My Favorite Hotels in Amsterdam
• 5-star: Waldorf Astoria
• 4-star: Kimpton De Witt
• 3-star: Linden
• Boutique: Pulitzer
• For Families: Conservatorium
• For Couples: Dylan
• Near Train Station: art’otel
• Cruise Port: Mövenpick
• Dam Square: TwentySeven
• Red Light District: Rosalia’s Menagerie
Best Hotels: • 1. Crane Faralda • 2. Linden • 3. The Toren • 4. Pulitzer • 5. The Hoxton • 6. The Dylan • 7. Andaz Prinsengracht • 8. art’otel • 9. Kimpton De Witt • 10. W • 11. TwentySeven • 12. Sofitel • 13. Rosalia’s Menagerie • 14. Estheréa • 15. De L’Europe • 16. Seven One Seven • 17. Waldorf Astoria • 18. Seven Bridges • 19. Zoku • 20. InterContinental • 21. Conservatorium • 22. Sir Albert • 23. Okura
Affordable Hotels: 24. Nadia • 25. Hotel De Hallen • 26. CityHub • 27. Owl • 28. Social Hub
My Tips for Staying in Amsterdam
1. Dam Square & Central Station
• Why Stay: You’re at the city’s heart: royal palace views, top museums a stroll away, and fast transit connections to the airport or other Dutch towns. Ideal for first-timers looking to explore central highlights.
• Hotel Vibe: Large chain hotels and classic Dutch establishments. The Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky offers luxury with Dam Square at your doorstep, while Kimpton De Witt is a stylish boutique option near Centraal Station.2. The Jordaan
• Why Stay: My favorite area of Amsterdam. A postcard-perfect neighborhood of narrow streets, charming canals, and indie shops. Close to the Anne Frank House and famous for its cozy “brown cafés.”
• Hotel Vibe: Quaint canal houses turned boutique hotels. The Toren exudes romantic flair, and Mr. Jordaan provides modern comfort in an authentic setting.3. Canal Belt (Grachtengordel)
• Why Stay: The UNESCO-listed 17th-century canals define Amsterdam’s Golden Age heritage. Quiet strolls along elegant canal homes, but still central enough to walk to major sights.
• Hotel Vibe: Elegant townhouses with designer twists. The Pulitzer spans canal houses with stylish interiors and courtyard gardens; Hotel Estheréa is equally charming, known for its vintage-luxe décor.4. De Pijp
• Why Stay: Trendy, multicultural area south of the city center. Famous for the Albert Cuyp Market, hip brunch spots, and lively bars. Younger crowd, bohemian vibe.
• Hotel Vibe: Mix of boutique hotels and budget-friendly stays. Sir Albert near the market exudes contemporary chic, while the easyHotel Amsterdam City Centre is a straightforward wallet-saver.5. Museum Quarter (Museumplein)
• Why Stay: Art-lovers’ heaven—Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Stedelijk all within a few minutes’ stroll. Upscale yet serene vibe.
• Hotel Vibe: Luxury residences and high-end boutiques. Conservatorium Hotel marries modern design with a former music conservatory setting; Hotel Van Gogh is a simpler option near the action.6. Oud-West
• Why Stay: Diverse dining scene (Foodhallen is a must), indie boutiques, and easy tram links to the center. An emerging local favorite for a more authentic, less touristy stay.
• Hotel Vibe: Hip conversions in old school buildings or industrial spaces. Conscious Hotel Vondelpark champions eco-friendly design, while De Hallen Hotel pairs airy loft vibes with artful touches.7. Oud-Zuid
• Why Stay: Polished, family-friendly residential streets, close to Museumplein but quieter than the tourist core. Great if you want a local feel with easy cultural access.
• Hotel Vibe: Mid-range to luxury, often in stately mansions. Hilton Amsterdam has canal views and a classic reputation, while Hotel JL No76 offers a trendy twist in a traditional townhouse.8. Leidseplein
• Why Stay: One of Amsterdam’s prime nightlife hubs, with theaters, clubs, and easy access to Vondelpark and Museum Quarter. Expect late-night energy.
• Hotel Vibe: Livelier atmosphere, chain hotels mingle with classic Dutch properties. Clayton Hotel Amsterdam American combines Art Nouveau heritage with modern swagger; Dikker & Thijs overlooks the canal at a bustling intersection.9. Rembrandtplein
• Why Stay: Another nightlife center, chock-full of bars, dance clubs, and restaurants. Vibrant social scene, plus a short walk to the Flower Market and canals.
• Hotel Vibe: Party-central options and classic inns. NH Collection Amsterdam Flower Market pairs a prime location with contemporary rooms, while Eden Hotel offers canal vistas and a lively bar scene on-site.10. Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes)
• Why Stay: Boutique shopping at its finest: vintage clothing, indie design stores, and unique cafés. Perfect for those craving a canal-centric, quintessentially Dutch experience.
• Hotel Vibe: Small-scale, design-forward hotels in historic row houses. The Hoxton stands out for hip décor, and Hotel IX charms with just five stylish suites.11. Spui & Begijnhof Area
• Why Stay: Literary quarter with a tranquil courtyard (Begijnhof). Bookstores, cafés, and art markets create a cultured, mellow vibe in the city center.
• Hotel Vibe: Homey, smaller hotels with an intellectual flair. Ambassade Hotel lines the Herengracht, known for its extensive library.12. Amsterdam-Centrum (Red Light District)
• Why Stay: If you want to be right in the historic core, near medieval architecture, chinatown eateries, and the infamous night scene. Great for short stays to see “old Amsterdam.”
• Hotel Vibe: Budget to upscale, sometimes squeezed into centuries-old canal houses. Hotel TwentySeven near Dam Square exudes opulence.13. Plantage & Artis Zoo
• Why Stay: Leafy, less commercial area with botanical gardens, a city zoo, and relaxed streets. Ideal for families or those wanting calm near the center.
• Hotel Vibe: Generally mid-range, quieter properties. The Lancaster Amsterdam sits across from Artis Zoo; Quentin Zoo Hotel offers modern styling in a historic building.14. Amsterdam-Noord (NDSM Wharf)
• Why Stay: Industrial-chic vibes, street art, creative events, plus a free ferry from Centraal Station. Trendsetting locals flock here for festivals and edgy nightlife.
• Hotel Vibe: Converted warehouses, bold design. DoubleTree by Hilton Amsterdam – NDSM Wharf offers modern comfort, while Crane Hotel Faralda is a quirky splurge for thrill-seekers (rooms in a crane!).15. Overhoeks (near A’DAM Tower)
• Why Stay: Contemporary architecture, panoramic city views, and cultural hotspots like the EYE Film Museum. Short ferry ride to the old center.
• Hotel Vibe: Futuristic high-rises and boutique meets modern. Sir Adam Hotel sits in the A’DAM Tower with music-inspired decor; BUNK Hotel merges shared and private rooms in a repurposed church.The Best Places to Stay in Amsterdam
- Best Luxury Hotels in Amsterdam
Waldorf Astoria • Andaz Prinsengracht • Sofitel Legend The Grand • De L’Europe • InterContinental Amstel- Best Boutique Hotels in Amsterdam
Pulitzer • The Dylan • Rosalia’s Menagerie InnUpstairs • The Toren- Best Cheap Hotels in Amsterdam
Hotel Corner House • Owl Hotel • Cocomama • Nadia Hotel
TripAdvisor Hotels (Best Value)
*Note: The top-rated hotels on TripAdvisor are selected by an algorithm based on location, price, cleanliness, service, and amenities. This produces good-value, safe, and reliable hotels but often not the most interesting or unique places to stay in Amsterdam.
TripAdvisor Hotels on Map: Ambassade • Jakarta • Mr. Jordaan • Hoxton • Pulitzer • Craftsmen • NH Collection Barbizon Palace • Anantara Grand Krasnapolsky • Banks Mansion • Estherea • Hendrick’s • NH City Centre • Mövenpick City Centre • DoubleTree Centraal Station • Ibis Centre • NH Collection Doelen • NH Collection Flower Market • Nova • Inntel Centre
About Santorini Dave
I'm Santorini Dave. I started this site in 2011 with a short article on tips for visiting Santorini with kids. We're now a small team of writers and researchers dedicated to providing the best travel content on the internet. We focus on Santorini, Mykonos, Athens, and Greece, offering recommendations for top hotels, neighborhoods, and family-friendly hotels worldwide. I can be contacted at dave@santorinidave.com.