But one thing beats, and links, them all: Amsterdam’s canals.
Not only do these 17th-century transport routes lend the Dutch capital a certain grandeur, they also provide locals and visitors with a great place to soak up the city’s atmosphere.
Staying in a hotel that overlooks one of these elegant canals is one of the best ways to enjoy these waterways.
Here are 12 of the best luxury five-star canalside hotels Amsterdam has to offer.
Grand Hotel Amrâth Amsterdam
Few hotels in the city can beat the Grand Hotel Amrâth Amsterdam for both location and looks.
The five-star venue, which originally opened in 1916 as offices, sits within the Scheepvaarthuis, or shipping house, a classic building sitting right next to the city’s Central Station.
The Amrâth, recently extended to 40 rooms, offers sublime views over the spacious IJ, Amsterdam’s main waterfront, and the romantic Waalseilandsgracht canal.
InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam
InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam: The city’s “grande dame.”
Located on the banks of the River Amstel, the InterContinental is known as the city’s grande dame, thanks to its longevity and rather formal appearance.
In 2017, the hotel is celebrating its 150th anniversary with festivities and a complete restoration of its palatial exterior.
The Royal Afternoon Tea provides the perfect chance to relax while staring out over the river.
Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam
The classically beautiful Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam is made up of six traditional canalside palaces from the 17th century.
It sits on the Herengracht, and though it’s relatively new, it’s earned TripAdvisor’s 2017 Travelers’ Choice Award for the luxury category of The Netherlands.
The luxurious but modern decor feels airy, and the tulips in the private gardens add to the Dutch feel.
An extra bonus: the honey served at breakfast comes from the hotel’s rooftop beehives.
The Dylan Amsterdam
The Dylan is small and chic, a renovated boutique hotel dating back to the 17th century.
Heavy wooden joists give many of the rooms an original feel, but the decor and ambiance are very much modern and sleek.
The hotel sits on the “grachtengordel,” or Amsterdam’s central canal belt.
Shopping enthusiasts will happily stumble upon the Nine Streets upscale area just around the corner, full of boutiques and cute canalside cafes.
Dinner is served in the hotel at the brasserie Occo or the Michelin-starred Vinkeles.
Pulitzer Amsterdam
Twenty-five connecting 17th- and 18th-century aristocratic canal houses make up the Pulitzer, resulting in a dazzling maze on the inside with a tranquil inner garden.
One of the best features of this stylish hotel is the possibility to walk around the city with one of the concierges, allowing guests to see Amsterdam through a local’s eyes.
Another option is to cruise the canals in the hotel’s stylish boat built in 1909.
Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam
The entrance gate of The Grand will be covered with tulips from April to mid-May.
The Grand was first a 15th-century convent, then housed royals before becoming the City Hall of Amsterdam.
Princess Beatrix, the former queen of The Netherlands, married Prince Claus in 1966 in the former council chamber here.
Though the hotel, which opened in 1992, is situated near the Red Light District, where sex workers legally ply their trade, it’s a quiet oasis away from the tourists.
Planning to visit Amsterdam in spring? The entrance gate will be covered with orange flowers for the Tulip Festival which runs from April 1 to May 14.
Luxury Suites
Newcomer Luxury Suites combines the services of a hotel with the independence of an apartment.
Order food or cook a homemade meal in the suite’s private kitchen.
The large and fully equipped suites overlook the Oudeschans, a wide canal at the east side of the city center, and are surrounded by typical Amsterdam warehouses.
The hotel offers packages including one for romance and another for diamond lovers.
Andaz Amsterdam
Andaz is located in a former library and designed by the renowned Dutch designer Marcel Wanders.
The hotel made no effort to make the interior traditional — more than 50 pieces of video art are on display, giving the place a modern feel splashed with Delft blue pottery and vases.
Andaz offers complimentary wine for a couple hours daily, as well as free bikes.
Rooms come with a choice of a view of the tranquil inner garden or the mesmerizing canal.
Hilton Amsterdam
Hilton Amsterdam throws one of the best herring parties in the country.
The Dutch love their salted herring, and they also like to launch the season with a good party.
One of the most renowned ones is the private, invite-only, VIP, glamorous party held every year at the waterside garden in the Hilton Amsterdam.
De L’Europe
Central as it comes, this hotel is near shopping, tourist attractions, the Red Light District, the Canal Ring and Amsterdam’s Central Station.
Built as an inn in 1636, the hotel has welcomed guests ever since.
The hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant Bord’Eau offers a great, reasonably priced three-course lunch menu.
This not only gives guests somewhere decent to eat, but also helps the ongoing campaign to convince locals that there’s more to lunch than just a sandwich.
NH Collection Amsterdam Doelen
NH Collection Amsterdam Doelen: Outstanding river views.
Rembrandt painted the famous Nachtwacht (The Night Watch) originally to be exhibited in the De Doelen, as the hotel was called in the 17th century.
After that, many VIPs booked rooms at the Doelen, such as Empress Elisabeth of Austria and The Beatles.
Stunning views over the River Amstel can be seen through the hotel’s grand windows.
All the rooms were renovated in 2016, giving it a grand but modern feeling.
Hyatt Regency Amsterdam
Amsterdam’s newest five-star hotel officially opens in April 2017.
If a quieter stay is desired, the Hyatt — located near Amsterdam’s trendy and leafy east district — may suit.
Indonesian dinner is available at the hotel bar and restaurant called Mama Makan.
Katja Brokke is a freelance journalist and editor from Amsterdam specializing in food, travel and media. Follow her on Twitter at @KatjaSchrijft or take a look at katjaschrijft.nl.
