Amsterdam Hotels

One of Holland's most luxurious and prestigious hotels occupies a tranquil, scenic location on the banks of the River Amstel. Since its opening in 1867, it has played host to countless kings, queens and celebrities, such as Princess Diana, Audrey Hepburn, Madonna and members of The Rolling Stones. With opulent, traditional-style rooms of stately grandeur containing Delft porcelain, an impressive health club and swimming pool, magnificent riverside terraces and limousine service, the hotel fully lives up to its motto 'tradition meets excellence'.

Standing majestically on the banks of the River Amstel, this grand old dame is still the address in town for lavish Old World luxury. From the 19th-century paintings adorning the public areas to the plush appointed guest rooms, this modern hotel maintains an old-fashioned charm. Hotel de l'Europe features the restaurant Bord'Eau which was awarded two Michelin stars, two bars, a brasserie, a café, meeting rooms and a spa.

Located in the western canal belt, this small boutique hotel is the epitome of style and sophistication. It's housed in a former 17th-century theatre, which in its heyday staged concerts conducted by Antonio Vivaldi. Today, the minimalist east-meets-west designer décor of the 40 individually designed guest rooms, combined with an intimate courtyard garden, spectacular canal views, efficient staff and an excellent restaurant, ensures a luxurious stay.

As a former shipping house, this five-star hotel still showcases its maritime heritage with its nautical themed stained-glass windows, original ship lanterns, and statues depicting Poseidon and Fortuna overlooking the hotel entrance. With 165 plush rooms, a wellness centre boasting two saunas, a steam room, heated swimming pool and fitness room, plus a stunningly decorated bar overlooking the charming Amsterdam canals, the Amrâth offers its guests a luxurious stay in historical surroundings.

The Hoxton flung its decorative doors open in 2015, shaking up the city’s mid-range hotel scene in the process. Occupying a former mayoral residence on Herengracht, the hip and handsome Hoxton is an establishment of effortless cool. Rooms retain a 17th century charm (embroidered rugs, paneled walls, wooden floors, etc.), but with mod cons (digital radios, power showers and the like). There’s a fine bar and restaurant downstairs and checkout is a hangover-friendly 1200.

Occupying a typically narrow canal house wedged among its neighbours, this small, family-run guesthouse holds a serene, romantic location amidst the western canal belt. It's a short hike from either Dam Square or the Anne Frank House. Three of the eight spacious, stylishly appointed guest rooms afford views of the Leliegracht canal, while the others overlook a neighbour's garden.

With bicycles attached to its facade, this hotel is difficult to miss, even at night they're lit up. Situated on a quiet narrow street in the lively De Pijp district, yet only 10 minutes by tram from the city centre, this clean, simple establishment also hires out bikes, of course. Rooms are light, airy and simple, although not all are en suite. There is a relaxing communal area and Internet access is available in the breakfast room.

About the finest budget option available, the Prinsenhof is a homey establishment in an 18th-century canal house. Overlooking a picture-postcard section of the Prinsengracht, it stands in the pleasant southern canal belt, a quick bike ride from the nightlife centre of Rembrandtplein. Simply furnished with painted ceiling beams, the 11 guest rooms are quite cosy, though only nine are equipped with bathrooms. At these prices, they're booked far in advance.

When Amsterdam’s shipbuilding industry went to the wall, the Noord district became a ghost of past glories. Happily, the area is in the process of regeneration, which ClinkNOORD is helping pioneer. The hostel opened to much fanfare in 2015, taking over a former Royal Dutch Shell testing lab. Rooms are a bit bland, but the hostel is good value, affable and only a short (and free) ferry ride from Central Station.