Central location in the Canal Ring, walking distance to tourist attractions
Tastefully decorated rooms with solid amenities and big windows
Most rooms have canal views; a few have French balconies
Impressive art collection displayed throughout
Popular brasserie serving French cuisine with canal views
Cozy Library Bar has small bites menus, and hundreds of books
Five meeting rooms, all with audiovisual equipment
Discounted rates at nearby spa, and bike rentals
Two parking spots available for a fee
Free Wi-Fi throughout the property
Some rooms are small, but that’s expected of the city
Complaints of street noise reaching rooms
Kettles need to be requested
Some rooms lack elevator access (and there are a few steps to all)
The 56-room Ambassade Hotel is an upscale, elegant boutique located on the banks of the Herengracht, one of the most famous canals in Amsterdam. The property is tastefully decorated, with an extensive collection of art and books, handsome wooden floors, rich fabrics, and huge windows overlooking the canal. Individually designed rooms are made up in classic Louis XV/XVI style, and feature comfortable beds, up-to-date amenities such as free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, and clean bathrooms. Many offer picturesque canal views, but some units are a tad snug. The Library Bar is a cozy, inviting spot for coffee or evening drinks, and the Brasserie is popular with locals for its excellent French cuisine. Travelers seeking something similar but a little bit cheaper may want to compare rates at the Canal House.
Scene
Elegant boutique with an impressive collection of art from the CoBrA movement
Housed in a row of houses dating back to the 17th century, the Ambassade Hotel feels tasteful and inviting even from the outside. Its brick facade and big windows overlooking one of the city’s most famous canals offer a taste of traditional Amsterdam, while interiors are elegant and refined, with handsome wooden floors, leather and velvet accents, and warm lights. Two of the most outstanding features of the hotel are its impressive collection of art and extensive library. The aptly named Library Bar is lined with shelves bursting with books, while eye-catching paintings and sculptures from the influential CoBrA artist collective dot common areas and rooms. These dashes of contemporary art balance out the more ornate decor details, such as embroidered fabrics and period furniture, giving spaces a unique feel and look. Rates at the Ambassade are average for an upscale hotel in the Canal Ring, but those wanting to check out other options may want to consider The Toren or the Banks Mansion, the latter of which offers great freebies that add tons of value, including breakfast, drinks and snacks, and minibar items. Middle-aged and older couples rave about the Ambassade’s elegant vibe and classic style, but younger travelers may prefer the W Amsterdam, which has a hip atmosphere and top-notch amenities. Travelers seeking something cheaper a little bit away from the hustle and bustle of the historic center may want to consider the 377 House - Amsterdam, which is a charming, design-conscious boutique located within walking distance of the Rijksmuseum.
Location
In the Canal Ring, within walking distance of most major attractions
The hotel is located directly on the edge of the Herengracht canal, one of the innermost waterways in the Canal Ring. There are dozens of small cafes, bars, and restaurants within a short walk, and the Nine Street shopping area is just across the canal from the hotel. Most major attractions in the historic center can also be reached on foot within 10 minutes, including Dam Square, the Anne Frank House, and the Flower Market. The Museum District -- home to the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum, among many others -- is about a 15-minute walk away, as is the beautiful Vondelpark. There are several tram and bus stops within three short blocks of the Ambassade, allowing for easy access to attractions farther afield. The hotel is about a 20-minute walk (or 15-minute tram ride) from Centraal Station and a 30-minute drive from the airport.
Rooms
Elegant, ornate rooms with modern amenities; many have canal views
The Ambassade’s 56 air-conditioned rooms were all renovated between 2011 and 2015, and are decorated in an ornate, classic style that combines elegant Louis XV/XVI furniture, rich fabrics, and gilded mirrors with eye-catching CoBrA art and modern chandeliers. Though all rooms are decked out in a similar style, each unit has its own palette that ties in with the displayed artworks’ color scheme, and all rooms are different in size and layout, which is common in old buildings. Some rooms have original architectural elements such as exposed wooden beams, and others feature small balconies with street or canal views. Unfortunately, some past guests in street-facing rooms have complained of noise issues. Classic Rooms are the smallest here, with just enough space for a double bed or two twins, a desk, and when the layout allows, a small seating area. There are also larger Duplex units with spiral staircases, Grand Suites with separate living areas, and even an 861-square-foot (80-square-meter) apartment with its own private entrance and kitchenette.Amenities are the same in all room types, and include free Wi-Fi, well-stocked minibars, flat-screen TVs, and safes -- some with power sockets inside. Note that all rooms aside from the apartment lack coffee- and tea-making facilities, but kettles can be requested. Quality beds come with several pillows and soft duvets, and slippers are provided in all rooms. Bathrooms vary in style: while some were renovated in 2015 and have walk-in showers, heated towel racks, radiant floors, and contemporary round sinks over black counters, others are a tad plain (albeit spotlessly clean), with basic shower/tub combos and white tiles throughout. Guests with mobility issues should be aware that some units lack elevator access.
Features
Popular brasserie, cozy bar, discounted rates at nearby spa, and meeting space
Housed in a beautiful, light-filled space with picturesque views of the canal and elegant herringbone floors, the brasserie serves excellent French cuisine for lunch and dinner, made with fresh, seasonal produce. A varied, tasty breakfast of hot and cold options is also served here every morning, but it is not always included in the room rate. Library Bar serves hot and cold drinks in a cozy, elegant space full of books and comfy seating. Though the hotel lacks wellness facilities, guests are offered discounted rates at Koan Float, a spa with floating sessions and massage services located just a few doors down. Five meeting rooms are outfitted with full audiovisual equipment, and the hotel has two parking spots nearby, but they have to be reserved in advance and are an extra fee. Bike rentals can be arranged at the front desk.