In yet another bid to combat overtourism, Amsterdam’s city council recently banned the construction of new hotels (with the exception of those that already had a permit). Even so, guests have plenty of enticing options, from stately five-star digs to down-home stays in traditional neighborhoods. Several properties also have unveiled chic renovations ahead of Amsterdam’s 750th anniversary in 2025. Here are seven recommended places for your next visit to the Netherlands.
Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht
Best for: Design gurus
Nearly every aesthetic element by Dutch designer Marcel Wanders in the five-star Andaz reflects Dutch culture and local history in a delightfully whimsical way. A massive mural of a bookshelf offers a nod to the building’s previous life as Amsterdam’s public library; towering princely sculptures throughout the property represent the hotel’s location on scenic Prinsengracht (“prince’s canal”).
Good to know: Minibars are complimentary in all room categories, but don’t miss the daily free tasting of jenever, a type of Dutch liquor, in the recently renovated lobby bar and restaurant, Prins & Aap.
The College Hotel Amsterdam, Autograph Collection
Best for: Students at heart
A former school near the trendy De Pijp neighborhood, the 40-room College Hotel gets an A-plus for recently renovated, upscale interiors that cleverly nod to the building’s past. Dating to 1894, the historic structure—built with the same type of bricks used in the Rijksmuseum and Amsterdam’s Central Station—is accented with back-in-the-(school)day elements, such as original classroom numbers and students’ doodles on the walls.The redesign includes a free lending library and a light-filled restaurant and bar in the former gymnasium.
Good to know: First-floor rooms feature soaring ceilings and windows, while those on the second floor are quieter but have smaller (and much higher) windows. Room numbers are cleverly shown as a math equation on a chalkboard, but one is incorrect—and “any guest who finds it gets a free glass of cava,” says operations manager Jordi Majoor.
Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky
Best for: Gourmands
The lavish buffet breakfast at Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky is one of the best in the city, and it’s served in the stately Wintergarden, a conservatory-style oasis dating to 1880 with glass ceilings and hanging plants.When you come back from exploring the city, don’t miss the “End of Day” ceremony, a dramatic (and free) affair in the lobby involving flames, alcohol, and a delectable co*cktail served to guests afterward. Bar the Tailor (named in honor of the hotel’s original owner, who was a tailor) serves seasonal craft co*cktails; the Michelin-starred White Room, which first opened in 1885, is one of Amsterdam’s oldest restaurants.
Good to know: The hotel also offers exclusive culinary experiences like a spring tour and picnic in a private flower field. “You can take photos in a beautiful tulip field with no one else around you,” says general manager Arne Heuwekemeijer.
De L’Europe
Best for: History buffs
Located canalside just steps from top landmarks, De L’Europe has been in business since 1896, when it began as an inn hosting “gentlemen travelers and families.” But its site is also part of the city’s original defense wall, as shown in one of the paintings displayed in the majestic lobby (which are from the private collection of the Heineken family, longtime owners of the property).
Good to know: The new wing, ‘t Huys, houses 14 suites by iconic Dutch creators and institutions, including the Van Gogh Museum and noted jewelry designer Bibi van der Velden.
Art’otel Amsterdam
Best for: Art aficionados
A popular pick among the creative set, the Art’otel has an on-site gallery presenting exhibitions, art events, and workshops. More than 120 sculptures and installations by signature artist Joep van Lieshout, founder of Rotterdam-based Atelier Van Lieshout, transform the 107 rooms and public spaces into an artistic experience of their own. The Amsterdam City Break Experience package comes with tickets to the STRAAT Museum, a massive warehouse space in trendy Amsterdam Noord brimming with dramatic, large-scale street art.
Good to know: Don’t let the cool vibe fool you: Art’otel is also a solid choice for families, with kid-friendly extras like welcome toys and coloring books (which are designed for adults but are very popular with little artists, too). There’s also a pool onsite.
The Manor Amsterdam
Best for: Guests who want to feel like locals
The down-to-earth Manor makes its guests feel less like tourists and more like friends in town for a visit. Housed in a former hospital (Dutch soccer standout Johan Cruyff was born there), the property is located in the affable Oost neighborhood, within easy walking distance of ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo, the Wereldmuseum, and leafy Oosterpark, where a roller coaster-like play structure is a huge hit with little ones. On Saturdays, stroll the nearby Dappermarkt, selling produce, flowers, and Dutch treats like poffertjes (small pancakes served with butter and powdered sugar).
Good to know: To really feel like an Amsterdammer, rent a set of wheels to explore the neighborhood. Unlike the brightly colored rental fleets elsewhere that all but scream “I’m a tourist!”, The Manor’s bikes are black.
De Durgerdam
Best for: Nature lovers
Opened in 2023 in a sleepy fishing village just a few miles from Amsterdam’s city center, the 14-room De Durgerdam is a serene base for guests craving a tranquil getaway. The beautifully restored, whitewashed timber inn served sailors and fishermen in centuries past. At De Mark restaurant, chef Koen Marees creates dishes featuring locally sourced ingredients, like the divine North Sea crab salad, with seaweed and crispy chicken skin, and flame-torched cod with roasted peas.
Good to know: Rentals are available at the hotel for bikes (including e-versions) by Dutch brand Veloretti. Grab a map for suggested routes around the attractive Noord hinterlands. And for the brave guests who fancy a bracing dip in the lake, robes and outdoor towels are available.
(For more tips on what to do in Amsterdam, see our Explorer’s Guide.)
is a Florida-born, Amsterdam-based freelance journalist who covers travel, aviation, outdoor adventure, and quirky, offbeat topics like local legends and haunted history. Follow her on
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