Amsterdam Hotels Will Make You Want to Go Dutch

Unlike its glitzier European cousins like Paris and Rome, Amsterdam often gets the short straw when it comes to images of glamorous holidays. But there’s plenty of design inspiration to be had at several new or reimagined hotels here — remember, this is where Dutch Masters like Rembrandt and Vermeer made their magic, after all.

Kimpton De Witt

The first European hotel from the luxury Kimpton brand, the De Witt combines two 20^th-century buildings with those from the Golden Age, for a design aesthetic that brings blue Delft-inspired tiles together with a modern “living wall” of florals and botanticals in the lobby. Stays here include complimentary use of VanMoof bikes (great for teens), while your older kids may enjoy attending the complimentary happy hour with wine nightly at 5 p.m. The location is convenient, just steps away from Centraal Station, and families can reserve the separate 1600s-era “Little House” and its two king-sized rooms and a first-floor living room.

Hotel Pulitzer

Fresh off a redesign, the Hotel Pulitzer is a neat collection of 25 canal houses in one of the city’s coolest neighborhoods: De 9 Straatjes (The 9 Streets). Cozy cafes and designer boutiques fill its corners, but you may not want to leave the intimate guestrooms, each offers a different perspective on the canals outside. Many have views of either the water or the interior garden. Two-floor family rooms sleep four in king and twin beds, but almost each room category is a great value because all include breakfast. The family retreat package includes tickets to the Science Center NEMO, designed by world-renowned architect Renzo Piano.

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Conservatorium

Set in the heart of the Museum District, there’s plenty of exploring to do and the Conservatorium’s concierge staff caters to families looking to adventure out to Woeste Westen playground, get hard-to-find last-minute tickets to the Anne Frank House or check out Vondelpark. Art Nouveau interiors get a contemporary reimagining courtesy of Italian architect and designer Piero Lissoni. Don’t forget your bathing suits, since there’s a spa for Mom and Dad and a pool for the kids (hard to find in the city).

Pestana

The Pestana may be Amsterdam’s newest luxury hotel, but the Neo Dutch Renaissance building is actually a National Monument. Located near the Albert Cuypmarkt street market alongside the Amstel River, the contemporary interior from designer Paul Linse of Studio Linse was inspired by the shared sailing heritage of Holland and Portugal, the home of this 5-star hotel brand. There’s a swimming pool, free WiFi and dining from chef Peter Lute, including a patio garden.

Andaz

One of Hyatt’s newest high-concept luxury Andaz hotels, this gem is an homage to whimsical and local. Farm-to-table cuisine at Bluespoon — so named for Delft mastery — focuses on inspired Dutch fare, and is just as much a feast for the eyes thanks to an enchanted space overlooking a “wonderland” garden. The hotel’s Lewis Carroll references are plentiful, including tulip-shaped chairs, vibrant accent colors and table legs that look like chess pieces. Bedside decorations include artwork fish heads (much cooler than they sound!), seashells or giant spoons. Some rooms interconnect, and many room categories can fit cots for babies, which are free. Extra beds are free for ages 12 and under. 

Hoxton

Teens will love the Brooklyn-cool Hoxton and its spacious, open-concept lobby with leather couches, comfy armchairs and a photo booth. It’s also easy to get around here with free bikes and everything in Herengracht, Amsterdam’s coolest neighborhood, is within walking distance, like the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum. You’ll get a free breakfast bag and complimentary WiFi for any room category, cleverly designed by local duo Nicemakers with masculine dark-wood herringbone floors, vintage-style desks and wood-paneled walls with touches of Vermeer blue.

Hotel V

Hotel V brings some of Amsterdam’s newest and most design-forward accommodations. Hotel V Fizeaustraat, opened in late 2016, it pays homage to when its building was designed by Dutch architect Piet Zanstra in the 1970s with modern and vintage interior design. The eclectic mix of furnishings mixes muted masculine colors and textures with plants and funky lights and flooring that nods to Dutch artist M.C. Escher. Hotel V Nesplein in Old City Centre brings on the industrial loft chic while still being an urban retreat for the weary. With only 43 rooms, this boutique property feels intimate, especially if you ask for a quieter room toward the back. Baby cots and highchairs are available upon request. Superior rooms can accommodate one baby cot free of charge or a rollaway bed for an added cost; suites have a double sofabed