Best boutique hotels in Amsterdam: Where to stay for charming canal views and a hint of luxury

Independent

07-02-2025

From elegant refurbished mansions and heritage buildings to quaint townhouses speckled around its canals and beyond, Amsterdam is a vibrant capital city that is constantly transforming itself. There's a boutique hotel for every sort of traveller and each one reflects the eccentricity of the city in its own way.
The one trend Amsterdam wants to get away from is party tourism as over the years, Amsterdammers have had enough of rowdy stag parties and boozy brawls by the canal. Its ever-increasing list of boutique hotels on offer is exactly what the locals are hoping tourists will start embracing ­ – a sophisticated urban retreat where you can take your time in exploring the city's Unesco Heritage Sites along its waterways and cycling paths.
Combining classic Dutch architecture and sleek contemporary designs, Amsterdam's boutique hotels effortlessly blend the old and the new. Even the common areas are magnificent where you can expect exclusive libraries, swanky cocktail bars and exceptional on-site restaurants.
Here's our pick of the best boutique hotels in Amsterdam.
The best boutique hotels in Amsterdam
1. Breitner House
Though Breitner House sits at the southern tip of the lush Oosterpark, and a short walk away from the city's canals, this characteristic Dutch townhouse was once flocked by many impressionists in the 19th-century. Today, it is a lavish boutique hotel and one that makes you feel like you're in a quaint bed and breakfast, thanks to the hosts Camilla Braaksma and Guido Bouvy who go out of their way to make guests feel welcome. Here, you also start your mornings with an outstanding breakfast accompanied by prosecco.
2. Hotel De L'Europe
Stepping into De L'Europe feels like you're in a time machine and have gone straight back into a wealthy merchant's house in the 17th-century. Overlooking the Amstel River, the hotel is a nod to Amsterdam's rich heritage. The lobby boasts impressive antique crystal chandeliers and the rooms in this magnificent hotel are adorned with extra-large king-size beds. For some true indulgence, book the five-bedroom penthouse suite. Though they have three impressive restaurants on-site, Brasserie Marie, a French bistro with a Dutch twist is the hotel's biggest draw.
3. Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Maurits at the Park
If you're looking for a relaxing break beyond the city's canals, then Pillows Hotel in the leafy Oosterpark is a great hideaway. Every effort has been taken to preserve the original bones of this historic building along with adding a touch of contemporary design. Muted tones and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the surrounding green spaces make Pillows a lavish and tranquil stay, yet this boutique hotel lies within walking distance from the city centre with many traditional Dutch taverns (or what the locals call kreogen) en route.
4. The Dylan
Right by the popular Keizersgracht canal, The Dylan is housed in a former celebrated theatre where Rembrandt worked as a production assistant. Today, this hip boutique hotel still has the fin-de-siècle splendour and it has been refurbished with Scandinavian, minimalist designs. Its garden terrace, where you can enjoy an excellent cup of coffee, is hidden from the hordes of tourists. Its restaurant Vinkeles is situated in an 18-century bakery and has two Michelin stars.
5. Conservatorium Hotel
What was once an actual conservatory is now a plush boutique hotel in the Museum Quarter, which also lies within walking distance from Amsterdam's shopping districts. This gorgeous, contemporary space is adorned with quirky modernist touches, such as a chandelier made of violins. The rooms are bright and spacious with high ceilings, and their restaurant Taiko offers outstanding Japanese fare. If you're looking for a wellness break, treat yourself at their Akasha Spa, which is known to be one of the best in Amsterdam.
6. The Craftsmen
The Craftsmen is a refurbished canal house and a relatively new addition to the Singel canal area where its location is ideal for exploring the best of Amsterdam on foot. The hotel is also a gem for both solo travellers and families where there are petite rooms and extremely spacious bedrooms (some even spread over two floors) on offer and each has a theme, which is a nod to Amsterdam's industrial past. Little details, like the tools and paraphernalia of local craftsmen from the 17 th century have been carefully restored and on display throughout the property.
7. Pulitzer Amsterdam
The Pulitzer faces two of Amsterdam's scenic canals and is also a unique hotel that has 25 old narrow Dutch houses sewn together, giving the space a new, luxurious avatar. Each of the 221 rooms are decorated with subtle pastel shades and you'll also find a handy bike repair kit, so that you can go out and explore the city on your two rented wheels. Its bar downstairs is the perfect spot to sit back and end your day with a cocktail or choose from an array of local jenever.
8. Canal House
At the core of the trendy Jordaan neighbourhood and a short walk from Anne Frank House, Canal House is a contemporary twist on a 17th-century merchant's house, where antique light fixtures, ornate ceilings and old Dutch textiles are incorporated within modern, chic rooms. Like many hotels along the canals in Amsterdam, the rooms are fairly compact in the narrow hotels, but the stunning, spacious courtyard with contemporary art installations is where you want to spend your time – with a good book and a coffee.
9. Hotel TwentySeven
A room in Hotel TwentySeven feels like you've stepped into a kaleidoscopic, idiosyncratic dream. Located in the heart of Dam Square, this luxurious boutique hotel is set on the upper floors of an iconic building dating back to the 1910s. The rooms are opulent and soundproof, so you can peacefully watch the crowds below, ebbing and flowing along the canal while sitting with a glass of fizz on their plush sofas, under their contemporary chandeliers. The Michelin-starred restaurant on-site, Bougainville, is high on the list for many epicureans (and oenophiles, too).
Address: Dam 27, 1012 JS Amsterdam, Netherlands
10. The Noblemen
An ode to the men who contributed significantly to Dutch history over the centuries, this modern, themed hotel is tucked away from the main cobbled streets of Amsterdam-Centrum. Every room has a sleek design with marble panels, whimsical light fixtures and each bathroom is equipped with a powerful rain shower; their signature rooms even have decorative copper freestanding tubs. For a special local breakfast, which is served in your room, skip the saccharine stroopwafel and order the poffertjes, which is a plate full of mini, fluffy Dutch pancakes, dusted with powdered sugar.
11. Hotel Estheréa
Staying at the Estheréa feels less like a hotel and more like you're chilling in the living room of your affluent, well-travelled, eccentric aunt. Everywhere you look, you'll notice a generous splash of colour ­– from the bold patterns of fuchsia pink and turquoise blue on the wallpapers to real, tropical flowers in the bedrooms. There's no theme as such,as the decor oscillates from tropical jungle to palm-fringed beaches in every nook and corner. The enchanting, family-run hotel is minutes away from Amsterdam's oldest canal and there are numerous vintage boutiques and excellent restaurants nearby.