The best hotels in Amsterdam are more than just a place to sleep — they’re part of the experience. Centuries-old canal houses, converted townhouses, and sleek modern builds compete for attention in one of Europe’s most expensive cities to book a room.
Let’s be transparent from the start: Amsterdam is not a budget-friendly destination. Even compact three-star doubles can creep over €150 a night, and if you want design-forward boutique stays or historic luxury, you’ll be paying well into the hundreds. But when you choose well, the experience is unforgettable.
I lived in Amsterdam for several years, and while I never stayed in these hotels, I found excuses to indulge in them — high wine at The Dylan (an absolute favourite), coffee and pastries at the Conservatorium. The city’s hotels are an extension of its culture: sophisticated, intimate, and layered with history.
Here’s a curated selection of the best hotels in Amsterdam in 2025 — from luxury landmarks to chic boutiques, mid-tier gems, and budget options that still feel stylish enough for The Far Edit.
Luxury Hotels in Amsterdam
Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam
The Waldorf Astoria isn’t just a hotel — it’s six 17th- and 18th-century canal palaces seamlessly joined together on the Herengracht. Inside, it’s all soft cream interiors, sweeping staircases, and understated grandeur. Suites overlook the UNESCO-listed canals, while the private garden feels like an oasis in the heart of the city. For those who want timeless luxury and discreet service, this is the pinnacle.
Conservatorium Hotel
Housed in a former music conservatory near Museumplein, the Conservatorium is a study in light and architectural drama. The glass-roofed atrium is breathtaking — a luminous lounge at the hotel’s heart, where coffee meets elegance and architecture feels theatrical. Rooms are sleek and modern, but it’s the subtle details that stay with you: genuinely soaring atrium heights, dark hardwood floors that warm the feel, and that seamless dialogue between historic structure and minimalist Dutch design. Even if you’re not staying, stop by for pastries or a cocktail; it’s an experience in itself.”
Boutique Hotels in Amsterdam
The Dylan
If I could only recommend one boutique hotel in Amsterdam, it would be The Dylan. It stands on the site of the 17th-century Schouwburg — the city’s original theatre — and you still pass through its preserved entrance gate on the Keizersgracht. Inside, it epitomises curated intimacy: understated luxury layered with heritage details, oak floors, plush fabrics, and moody lighting. In the OCCO lounge, velvet sofas and drapery nod to its theatrical past. I’ve been many times for high wine — their creative twist on high tea with wine pairings — and it remains one of my favourite indulgences in the city. The Dylan balances intimacy and personality so well it feels like a secret you can’t resist sharing.
Pulitzer Amsterdam
Spread across 25 interconnected canal houses, the Pulitzer is eclectic and elegant in equal measure. Rooms vary wildly in character, from bold contemporary suites to antiques-filled nooks. What unites them is personality: no two stays are the same. In the quieter corners, the courtyard garden—quiet and sun-dappled—makes a quietly beautiful spot for breakfast or an afternoon pause.
Hotel Estheréa
Hotel Estheréa is pure charm. Located on the Singel canal, it’s unapologetically romantic: think jewel-toned interiors, crystal chandeliers, and rich fabrics. It has more of a boutique B&B feel than a design hotel, but that’s the point — it’s whimsical, atmospheric, and entirely unique. Perfect if you want intimacy with a touch of eccentricity.
Mid-Tier Hotels in Amsterdam
citizenM Amsterdam Amstel
For design at a (relatively) accessible price, citizenM is the answer. The Amstel branch blends minimalist rooms with playful, tech-driven touches: iPad-controlled lighting, XL beds, and bright communal spaces designed for socialising. It’s smart, central, and feels luxe without the full luxury price tag — an intelligent base in the heart of the city.
Hotel van de Vijsel
Set in a former timber warehouse near Leidseplein, Hotel van de Vijsel combines heritage with contemporary design. Expect warm wood interiors, cosy rooms with a sense of intimacy, and a location that’s ideal for nightlife, theatres, and Vondelpark. It’s intimate but stylish — exactly the kind of mid-tier option worth seeking out.
Boutique Hotel WesterVilla
WesterVilla is tucked away in the greenery of Westerpark, offering a quieter, more residential Amsterdam experience. With only a handful of rooms, it feels personal and boutique, yet still accessible in price. Interiors are chic without being overdone, and the attached restaurant makes it a solid choice if you want calm surroundings with easy tram access to the centre.
Budget Hotels in Amsterdam
Let’s be honest: Amsterdam’s budget hotels are not glamorous. But if you choose carefully, you’ll find options that balance central locations, charm, and cleanliness — often with more character than international chains.
Boutique Hotel View
Near Leidseplein and the theatres, this petite boutique offers compact but comfortable rooms. Think cosy doubles with clean, contemporary decor — you trade space for location. It’s a smart choice for couples who want character and centrality without stretching the budget.
Owl Hotel
Steps from Museumplein, the Owl Hotel is a favourite for travellers seeking comfort and location without excess. Rooms are plain but practical, with enough space for a short stay, and the welcoming staff and quiet garden add a sense of calm just off the busy streets nearby.
Dutch Design Hotel Vondelpark
Just steps from the verdant calm of Vondelpark and nestled in Amsterdam-Zuid, this boutique embraces Dutch Design sensibility with small but thoughtfully styled rooms—each carrying a hint of individuality, whether through bold wallpaper or minimalist detailing. The trade-off for proximity to green space is compact scale, but the staff is warm, the rooms clean, and the location offers both quiet residence and effortless access to cultural hubs via tram.
Final Thoughts
Amsterdam is a city where your choice of hotel shapes your experience. Whether it’s a glass-roofed atrium at the Conservatorium or high wine at The Dylan, these hotels are more than a place to rest your head — they’re part of the story.
The best hotels in Amsterdam balance history, design, and atmosphere. Some are worth the splurge, while others prove that style and substance don’t always come with a four-figure price tag.
Book early — Amsterdam fills fast, especially in summer.
FAQ: Best Hotels in Amsterdam
What are the best luxury hotels in Amsterdam?
The Waldorf Astoria and Conservatorium are among the city’s most iconic luxury hotels — each marries heritage architecture with five-star service. But they are just the beginning — Amsterdam offers a range of equally stunning legacy stays, from De L’Europe to Sofitel Legend The Grand and Rosewood.
What are the best boutique hotels in Amsterdam?
The Dylan is a standout for intimacy and style, while Pulitzer and Estheréa offer character-filled boutique stays in historic canal houses.
Are there affordable hotels in Amsterdam?
Yes — but “affordable” in Amsterdam usually means €120–€160 per night.
Where should I stay in Amsterdam for first-time visitors?
For convenience, the canal belt near Jordaan or Nine Streets offers atmosphere and easy access to sights. If you want culture, stay near Museumplein. For nightlife, Leidseplein is ideal.