11. W Amsterdam

Hotel

A sitting area, round bed and desk in a trendy hotel room at W Amsterdam
Courtesy of W Amsterdam / Expedia

The W Amsterdam is a creatively designed hotel split across two buildings, each offering a different but equally enjoyable stay. Part of the Marriott group, it has guest rooms offering the same sleek interiors, modern amenities and personable service that has made the brand, while still offering an individual experience due to the unique layout and in-house cultural programme. Look out for the exclusive events, dubbed the W Happenings, held in the W Lounge and the WET DECK rooftop pool – they’re some of the best parties in the city.

12. Soho House Amsterdam

Chain Hotel, Spa Hotel

The Amsterdam edition of the Soho House group of private members’ clubs, restaurants and hotels overlooks the serene Singel canal and has distinctive art deco interiors. It has everything you might need for a stay in the city: dedicated work spaces, expert mixologists working a fully stocked bar and an excellent day spa offering massages, therapies and treatments. One of the true highlights is the rooftop pool – with sunbeds, a bar and unparalleled views across the magnificent cityscape.

13. Seven One Seven

Boutique Hotel

A bed in a hotel room with large, bright windows at Hotel Seven One Seven
Courtesy of Hotel Seven One Seven / Expedia

With 19th-century origins, the five-star Seven One Seven is old-world charm with contemporary conveniences. Each of the nine luxury suites come with a design inspired by master creatives (room names include Shakespeare and Tolkien, Schubert and Picasso) while still featuring modern amenities such as walk-in rain showers and ultra-comfortable English box-spring mattresses. The concierge service will book you next-level experiences, too, including a personalised walking tour and private cruises down the picturesque canals.

14. Grand Hotel Amrath

Hotel

A four-poster bed and sitting area in a hotel room at Grand Hotel Amrâth Amsterdam
Courtesy of Grand Hotel Amrâth Amsterdam / Hotels.com

Built into a former shipping house, the Grand Hotel Amrath offers a traditional five-star experience in the heart of the city. Each of the 205 guest rooms offer a taste of grandeur, with high ceilings and an Amsterdam School design (an offshoot of art nouveau, art deco and expressionist styles). Being only a stone’s throw from Amsterdam Centraal station, it’s the ideal choice if you want to explore everything this historic city has to offer.

Nicholas Grantham contributed additional reporting to this article.

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