The Best Hotels with Canal Views in Amsterdam
As an architectural and cultural expression of the Dutch Golden Age, Amsterdam’s 17th-century Canal Ring is considered so unique in the world that it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2010. To stay in a guest room with canal views is to have a finger on the living pulse of Amsterdam, which is why we’ve included hotels in every price category, from luxurious “canal palaces”and hipster-proof hotels to “basic at its best”.
Max Brown Hotel
Why it made the list
At this urban hotel, spread across three historic houses with lovely views onto the Herengracht, the check-in desk is a long bar, where you can also order cocktails or coffee. It immediately sets the tone of the place—casual, hip, and quirky—where you can go and explore the prettiest part of town, which is right on your doorstep, or stay in and hang out with other guests (or the chatty staff) in the lobby bar. Some rooms offer gorgeous canal views, while others have the added advantage of their own entrance, so you feel like you’re living in a canal house. If you want a full-service hotel or an elevator look elsewhere, as there's no restaurant, no gym, no minibars, no turn-down service, and only steep stairs to reach the rooms. But the views and vibe (and prices) are great!
Canal House
Why it made the list
Spanning three Golden Age merchant’s houses on Amsterdam’s grandest canal, this boutique hotel breathes opulence. Think quirky 21st century Dutch design meets dark 17th century moodiness, with Moooi spider lamps hanging from white stucco ceilings and gilded mirrors on black walls. Plush with grape velvet, silk wallpaper, leather headboards and plenty of pastiche art, the 23 rooms vary mainly based on size and view (some offer breathtaking canal vistas and direct views of the famous “House with the Heads”). Canal House is ideally situated for shopping and dining in the popular 9 Straatjes district, as well as romantic strolls around the canal belt and adjacent Jordaan.
Ambassade Hotel
Why it made the list
This independent hotel offers authentic allure, awesome art, award-winning service, and charming canal views, too. Situated in a peaceful part of the world-famous Canal Belt, most of the 56 individually decorated rooms in 10 converted canal houses offer views of the Herengracht. Some are done up in rich, sumptuous fabrics, while others feature bright colors, florals and leopard print, but most have at least some CoBrA works and striking details, such as wood-beam ceilings, antique Louis XV and XVI furniture and elegant chandeliers.
The Toren
Why it made the list
A baroque vibe prevails in these two 17th-century canal-side buildings on Keizersgracht, with jewel-toned and gold color schemes, lots of velvety fabrics and chandeliers, and lights that can be changed to different colors for different moods. With its decadent décor, which includes ceiling paintings by students of Rembrandt, as well as canal-facing rooms with glitzy wallpaper, jacuzzi tubs and fringed four-poster beds, it’s the perfect place for passion-filled getaways with your partner. The convenient location in the Western Canal District puts you near the 9 Straatjes shopping district and Jordaan, but you’re also within walking distance of Centraal Station.
Pulitzer Amsterdam
Why it made the list
Overlooking the picturesque Prinsengracht and Keizersgracht canals are 25 interconnected canal houses recently restored to create a stunning whole that is sophisticated yet contemporary (think Dutch Golden Age meets Tom Dixon). One of Amsterdam’s largest historic monuments, there are many rooms with canal views (some better than others) and with its excellent location in the heart of the Western Canal District, you can easily walk to all the major sights. Tip: Book a 75-minute guided tour on the hotel’s classic salon boat (€38 per person) to see the canals in style.
Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam
Why it made the list
Some accommodations in Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam’s six monumental double-front canal palaces offer period architectural features and large framed sash windows overlooking handsome Herengracht, one of Amsterdam’s most iconic canals. The hotel remains a solid bet for those looking for timeless elegance, world-class amenities and a dash of Dutch heritage. Located in a residential part of the Canal District near buzzing Rembrandt Square, this hotel offers good access to the eastern part of the Canal Belt and is walking distance from the eclectic De Pijp neighborhood and the Museum District.
The Hoxton Amsterdam
Why it made the list
Encompassing five 17th-century canal houses straddling the Singel and Herengracht, the first Hoxton Hotel outside of London delivers a coolly sophisticated ambience—think Williamsburg meets East End London—in a coveted spot within the 9 Straatjes shopping area. Rooms come in three sizes to fit a range of budgets, with over 50% overlooking the canals. Some will find The Hoxton too hipsterish, but we like the vintage vibe, the relaxed yet buzzy bar and the setting between two canals. With regular DJ’s and a roster of design-related happenings you can be part of Amsterdam’s arty scene if you choose, but if you just want to hang out or explore the area, that’s fine too.
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