Posted: 12/15/23 | December 15th, 2023
One of my favorite cities in the world, Amsterdam will always hold a particularly special place in my heart. It’s one of the places I visited on my first European backpacking trip in 2006, and since then, I’ve been back countless times, exploring all the nooks and crannies of this beautiful multicultural city.
While it may be best known as a place in which to indulge in all manners of hedonism, the city is so much more than that. With fantastic parks, wonderful cafes, world-class art museums, charming canals, and a rich history, there are tons of things to see and do here.
But no matter what you come to see or do, your choice of hotel can make or break your visit. All located great neighborhoods to stay in, these are my recommended choices as the best hotels in Amsterdam:
1. Hotel Rho
Hotel Rho is located right on Dam Square at the very edge the neighborhood De Wallen, home to Amsterdam’s oldest church, a cool craft brewery, plenty of cool cafés and restaurants, and, of course, the famous Red Light District. This hotel offers simple but comfortable rooms in a gorgeous former Art Deco-style theater. There’s a substantial breakfast buffet available and free coffee and tea in the lobby too. You can’t beat its central location and price point.
2. Park Plaza Victoria
Located in the Centraal/Centrum district (right across the street from Centraal Station), this hotel set in a 19th-century neo-Classical building has excellent views of the city. There’s an indoor swimming pool, sauna, and gym, and the rooms all have Egyptian linens, walk-in showers, and in-room coffee and tea. Downstairs, there’s a stylishly-designed restaurant serving Dutch and international cuisine. I love staying here. It’s great value for your money.
3. Max Brown Museum Square
Max Brown kicks it up a notch for a mid-range hotel in Amsterdam’s Museum District. Rooms here have lots of natural wood tones, tons of light, comfortable beds and cozy sheets, desks, and the showers have good water pressure. Bike rentals are available for convenient exploring of this incredibly cycle-friendly city and the hotel’s beautifully designed café has daily bread delivery from local bakeries. There’s a hotel bar open 24/7 too.
4. Hotel La Bohème
Located in Leidseplein, I like this area because it’s right across from the massive Vondelpark. There’s a lot to do here but the area doesn’t have the crowds of the Red Light District so it’s much calmer and quieter. As for the hotel, it hotel features simple but clean and comfortable rooms in homey atmosphere (there’s even a hotel cat and a hotel bar with board games). Single rooms have shared bathrooms while all others are en suite. The staff are really nice and always ready to help you with whatever you need. There aren’t a lot of mid-range hotels in this part of town and I think this one is the best value for your money.
5. Sir Albert
This stylish hotel is located on the edge of De Pijp, a hip neighborhood bordering the Museum Quarter (one of my favorite parts of town). Sir Albert’s rooms all have high ceilings and big windows, and upgraded top-floor rooms even have cathedral ceilings. The in-house izakaya serves up delicious Japanese tavern fare. As a guest, you’ll also have free access to a nearby gym and spin classes, and there are bike rentals available right at the hotel too.
6. Hotel Okura
Also located in De Pijp, this high-rise five-star hotel is situated right next to a canal and has incredible views of the city. The spacious rooms are opulent, with incredibly plush beds and furniture, and the bathrooms all have huge bathtubs and rainfall showers. There are four gourmet restaurants on-site, including two with Michelin stars, as well as an indoor pool, wellness center with a spa, and a gym. This is one of the nicest hotels in the city. If you want luxury, stay here!
7. Bed & Breakfast WestViolet
After De Pijp, Jordaan is my favorite part of the city. Crammed with upscale boutiques, elegant restaurants, laid-back cafés, fun pubs, it’s a bustling neighborhood. This cozy bed and breakfast with a resident cat is in the heart of Jordaan on a quiet street. There’s a guest kitchen stocked with ingredients if you want to prepare your own meals, and breakfast is complimentary too. The rooms are simple and airy but come with a desk. It’s a cozy spot with really welcoming owners.
8. Conservatorium Hotel
This erstwhile conservatory set in a gargantuan neo-Gothic building is the epitome of Dutch luxury. The 129 rooms have beautiful views of the neighborhood, plush mattresses, rain showers, and stunning hardwood floors. There are also free bike rentals, an award-winning spa with a state-of-the-art indoor swimming pool, sauna, hot tub, hammam, and massages, and a yoga studio. There are several dining areas including a restaurant, bar, and lounge. It’s the nicest place to stay in the Museum District.
Amsterdam may get crowded in the summer, but it’s a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Europe. And there are a ton of top-notch, affordable hotels to choose from, no matter your needs and budget. Pick one of the hotels from this list for your next stay and you won’t go wrong.
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Book Your Trip to Amsterdam: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.
If you’re looking for more budget places to stay, here is a complete list of my favorite hostels in Amsterdam.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
- SafetyWing (best for everyone)
- Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
- Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)
Need a Guide?
Amsterdam has some really interesting tours. My favorite company is Take Walks. They have expert guides and can get you behind the scenes at the city’s best attractions. They’re my go-to walking tour company.
If you prefer food tours, Devour is the best company in the city. I always learn a ton and eat incredible food on their tours!
Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They can save you money when you travel too.
Want More Information on Amsterdam?
Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Amsterdam for even more planning tips!
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