Amsterdam is among the most happening destinations in the world. Its liberal nature gives the city an exclusive identity, providing tourists with a chance to experience an array of classic and unconventional attractions. Amsterdam has something for everyone, from art museums and infamous coffee shops to romantic canal boat rides and gorgeous single-screen independent cinemas.
It is thus no surprise that the vibrant and artsy aura of Amsterdam more often than not finds its way into the city’s many hotels. Among the best places to stay in Amsterdam are residences that provide luxurious accommodations and create an imaginative ambiance, leaving guests in a state of joyful amusement.
Lloyd Hotel
Address: Oostelijke Handelskade 34, 1019 BN Amsterdam
The centrally located, riverfront Lloyd Hotel in Amsterdam has been through several transformations. Once an “immigrant’s hotel,” it was a prison and a detention center before becoming the world’s first one-to-five-star hotel. Yes! There is room here for all budgets. Travelers staying here can book a hostel-type accommodation with a shared bathroom. Or else, go for individual guestrooms with king-sized beds, living spaces, and private bathtubs.
Five minutes from the central train station, Lloyd Hotel boasts contemporary Dutch interiors that merge stunningly with the traditional features of the building. Further placing Lloyd Hotel among the best places to stay in Amsterdam is its restaurant. Serving recipes made using organic ingredients, Lloyd Restaurant is a popular spot to mingle, relax, and savor culinary delights.
Amsterdam the Crane by YAYS
Address: Surinamekade 34, 1019 BH Amsterdam
Seekers of the unusual will find The Crane apartment in Amsterdam very much to their liking. As the name suggests, this abode is an old harbor crane remodeled into a four-star residence. The Crane is especially perfect for individuals or couples. Moreover, while floating in the air, the pad isn’t too far above the ground, making it ideal even for those afraid of heights.
The Crane is a three-story accommodation by the river featuring a modern bedroom, sleek living space, a bathtub, a kitchen, and all the modern-day amenities one requires for a comfortable stay. The scenic views from every room of the apartment are its other biggest highlight. Although not centrally placed, the Crane is within 5km of all major tourist attractions in Amsterdam.
SWEETS Hotel
Address: Various locations around Amsterdam
One hotel with 28 individually styled rooms might not seem unusual. However, all the rooms are in different locations around the city, which makes SWEETS a one-of-a-kind place to stay in Amsterdam. A city with 1500 bridges, Amsterdam decided to centralized bridge control in 2012. Consequently, the bridge houses used by controllers became defunct. It was then that SWEETS converted 28 of these bridge houses, so far, into residential accommodations for travelers to stay.
Well-furnished and no-two the same, these bridge houses only accept adults due to safety reasons. However, they promise a range of spectacular riverside vistas, both in busy parts of the town and secluded areas. If traveling light, the best way to make the most of SWEETS is to book a different room for each day of your vacation.
Amstel Botel
Address: NDSM-Pier 3, 1033 RG Amsterdam
If you’re a tourist who enjoys being on the water, a great way to arrive in Amsterdam is by boat. Ferryscanner has excellent options for booking vessels from Newcastle in the UK that take about 16 hours to reach the city. Once in Amsterdam, if you still can’t get enough, check into Amstel Botel.
Moored at the hip new development NDSM wharf, Amstel Botel is a boat converted into a three-star accommodation. Offering three types of rooms, guests can choose between land or water views while staying here. The latter tend to be a little quieter. Botel also has five themed rooms inside the hotel’s signage on the roof. They are a hoot if you enjoy quirky living. An ideal place to stay in Amsterdam for budget travelers, Amstel Botel also provides complimentary ferry service to Amsterdam Centraal train station for its guests.
Pulitzer Amsterdam
Address: Prinsengracht 323, 1016 GZ Amsterdam
A chance to stay in the legendary canal houses of the city, Pulitzer is an exclusive hotel in Amsterdam. A tiny town within a city, it consists of 25 interconnected residences that house 225 bedrooms, a café, a restaurant, and gardens. Located in the 9 Streets district, Pulitzer is only five minutes from Anne Frank’s House and near several other prominent attractions of Amsterdam.
The interiors of the Pulitzer Amsterdam ooze a sense of maturity, infrequently broken down by bursts of bright colors. The guestrooms epitomize classic-chic with their furnishings. Simultaneously, they effortlessly amalgamate modern facilities like TVs, en-suite bathrooms with bathtubs, and contemporary furniture pieces into the decor. When staying here, don’t forget to have a drink at their super retro, award-winning Pulitzer Bar.