Best Luxury Hotels in Amsterdam

This romantic boutique hotel near the Anne Frank House has historical significance: It was once used as a safe house in WWII. Today there are 38 rooms and suites ranging from smaller standard size, to more spacious deluxe size with Jacuzzi tubs and views of the garden or canal. For special occasions, guests can book one of the deluxe suites, bridal suites, or the "Garden Cottage," all which have double Jacuzzi tubs. Though each room is unique, they are decorated with the same sophisticated Toren touch combining rich hues, chandeliers, and ceiling paintings. Some have their own private terrace -- a nice perk for summer evening cocktails. For everyone else, there is a cozy bar on-site, and the hotel is affiliated with Christophe -- an acclaimed restaurant around the corner that delivers directly to guest rooms.

The Conservatorium Hotel delivers a true five-pearl experience in Amsterdam's residential Museum Quarter. It's housed in a 100-year-old former bank building, and the hotel's warm, modern design melds seamlessly with the structure; the stunning atrium lobby, for example, is industrial-chic, featuring wood, brick, and glass. The rooms are decorated in earthy neutrals and every detail was considered, from the placement of the electrical outlets to the reading lights by the bed to the high-tech controls for the lighting and blinds; some rooms have duplex layouts and exposed structural beams. The big, modern fitness center, stylish indoor pool, and lovely spa, all located below ground, are highlights. It's a premier choice for luxury travelers looking to trade a central location for added space and quiet.

The 122-room boutique Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht is a hip, luxe, "art hotel" with design by Dutch art director Marcel Wanders. The hotel sits in a quiet area between the picturesque Prinsengracht and Keizersgracht canals, and brings Dutch history and culture inside with its design and architectural choices. Guests are not nickel-and-dimed but benefit from free happy hour and minibar offerings in awesome modern surroundings. Add in the gourmetBluespoon restaurant, and the Andaz Amsterdam is a destination in itself.

The Sofitel is an upscale property in the heart of the Old Center. The building has a rich history; it has been both a 15th century convent and a city hall. The 177 rooms are contemporary and homey (though some are on the small side) and feature Nespresso machines, flat-screen TVs, and wonderful beds. Bathrooms are sleek, and most have walk-in showers. Hotel features include a high-end spa with indoor heated pool, a modern fitness center, and Bridges Restaurant. Room service is on offer 24 hours a day and a kids' program includes baby toiletries and cribs.

Hotel Estherea takes a maximalist approach to its interior design, and treads the fine line between plush extravagance and gaudiness with aplomb. The location on the Singel canal is picturesque, and well positioned for exploring Amsterdam's attractions. Rooms couple elaborate decor with old-world tradition, while providing free Wi-Fi and high-end toiletries. A flamboyantly decorated bar is open 24 hours a day, and breakfast is served in a similarly adorned dining room. Hotels this opulent don't come cheap, but prices are competitive for this luxury category. 

The Hotel Pulitzer is a charming luxury property in the Canal Loop of Amsterdam. The hotel is made up of a block of 25 restored 17th and 18th century canal houses, and is full of historic details. All rooms are unique with warm design touches such as exposed brick walls and wood floors. Most rooms are flooded with natural light, and some have canal views; those that don't overlook the hotel's garden. One drawback is a pesky fee for Wi-Fi in rooms, but it's free in the lobby and the small business center. The hotel has a grill restaurant, bar, and 24-hour room service. 

There's little to find fault with at the Boutique B&B Kamer01. It's set in a beautifully renovated 16th-century Amsterdam townhouse in the heart of the Canal Ring, and serves a five-course champagne breakfast each morning overlooking a picturesque neighborhood scene (it's clear why the Canal Ring is on the Unesco World Heritage List). The three rooms are sumptuously furnished and equipped with DVD libraries and iMacs, while bathrooms come complete with designer toilets and luxury Korres toiletries.

Canal House Hotel is a sumptuous 23-room boutique hotel towering above a canal in Amsterdam's Canal Ring district. The lovely brick front suggests something more traditional, but the interior is flashy and fashionable. Swanky rooms are arguably Amsterdam's most luxurious, and are decked out with rich purple fabrics and dark woods. More modest travelers might have an issue with the open layouts of some room types, though parts of the bathroom are enclosed. Throughout, bathrooms feature gorgeous tiling and modern basin sinks; many have soaking tubs as well as walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads. The Great Room, an upscale lounge and dining space, gives guests access to books and games, and the hotel itself is only minutes away from canal tours, shopping, and local eateries.

The 468-room NH Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky is the largest five-star hotel in Benelux, nicknamed the "village on the Dam" because it sits on Dam Square in the historical city center. The building was built in 1866, and the fantasticWinter Garden atrium, where breakfast is served, harkens back to that time, like a World’s Fair exhibition. With the Red Light District within a five-minute walk, the Grand Hotel offers a full Amsterdam experience within the radius of a few blocks.

Ambassade Hotel's lovely brick front is as inviting as its location in the picturesque (and convenient) Canal Ring neighorhood, across from a boat-lined canal. The hotel is tasteful and tidy, made up in classic Louis XV/XVI decor, though no area is the same in layout or appearance. The refined lobby features a shoeshine machine and umbrella collection for inclement weather. Rooms offer lovely views of the canal and cobblestone street and are adorned with rich furnishings, intricate mirrors, and carved furniture. Each room is different, and some charming suites have beamed, vaulted ceilings. The 58-room hotel features several amenities, including a Koan Float (which involves floating in saltwater in a stimuli-free capsule) and massage facilities. The breakfast room is classy with modern artwork, and the lovely tables are topped with bright yellow calla lilies. Guests also have access to a cozy library and computer room.