During the Dutch Golden Age in the 17th century, Amsterdam rose to global prominence, with its grand canal houses—featuring distinctive gabled roofs—built for wealthy merchants and bankers. Today, the Dutch capital remains one of Europe’s most visited cities and a major economic hub, but it is undergoing another transformation. A crackdown on mass tourism has led to limits on cruise ships in the historic center, stricter rules for short-term rentals, and cleaner public spaces. At the same time, a wave of stylish new hotels and charming B&Bs has opened along the historic Canal Belt and in less-visited neighborhoods like the Eastern Docklands and Oosterparkbuurt. This makes now the perfect time to rediscover the city’s peaceful waterways, beautiful gardens, world-class museums, and local fashion hotspots. It all begins with choosing the right Amsterdam hotel for your trip.

Vogue’s Guide to the Best Hotels in Amsterdam
For a Modern Masterpiece: Rosewood Amsterdam
For Timeless Grandeur: Hotel De L’Europe
For a Colorful Boutique Hotel: The Hoxton
For a Waterfront Retreat: De Durgerdam Boutique Hotel
For Canalside Luxury: Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam
For a Quiet Stay by the Park: Pillows Hotel Maurits

Ahead, discover 13 of the best hotels in Amsterdam—from cozy apartment rentals to high-end luxury stays.

Rosewood Amsterdam
Amsterdam has no shortage of luxury hotels, but when Rosewood opened a 134-room property in the city’s 17th-century Palace of Justice earlier this summer, it set a new standard for opulence. And for good reason: under current city regulations, this is set to be the last new hotel built within the historic center. Renowned Dutch designer Piet Boon led a decade-long restoration of the landmark, which spans nearly an entire city block along Prinsengracht, one of Amsterdam’s most scenic canals. His design draws inspiration from the Rijksmuseum and its collection of Old Masters, reflected in a color palette of deep blues and soft yellows. More than 1,000 works of art fill the interiors—from Frank Stella reliefs in the Rosewood’s private Hong Kong collection to two Maarten Baas clocks—enhancing the building’s original wood paneling, granite columns, and coffered ceilings.

A courtyard garden by celebrated landscape designer Piet Oudolf offers a peaceful urban retreat (with seasonal bursts of color), while five spacious canal-side residences, each with a full kitchen and butler service, provide the ultimate residential-style stay in the heart of the city for those who prefer an alternative to traditional guest rooms.

Amenities: Indoor pool, spa, bar, fitness center, on-site restaurant, sauna, bike rental
Bonus Tip: Guests can cruise the canals on the hotel’s classic 1924 tea-and-mahogany saloon boat.
Address: Prinsengracht 432-436, 1017 KE
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Carmen
This 17th-century townhouse turned guesthouse is the passion project of Dutch entrepreneurs Carmen Atiyah de Baets, a former fashion PR, and chef Joris ter Meulen Swijtink. The couple opened the three-suite homestay to fill what they saw as a gap in Amsterdam’s hospitality scene: while there are plenty of five-star hotels and no-frills hostels, they felt the city lacked the intimate, soulful guesthouses they had encountered in their travels—like chef Enrique Olvera’s B&B in Mexico City, which served as a key inspiration.

Their Dutch homestay occupies two historic canal houses once owned by Swijtink’s grandmother, connected by a tranquil private garden where the couple often hosts glamorous soirées and pop-ups under wisteria-covered pergolas. Guests are encouraged to make themselves at home, whether relaxing in the garden, playing records in the lounge, or enjoying French toast with salted espresso cream at the all-day café.

Amenities: Complimentary drinks and snacks in the kitchen, garden, fireplace, Aesop toiletries
Bonus Tip: The property includes a well-curated boutique featuring pieces by international and local labels such as…Pien Studios and Flore Flore by Florian van Zuilen
Address: Keizersgracht 600, 1017 EP
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Hotel De L’Europe
Courtesy of Hotel De L’Europe

For a taste of opulent luxury, stay at this grand hotel where the Amstel River meets the Rokin Canal. Inside, you’ll find lavish decor with silk and velvet fabrics, antique crystal chandeliers, and Dutch Masters on loan from the nearby Rijksmuseum. One of Amsterdam’s oldest family-owned hotels, it has been run by the Heineken family since the 1950s and is known for offering exclusive experiences like private Van Gogh Museum tours and door-to-door boat rides. Still, many guests prefer to stay on-site, enjoying the two-Michelin-starred Flore, the cozy leather-clad Freddy’s Bar, and the vibrant Brasserie Marie, inspired by the French Riviera. Wellness enthusiasts can also relax at the underground spa, which features a swimming pool and indulgent treatments. The hotel has expanded over the years, and its newest section, ‘t Huys, includes 14 suites individually designed by Dutch brands and creatives like Salle Privée and jeweler Bibi van der Velden.

Amenities: Fitness area, spa, multiple restaurants and bars, indoor pool
Bonus Tip: For a memorable dining experience, book a seat at the 10-person chef’s table inside Flore, where you can enjoy seasonal tasting menus amid the energy of the kitchen.
Address: Nieuwe Doelenstraat 2-14, 1012 CP
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De Durgerdam Boutique Hotel
Photo: Courtesy of Hotel de Durgerdam

Though it’s hard to leave Amsterdam’s charming canals, this peaceful lakeside hotel—just a 20-minute drive from the city center—is worth the trip. Located in the quaint fishing village of Durgerdam, it overlooks a shallow bay and consists of two clapboard houses with gabled roofs. Inside, 18th-century beams and stonework create a warm, historic atmosphere. The interiors, designed by Amsterdam’s Buro Belén, feel like something from an Old Master painting, with rich saffron reds and mustard yellows, luxurious silks and velvets, vintage furniture and objects, and a mix of 17th-century Dutch paintings and contemporary art. After a swim in the freshwater lake, enjoy a meal at the excellent De Mark, led by chefs Richard van Oostenbrugge and Thomas Groot (known for Amsterdam’s two-Michelin-starred Restaurant 212). The restaurant focuses on seasonal vegetables and sustainable seafood, all served in a beautiful waterfront setting.

Amenities: Private parking, on-site restaurant, bar, terrace, bike rental, fitness room, yoga classes
Bonus Tip: In warmer months, guests can dine on a lakeside deck that extends over the water, surrounded by reeds and the gentle waves of IJmeer lake.
Address: Durgerdammerdijk 73, 1026 CB
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Pulitzer Amsterdam

Made from 25 beautifully restored Golden Age canal houses, Pulitzer Amsterdam is one of the city’s most iconic hotels. Its location is ideal, overlooking the Prinsengracht and Keizersgracht canals and within walking distance of the Rijksmuseum, Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum, and the stylish Nine Streets shopping area. Each of the 225 guest rooms is unique, reflecting the building’s historic layout. They feature jewel-toned decor, peaked headboards inspired by Amsterdam’s gabled roofs, and tall windows with picturesque canal views. For a special treat, book one of the new Collector’s Suites, each with a unique theme—one celebrates Dutch pottery, while another is inspired by Amsterdam’s famous tulips and flower markets. The hotel also offers serene inner gardens and two classic canal boats for exploring the waterways.

Amenities: Fitness centerter, airport shuttle, bar, two on-site restaurants, spa
Bonus Tip: The hotel’s new Beauty House provides a full range of services, including skincare, massages, nail and hair treatments, as well as specialty options like cupping and cryotherapy facials.
Address: Prinsengracht 323, 1016 GZ
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Pillows Hotel Maurits at the Park
Courtesy of Pillows Hotel

Originally a biology university, this 88-room hotel sits on the peaceful edge of Oosterpark, just a 15-minute subway ride from the city center. While it might not be the first choice for newcomers to Amsterdam, it’s a wonderful option for return visitors or anyone looking for a calm, relaxed stay in the Dutch capital. The former classrooms have been transformed into elegant guest rooms with high ceilings, soft colors, and artwork—mostly from the postwar avant-garde Cobra movement—selected from owner Alex Mulder’s private collection. Guests can enjoy standout dining without leaving the hotel, thanks to an all-day casual restaurant and a fine-dining concept by rising star chef Floris van Straalen. In the evening, the 1920s-style Fitz Bar offers a cozy atmosphere where low lighting hides an original Picasso.

Amenities: Fitness center, spa, bar, multiple on-site restaurants
Bonus Tip: The hotel’s private salon, The Living, is reserved for guests and offers complimentary snacks and drinks all day—a perfect place to relax with a book or catch up on emails.
Address: Mauritskade 61, 1092 AD
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The Hoxton Amsterdam
Courtesy of The Hoxton

Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, the original Hoxton in Amsterdam remains one of the city’s most popular and affordable stays. Located along the scenic Herengracht canal, this 111-room hotel attracts a young, creative crowd who often gather in the bright, open lobby on leather couches or enjoy drinks and shared plates in the lively all-day restaurant. The rooms, once part of the former mayor’s home, have a stately feel with features like herringbone wood floors, vaulted ceilings, and canal views—even the smallest room is just 130 square feet.

Amenities: On-site restaurant, bar, meeting rooms, pet-friendly
Bonus Tip: For more space, consider the Hoxton’s second Amsterdam location, which opened in 2023 in a historic building in the revitalized Eastern Docklands. Just a 10-minute bike ride from Centraal Station, the area is filled with impressive architecture, independent shops, and even a Dutch windmill that now houses a brewhouse.
Address: Herengracht 255, 1016 BJ
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Villa Nicola
Villa Nicola

Many hotels claim to offer the feeling of staying at a stylish friend’s apartment, but few actually deliver. Villa Nicola, an intimate two-suite B&B in the bohemian De Pijp neighborhood, is an exception. Owned and run by former fashion model booker Werner Nijenhuis, this early 20th-century canal house has even been used as a backdrop for fashion shoots with celebrities like Gigi Hadid.

The interiors reflect the Netherlands’ history of global trade and exploration, with botanical wallpaper, displays of taxidermied butterflies and flamingos, velvet settees, hand-painted vases, and high-backed wicker Peacock chairs. Each morning, a lovingly prepared breakfast is served in the powder blue-and-white shared kitchen, featuring made-to-order dishes along with excellent bread and pastries.

Amenities: Garden, breakfast provided
Bonus Tip: The Garden Suite includes French doors that open onto a private inner garden, creating a peaceful urban retreat with lush greenery and patio furniture.
Address: Nicolaas Witsenkade 21, 1017 ZS
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Maison Rika
Courtesy of Maison Rika

Before launching her Rika fashion label and magazine, Swedish-born designer Ulrika Lundgren worked as an interior stylist for World of Interiors and Elle Décor. Her…Her sharp design instincts and eclectic style shine at her two-room Rika guesthouse in the heart of Amsterdam. Located on the second and third floors of a three-story townhouse—which also holds her popular lifestyle store—the guesthouse invites you to browse global finds like Maison Michel hats, Rifle Paper stationery, Kjaer Weis beauty products, and a limited-edition line of Rika travel goods.

The two rooms overlook the Herengracht canal and feature exposed beams, black-painted oak floors, black-tiled bathrooms with handmade black copper washbasins, and eye-catching art by San Ming and John Derian. The vibe is cozy with a rock-and-roll edge.

Amenities: Complimentary snacks and drinks
Bonus Tip: The downstairs store regularly hosts pop-up events and artist exhibitions, keeping the townhouse buzzing with cultural energy all year.
Address: Oude Spiegelstraat 12, 1016 BM
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The Dylan Amsterdam
You’d never guess this chic boutique hotel has been around since 1999. Step through its 17th-century archway into a stunning reception area with white marble, black lacquer, rococo moldings, and plush curved furniture—it feels like the coolest new spot in town. The timeless interiors were designed by Paul Linse, known for his work at the Rijksmuseum, the Royal Concert Hall Amsterdam, and London’s Royal Opera House.

But it’s not just the design that draws guests back. The lively bar-brasserie OCCO is a local favorite for everything from breakfast to late-night drinks, while the two-Michelin-starred Vinkeles offers modern takes on classic French dishes, like pigeon with duck liver, sour cherry, and rare Cusco Chuncho cacao.

Amenities: Fitness center, multiple restaurants, bar, meeting rooms
Bonus Tip: The crisp cotton jacket your receptionist wears is a custom unisex style from Dutch workwear brand Bonne, loved by Louis Vuitton models and Amsterdam’s trendsetters.
Address: Keizersgracht 384, 1016 GB
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Soho House Amsterdam
In a city that balances work and play, Amsterdam was a natural fit for Soho House. Its 79-room location on Spuistraat offers all the style and amenities members expect: a 36-seat private cinema, a gym with canal views, a rooftop with 360-degree vistas and a seasonal pool, VanMoof bikes for exploring, and a luxurious Cowshed spa with a sauna and steam room.

Set in the 1930s Art Deco Bungehuis—with its granite façade, stained-glass windows, and mosaic floors—the hotel feels anything but generic. Modern touches include artwork by contemporary Dutch talents like Fiona Tan, Esther Tielemans, and Studio Drift. The all-day Italian restaurant Cecconi’s overlooks the canal and features a retractable glass roof that floods the space with natural light—a welcome feature on rainy days.

Amenities: Fitness center, rooftop, outdoor pool, cinema, bike rental, spa, restaurant, bar
Bonus Tip: If biking makes you nervous, try the hotel’s wooden climbing wall or sign up for a kettlebell or Pilates class.
Address: Spuistraat 210, 1012 VT
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Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam
The Dutch outpost of this New York-born brand spans six canalside palaces. With grand Louis XIV-style staircases, intricate stucco work, and 17th-century ceiling paintings, it channels the opulence of the Dutch Golden Age. Politicians and celebrities are drawn not only to the refined style and prime location near top shopping and dining, but also to the anticipatory, white-glove service. During the 2023 Vermeer exhibition at the Rijksmuseum, rival hotels even called to buy tickets from them. The 93 loft-style rooms and suites blend historic elegance with modern comfort.All rooms, suites, and accommodations offer views of either the canal or the peaceful private garden. The Guerlain spa includes a sauna, steam room, and a pool overlooking the garden, perfect for relaxing between treatments. A highlight is the two-Michelin-starred Spectrum restaurant, where chef Sidney Schutte uses international techniques—refined in Michelin-starred kitchens in Hong Kong—to elevate the finest Dutch ingredients.

Amenities include two on-site restaurants, an indoor swimming pool, pet-friendly policies, a fitness center, a bar, a spa, and meeting rooms.

Bonus tip: Don’t miss afternoon tea at Peacock Alley, where the walls are painted the same cornflower blue seen in Vermeer’s most famous paintings.

Address: Herengracht 542-556, 1017 CG
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Conservatorium Hotel
Courtesy of Conservatorium Hotel

In 2011, Italian architect Piero Lissoni transformed this 19th-century bank—later a music conservatory—into one of Amsterdam’s most stylish contemporary boutique hotels. The centerpiece is a grand, glass-enclosed atrium featuring a suspended steel staircase, midcentury-inspired furniture, tables by Italian modernist Franco Albini, and the building’s original neo-Gothic brick-and-tile façade. This stunning space houses the lobby, a café, and the excellent Mediterranean restaurant Barbounia (try the grilled octopus with sesame yogurt, tomato chutney, crispy potatoes, and lamb merguez).

The hotel is a 10-minute walk from the canals and just steps from P.C. Hooftstraat shopping boulevard, as well as the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Stedelijk Museum. After a day of exploring, relax at the Akasha spa, which offers a 60-foot lap pool and treatments ranging from Watsu therapy and chakra release to facials by Dutch skincare brand The|Tides.

Amenities include an indoor swimming pool, spa, fitness center, in-house DJ, bar, and on-site restaurant.

Bonus tip: This was the first Dutch hotel to receive the prestigious Green Globe certification. Since 2018, it has diverted thousands of pounds of waste from landfills and recycled over 7,000 pounds of plastic.

Address: Paulus Potterstraat 50, 1071 DB
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Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of helpful FAQs about discovering the best canalside hotels in Amsterdam

General Beginner Questions

1 Why should I choose a canalside hotel in Amsterdam
Staying by a canal puts you right in the heart of the citys historic charm Youll have beautiful views easy access to major attractions and an authentic Amsterdam experience right outside your window

2 What area is best for canalside hotels
The Canal Ring specifically the neighborhoods of Jordaan Negen Straatjes and around the Herengracht Keizersgracht and Prinsengracht canals are prime locations

3 Are canalside hotels very expensive
They can be as youre paying for the premium location and views However options are available at various price points from luxury 5star hotels to more affordable boutique options

4 Is it noisy staying by a canal
It can be especially on weekends The canals are lively with boat tours and pedestrians If youre a light sleeper request a room at the back of the hotel or bring earplugs

5 What is the best time of year to book a canalside hotel
Spring for the tulips and summer for the weather are peak seasons so book far in advance For better rates and fewer crowds consider the shoulder seasons

Booking Practical Tips

6 How far in advance should I book
As early as possible especially for peak season Aim for 36 months in advance for the best selection and prices

7 What should I look for when choosing a hotel
Prioritize location amenities room size and of course your budget

8 Do these hotels have parking
Most hotels in central Amsterdam do not have their own parking due to limited space They often partner with nearby secure parking garages which can be expensive Using public transport is highly recommended

9 Are canalside hotels familyfriendly
Many are but its crucial to check Some boutique hotels may have room size or policy restrictions Look for hotels that offer family rooms or connecting rooms