Fodor's Expert Review Canal House

Straddling three Golden Age merchant’s houses, this canal-side boutique hotel breathes opulence. Think quirky 21^st century Dutch design meets dark 17^th century moodiness, with Moooi spider lamps hanging from white stucco ceilings and gilded mirrors on black walls.

room

Plush with grape velvet, silk wallpaper, leather headboards, and plenty of pastiche art, rooms are dripping with decadence. The 23 rooms are separated into six categories—Good, Better, Great, Exceptional, Outstanding, and Best—and vary mainly based on size and view (some offer breathtaking canal vistas, but the quieter garden side has its appeal too).

YOU SHOULD KNOW The bold black and purple décor won’t be to everyone’s taste.

bathroom

Some rooms have tonal terrazzo tiled walk-in rain showers while others feature open-plan baths and/or showers and double sinks in the room more suited to couples who aren’t afraid of letting it all hang out.

Stock up on the exclusive herb-scented bath products from all-natural house brand Green & Spring.

lobby

Reached via a handsome white marble and stucco hallway with black-framed reproductions of Dutch masterpieces, you’ll find a purple backlit bar-slash-lobby and a black womb of a front room facing the Keizersgracht canal, where a complimentary cocktail or drink awaits you.

dining

There’s no full-service restaurant, but a hearty breakfast is included in the central, high-ceilinged Great Room, which connects the adjoining canal houses. Bar snacks and drinks are available throughout the day, as well as room service (from avo toast to beef burgers with French fries) and mini bars are locally sourced.

gardens

Weather permitting, do take the time to enjoy the gorgeous triple-width garden: it’s one of the largest in the canal belt and is outfitted with several seating areas. The small summer house is the perfect place to hide from sudden showers, while the garden house can be booked for private gatherings.