Amsterdam has a good selection of boutique hotels. Here are a few of the best.
Seven One Seven
Try something different at Seven One Seven, a former 17th-century trader’s residence, where you will be treated to a unique canal-side experience. Enjoy breakfast, afternoon tea and more on the peaceful terrace. Your arrival is heralded with fresh flowers, candles and refreshments, making you feel as special as the hotel.
Prinsengracht 717, +31 20 427 0717, 717hotel.nl, doubles from 367 B&B
Amstel Hotel
The grand Amstel Hotel has a fine pedigree, with its guest list including HRH the Queen and Audrey Hepburn. Twinkling chandeliers and high archways impress, as does the period furniture in the rooms and river views. Check in here to experience the high life of days gone by.
Professor Tulpplein 1, +31 20 622 6060, amsterdam.intercontinental.com, doubles from 399 room only
Grand Hotel Amrrth
A relative newcomer, the Grand Hotel Amrrth is no modern lightweight. The building is the earliest example of the Amsterdam School of Architecture. Maritime associations are everywhere and discreetly complement the fine art-deco faaade and giant skylight which crowns the staircase. There’s a splash of modernity in the wellness and pool area and the Seven Seas Restaurant offers an extra boost of opulence.
Prins Hendrikkade 108, +31 20 552 0000, amrathamsterdam.com, doubles from 241 room only
Lloyd Hotel
For somewhere different just outside the city centre, try the Lloyd Hotel, a former detention centre. Don’t let that put you off: they now offer a superb range of accommodation, ranging from one or two stars to five-star quality. If you like the quirky and off-beat, try a five-star room with a swing dangling from the ceiling, or a bath with a view of the moon. A chocolate box of choice for those with an adventurous, design-conscious mindset. You can free up some of your budget to spend on these more boutique hotels by being money conscious when it comes to booking your flights and using services like Cheapflights.co.uk.
Oostelijke Handelskade 34, +31 20 561 3636, lloydhotel.com, 1-star doubles from 95, 3-star from 168, 5-star from 262, all room only
The College Hotel
Celebrity guests include Fatboy Slim and Jamie Oliver and this former 19th-century school is now achingly cool and luxurious. You’ll be treated to first-class service too, as the hotel is partly run by hotel management trainees of the highest standard, all keen to refine their skills at one of the most luxurious hotels in Amsterdam.
Roelof Hartstraat 1, +31 20 571 1511, thecollegehotel.com, doubles from 205 room only
nH Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky
If you’re looking for centrally located luxury, consider the nH Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky, which offers more than it suggests on first appearances. Try the winter garden restaurant for sheer elegance. Situated opposite the Royal Palace in Dam Square.
Dam 9, +31 20 554 9111, nh-hotels.com, doubles from 159 room only
Hotel De Filosoof
The ‘Philosophers Hotel’ has rooms named after Wittgenstein and Socrates. It’s a cosy hideaway, not far from the mains sights you might be wishing to visit. With its enclosed garden, you could be in the middle of the countryside.
Anna van den Vondelstraat 6, +31 20 683 3013, hoteldefilosoof.nl, doubles from 105 room only
Hotel Okura
Okura’s was opened in 1971 and acts as a weather barometer by clever use of lights on the faaade. With the Ciel Blue Restaurant boasting two Michelin stars and the ground floor Japanese restaurant one, you’re spoilt for choice. Quiet luxury and superb ddcor make this hotel one to save up for.
Ferdinand Bolstraat 333, +31 20 678 7111, okura.nl, doubles from 203 room only
