Best Kid-Friendly Hotels in Old Center, Amsterdam

Located in the heart of the Old Center, the 274-room Kimpton De Witt Amsterdam is a luxury hotel with stylish, quirky interiors and a lively atmosphere. Though large and part of a well-known hotel group, the property delivers a modern, high-end experience that blends boutique touches such as daily wine receptions and fun decor elements with chain hotel services, including valet parking, a small but well-equipped fitness center, and event planners. Rooms are plush and contemporary, with a wide array of great amenities -- Nespresso machines, Bluetooth speakers, Hypnos beds, and Frette robes -- and modern bathrooms with rainfall showers. The on-site American restaurant is a great spot for evening cocktails or a meal, and the cafe offers great coffee and freshly made beignets to-go. The nearby INK Hotel Amsterdam - MGallery by Sofitel is a great, cheaper alternative.

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 with a canal-side garden terrace for dining al fresco. Room service is on offer 24 hours a day and a kids' program includes baby toiletries and cribs.

The RHO Hotel's location is hard to fault -- it's just off Dam Square but on a relatively quiet side street, making it ideal for tourists who want proximity to Amsterdam's buzzing center and minimal noise disturbance in their rooms. However, despite the beautifully ornate reception area, much of the hotel is lacking in atmosphere with many of the rooms, though clean and fairly modern, in need of a style upgrade. Still, they're adequate for a mid-range property and prices are fair, particularly given the central location, though it may also be worth considering the nearby Best Western Dam Square Inn.

Easily distinguishable because of its bright red doors, the Best Western Dam Square Inn is nestled on a quiet alley just outside of Dam Square. The comfortable lobby features a bar, and guests can enjoy free breakfast in the breakfast room. The rooms are casual -- which is expected of a hotel of this stature -- but they're well-equipped with standard amenities such as flat-screen TVs and coffeemakers. Although the decor is a bit dull, the rooms are comfortable and clean; beds are all extra-long. Most bathrooms feature a glass shower, but some rooms have a separate soaking tub as well. For parties traveling with more people, triple rooms have a Murphy bed. It's an affordable option for budget travelers, and rightly so -- guests mainly pay for the attractive locale.

The Avenue Hotel's Old Center location is ideal for exploring Amsterdam on foot, experiencing the city's nightlife, and perusing the city's popular boutiques without having to venture far from the small but reasonably priced rooms. It's geared toward budget-minded tourists and young couples; with a few larger loft-style bunk rooms, it's also suited to families and groups of friends who don't mind staying in close quarters. Light on amenities and with worn decor in rooms, the hotel is not the best choice for business travelers or those looking for more on-site conveniences. The hotel contracts with an outside parking company, and parking fees in the area are high -- but you don't need a car here, with public transportation plentiful and most of the major sights within walking distance. Both breakfast and Wi-Fi are free.

The budget Hotel Old Quarter is on the busy Warmoesstraat that runs parallel to the Red Light District. It’s a short walk to many landmarks, including the central train station. Other than location, its main attraction is the cozy, traditional Dutch bar and lounge, where a hot breakfast is served for a fee. The 50 rooms, which are spread across two buildings, come with free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs. Family Rooms can sleep up to six, and some Doubles have canal views. On the downside, rooms are small, some share bathrooms, and complaints have been made about broken TVs and lights, peeling paint, torn drapes, and dank smells. Travelers might want to check out the mid-range Hotel Luxer, whose rooms were renovated in 2012, though rates can be higher.